Thursday, October 29, 2026

Esports Viewership Grows During Hiatus

  • Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and League of Legends leagues have had record viewership
  • YouTube traffic for theScore’s esports channel is up 33% from last year.
esports
Photo Credit: SaultOnline.com

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

With no live action on the field, fans are seeking out anything reminiscent of sports or with a hint of competition.

From The Last Dance to the NFL Draft, traditional sports are getting their share of viewers, but so too are several esports. Both the professional Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and League of Legends leagues have had record-breaking numbers in recent weeks, according to The Verge.

Some notable CS:GO Season 11 numbers:

  • 489,120 concurrent viewers across all platforms
  • 113.2% increase in total viewers
  • 215.5% increase in average minute audience

Meanwhile, League of Legends European Championship also broke its concurrent viewership record as 476,599 people watched a week-three matchup between the eventual finalists in the competition. In Champions Korea, the championship match for League of Legends drew a record-breaking 1,074,561 peak concurrent viewers.

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jul 15, 2026; New York, NY, USA; Kevin Hart arrives on the red carpet before the 2026 ESPY Awards at Lincoln Center.

LeBron James and Kevin Hart Planning YouTube Golf Collab

Both celebrities recently launched golf content channels.

Callaway Drops Good Good Golf After Ad Fallout

Callaway and Good Good first partnered in 2023.
May 29, 2025; Dublin, Ohio, USA; A Callaway golf bag rests on the first green during the first round of the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday golf tournament.

Callaway CEO Apologizes for Good Good Ad

Golf Channel said it’s postponing the premiere of “Big Break x Good Good” by one week.

LeBron Quickly Ascending Golf Content-Creator Ranks

The NBA star started playing golf only last year.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

10/29/26 – Brewers Win World Series, Ernie Leaving ‘Inside the NBA,’ Saquon’s Polymarket Exit

0:00

Featured Today

Football - NFL - Houston Texans v Jacksonville Jaguars - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - October 18, 2026 The necklace of a Jacksonville Jaguars fan outside the stadium before the match

Die-Hard Sports Fandom Has Reached the Afterlife

Will fans pay $6,000 to memorialize their team loyalty?
October 20, 2026

Why Europe Is Pumping Out NBA Superstars

The NBA and NCAA have an increasingly European flavor.
October 15, 2026

College Flag Football Is Outgrowing Its DIY Era

Women have been building the college game themselves at the club level.
Oct 5, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas arrives at the arena before the Penguins host the Winnipeg Jets at PPG Paints Arena
October 12, 2026

NHL’s New Wave of GMs Is Built Different

“I am in the prediction business,” Devils GM Sunny Mehta tells FOS.
Action Images/Peter Cziborra
October 9, 2026

Is Leicester City’s $264 Million Price Tag Too Rich for Hungry Investors?

After falling from grace, how much is a former top club worth?

NBA Draws New Lines on What Fans Can Bet On

The league is restricting risky player props.
May 8, 2025

FanDuel Misses Projections As Betting Favorites Dominate

FanDuel is hit by customer-friendly betting outcomes during March Madness.
June 4, 2025

Thunder Favored, but Bettors Backing Pacers Big in NBA Finals

The most bet-on exact series outcome is the Thunder winning in five.
Sponsored

How the New York Yankees Stay Game-Ready with Sage Intacct

See how Sage Intacct helps the Yankees streamline finances and plan for the future.
Fanduel
March 4, 2025

FanDuel Retains Sports Betting Crown With $14B in Revenue

The FanDuel parent company posts big increases in revenue and net income.
February 20, 2025

Americans Bet $148 Billion on Sports in 2024, Up 23.6%

Both overall handle and revenue rose by more than 20% last year.
DraftKings app
February 14, 2025

Lawsuit Says DraftKings VIP Program ‘Preyed On’ Gambling Addicts

The company’s being sued for negligence and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
August 20, 2024

Beloved ‘Backyard Sports’ Brand To Relaunch After Decade Hiatus

“Backyard Baseball” was a turn-of-the-century computer hit.