Welcome to the exciting and rapidly growing world of esports in Vietnam! With nearly 18 million players in 2020, Vietnam’s esports scene is quickly gaining momentum and recognition as it becomes part of the 31st SEA Games.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about this thriving industry: popular games, rising stars, major events, and how brands can tap into this untapped market.
From its strong focus on mobile gaming to the recent success of Team Flash at the 2020 President Esports Cup, there has never been a better time to dive into Vietnamese esports culture.
Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways:
- Esports in Vietnam is a rapidly growing industry with nearly 18 million domestic players in 2020, driven by smartphone usage and increasing internet penetration.
- Popular esports games in Vietnam include League of Legends, PUBG Mobile, Free Fire and Arena of Valor.
- Brands and businesses can tap into the growing popularity of esports in Vietnam through marketing and sponsorship opportunities at events and tournaments or by investing in gaming centres.
- The thriving esports community in Vietnam offers not only opportunities for education and training but also potential investment prospects for the future.
Esports In Vietnam: An Overview
Esports in Vietnam is a rapidly growing industry that has captured the attention of millions of gamers. With nearly 18 million domestic esports players in 2020, Vietnam is quickly becoming a hub for professional gaming and competitions. Popular games like League of Legends, PUBG Mobile and Free Fire have established themselves as fan favourites in the country’s competitive gaming scene.
The Vietnamese government also recognises the potential of this industry by naming esports as one of the disciplines at the upcoming SEA Games. In this guide to esports in Vietnam, we’ll explore its growth and popularity, cultural significance, opportunities for brands and businesses, community engagement and training programs, along with future prospects for investors. Keep reading to find out more!
The Growth And Popularity Of Esports In Vietnam
Over the past few years, esports in Vietnam has experienced remarkable growth, boasting an impressive rise in its domestic players to nearly 18 million by 2020. This rapid expansion can be attributed to several factors such as extensive smartphone usage, increasing internet penetration, and a surge of interest from young residents in the country seeking new forms of entertainment.
Aside from these socio-economic drivers, local success stories have also played a crucial role in propelling Vietnamese esports into mainstream popularity. For instance, Team Flash emerged victorious at the prestigious 2020 President Esports Cup with their substantial $22,000 cash prize win.
Such achievements garner attention not just within Vietnam but across global circuits as well—earning respect and credibility while inspiring aspiring gamers throughout the nation.
As evidence of this progression continues to unfold across various platforms such as social media channels or recent releases like VIRESA’s annual publication—the Esports Whitebook—it becomes apparent that professional gaming is here to stay within Vietnamese culture.
Moreover, educational institutes offering specific training courses tailored around ICT skills required by pro gamers are sprouting up nationwide—a testament that demonstrates how serious Vietnam perceives this electronic sports phenomenon today.
Popular Esports Games In Vietnam
Esports has become immensely popular in Vietnam over the past few years, and several games have gained a lot of traction within the gaming community. Here are some of the most popular esports games in Vietnam:
- League of Legends (LoL)
- PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG)
- Arena of Valor (AOV)
- FIFA Online 4
- Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO)
- Free Fire
- Mobile Legends: Bang Bang
- Fortnite
These games have grown to become staples in the Vietnamese gaming scene, with dedicated players and fan bases who regularly participate in local tournaments and events. With a focus on mobile gaming, many of these titles have been widely adopted thanks to the widespread use of smartphones in the country.
As esports continues to grow and evolve in Vietnam, it’s safe to say that these games will continue to draw in crowds and create opportunities for both brands and gamers alike.
Culture Of Competition And Esports Events
Vietnam has a strong culture of competition, and esports has become a significant part of that. Esports events in Vietnam attract large crowds who come to watch pro gamers compete in popular esports games such as League of Legends, PUBG Mobile, and Free Fire.
The competitive nature of esports extends beyond just the tournaments themselves. The community surrounding these events is highly active online, sharing tips and tricks to improve gameplay and discussing strategies for taking down opponents.
In addition to fostering a sense of camaraderie among gamers, these events also offer opportunities for brands and businesses to promote their products or services through sponsorships or partnerships with individual players or teams.
Opportunities For Brands And Businesses In Esports
Brands and businesses can take advantage of the growing popularity of esports in Vietnam through marketing and sponsorship opportunities, as well as gaining brand exposure at esports events and tournaments.
Marketing And Sponsorship Opportunities In Esports
The growing esports industry in Vietnam offers various opportunities for brands and businesses to get involved. Here are some marketing and sponsorship opportunities available:
- Esports Events: Companies can sponsor or organize esports tournaments, events, or leagues and gain visibility through branding, advertising, and promotion.
- Team Sponsorship: Brands can sponsor professional esports teams and have their logos displayed on team uniforms, websites, social media accounts, and other promotional materials.
- Product Placements: Gaming peripheral companies can provide equipment or gear to players during competitions and have their products showcased in live streams or videos.
- Influencer Marketing: Partnering with popular Vietnamese esports influencers can help brands reach a wider audience and improve brand awareness.
- Advertising Campaigns: Companies can run targeted advertising campaigns on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitch, or TikTok to promote products or services to gamers.
- Esports Gaming Centers: Businesses can invest in gaming centres where gamers can gather to play games together while also offering snacks and beverages.
- Content Creation: Brands can create engaging content such as videos, blogs or podcasts centred around the esports culture in Vietnam.
By taking advantage of these sponsorship opportunities in the vibrant Vietnamese esports community will not only help build brand awareness but also helps in gaining consumer trust among gaming enthusiasts of Vietnam.
Brand Exposure At Esports Events And Tournaments
Esports events and tournaments attract a large number of viewers, providing numerous opportunities for brands to gain exposure. Brands can sponsor esports teams or players, allowing them to showcase their products during competitions.
The logos of sponsors are prominently displayed on player jerseys, advertising boards and banners at the event venue.
For example, in 2019 PepsiCo partnered with the Vietnam Recreational Esport Association (VIRESA) to promote their soft drink brand Mirinda through various esports events in Vietnam.
Moreover, brands such as Razer have built dedicated gaming products such as keyboards branded with Vietnamese flag colours and had these used by Vietnam’s national team during competition at international level championships.
In conclusion, sponsoring an esports tournament is an increasingly popular method that brands use to reach younger audiences while building long-term engagement within the industry to attract new customers – particularly due to how social media platforms are dominating communication methods within this demographic group.
Growth Of Esports Gaming Centres
Esports gaming centres have been popping up across Vietnam over the last few years, allowing gamers to compete in a social and professional environment. These centres provide high-end gaming PCs, consoles, and other necessary equipment for players to enjoy their favourite games without any interruptions.
One of the most popular esports gaming centres in Vietnam is Arena One, located in Ho Chi Minh City. This facility hosts regular tournaments with cash prizes and attracts both amateur and professional gamers alike.
The growth of these gaming centres reflects the increasing popularity of esports in Vietnam and the desire for high-quality facilities where gamers can come together to practice and compete.
The Esports Community In Vietnam
The esports community in Vietnam is thriving with a rising fan base and viewership, as well as opportunities for education and training for pro gamers.
Rising Fan Base And Viewership
The esports industry in Vietnam has a rapidly growing fan base and viewership. As of 2020, the number of domestic esports players reached nearly 18 million.
One notable example is the annual VCS championship, which draws thousands of passionate spectators to the arena each year.
With this increasing popularity comes more opportunities for brands and businesses to get involved in sponsorship deals with teams or tournaments.
Overall, with its dedicated fans and promising economic prospects, there’s little doubt that Esports will continue to thrive within Vietnamese culture for years to come.
Esports Education And Training
Esports education and training has become increasingly popular in Vietnam, with many aspiring gamers seeking to hone their skills. In response to this growing demand, various esports schools and facilities have emerged in the country.
One notable example is the Academy of Esports in Ho Chi Minh City, which provides a comprehensive curriculum that includes theoretical lessons on gaming history and culture alongside practical training sessions.
Another avenue for esports education and training is through community initiatives such as local guilds or clubs where players can gather to practice together and learn from more experienced gamers.
Overall, these developments highlight how Vietnamese society is embracing competitive gaming as a legitimate form of sport and entertainment, paving the way for aspiring pro gamers to pursue their passions while receiving proper guidance along the way.
Top Esports Venues In Vietnam
Vietnam has a thriving esports scene with numerous venues across major cities. These top esports venues in Vietnam offer players and fans alike a place to compete, socialize, and enjoy the latest tech equipment:
The Nest by AIA – Located in Ho Chi Minh City, this venue is one of the largest gaming centres in Vietnam. It covers an area of over 2,500 square meters and features state-of-the-art technology.
IP Gaming Center – Situated in Hanoi, IP Gaming Center is popular for its spacious settings and high-end gaming equipment. It provides a variety of games that cater to all preferences.
G5 Esports Arena – This venue is located in Danang and boasts cutting-edge equipment for esports tournaments.
FPT Play Arena – Located in Hanoi, FPT Play Arena has over 200 high-end computers available for competitive gameplay.
CyberCore Gaming Zone – CyberCore Gaming Zone offers modern facilities along with professional staff to provide a comfortable environment for pro gamers and enthusiasts alike.
iZone Gaming House – Situated in Ho Chi Minh City, iZone Gaming House provides visitors with access to the latest hardware and software for optimal gameplay experience.
Ezone VN – Based in Hue city, Ezone VN offers a diverse range of games such as League of Legends, Dota 2, CS: GO, Overwatch, PUBG Mobile & PC.
Game Station Cafe – Popular among locals & tourists visiting Da Lat city where it has two branches – Game Station Xuan Huong lake & Game Station Nguyen Thi Minh Khai
These venues are perfect places for gamers to show off their skills while enjoying modern amenities that are not readily available at home or workplaces.
The Future Of Esports In Vietnam
Investment and growth opportunities in the esports industry are expected to increase as the Vietnamese government has included it in their plans for economic development, creating a positive outlook for the future of esports in Vietnam.
Potential Growth And Investment Opportunities
The esports industry in Vietnam is considered an untapped market with immense potential for growth and investment opportunities. With a rising number of domestic esports players, estimated to be nearly 18 million in 2020, it is no wonder that the Vietnamese government has named esports as one of the 40 disciplines for the upcoming SEA Games.
Investment opportunities are also on the rise as both local and international investors show interest in this fast-growing sector. The Vietnam Esports Whitebook 2021 provides crucial information for those looking to invest in the esports field.
Major brands have already jumped onboard by sponsoring tournaments and events, such as the President Esports Cup which saw Team Flash of Vietnam secure a cash prize of Rp 300 million ($22,000).
Challenges And Obstacles For Esports In Vietnam
Despite the growing popularity of esports in Vietnam, there are still some challenges and obstacles that need to be addressed. One major challenge is the lack of proper infrastructure for the industry, with few dedicated esports gaming centres or training facilities available.
Another obstacle is the limited government support for esports development.
Finally, while mobile gaming is popular in Vietnam due to smartphone usage being widespread, this also means that many players may not have access to high-end computers or consoles required for certain games.
However, despite these challenges, the potential for growth and investment opportunities in Vietnam’s esports market cannot be ignored.
Government Support And Development Plans
The Vietnamese government has recognized the potential of esports and is taking steps to support its growth. In 2019, the Vietnam Recreational and Electronic Sports Association (VIRESA) was established with the aim of developing esports in Vietnam.
Moreover, the Vietnam Esports Whitebook 2021 reported that the Vietnamese government has planned to invest more resources into building high-quality infrastructure for gaming centres and supporting local esports teams.
Additionally, they will continue promoting policies that attract investment in this industry while also encouraging research activities that help understand better how technology can contribute to economic development.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Vietnam’s esports industry has seen tremendous growth in recent years, with a rising number of players and increasing popularity of competitive gaming. The culture of competition runs deep in Vietnamese society, making it an exciting market for local and international brands looking to tap into the esports community.
With many opportunities for marketing and sponsorship, as well as the development of gaming centres across the country, Vietnam is becoming a hub for professional esports.
As we look towards the future, there are promising investment opportunities within this untapped market, especially with mobile gaming gaining traction amongst the younger generation who have easy access to smartphones.
FAQs:
What is esports and how popular is it in Vietnam?
Esports, or competitive video gaming, has become increasingly popular in Vietnam over the past few years. With a growing number of tournaments and events taking place across the country, more people are starting to take notice of this exciting new industry.
What types of games are played in esports competitions in Vietnam?
A wide variety of games are played in esports competitions in Vietnam, including popular titles like League of Legends, Dota 2, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Overwatch. Some competitions also feature mobile games such as PUBG Mobile and Free Fire.
How can I get involved with esports as a player or spectator in Vietnam?
If you’re interested in playing competitively, there are many online platforms that host regular tournaments where you can test your skills against other players from around the world. As a spectator, you can attend live events held across the country or watch online streams to keep up with all the latest action.
Are there any professional esports teams based in Vietnam?
Yes! There are several professional esports teams based out of Vietnam who compete at both local and international levels. These include organizations like GAM Esports (League of Legends), Divine eSports (Dota 2) and Sky Gaming Daklak (PUBG Mobile).
How many esports players in Vietnam?
The most recent data available shows that in 2019, there were nearly 18 million esports players in Vietnam. This represented a significant increase from 2016, when there were around 3 million esports players in the country.
What are the Vietnamese eSport teams?
The active Vietnamese eSports teams as of 2023 are:
Baby Whales, with players LLT, Hizto, Anoker, Tire, Kiru, Harky, and Darkrai.
Box Ladies, with players Ren, Allie, Cáo Mihooo, Hồng Hàn Quốc, Kaizy, Bòng, and Jerrie.
CERBERUS, with players Pun, Ikigai, Jewel, TT789, Richard I, Yashiro, and Elio.
Đạt Gaming.
EVOS Valkyrie, with players Max, YYen, Lyheoo, Kamiho, Vidau, and Mia.
FPT Hanoi, with players fengfeng and Wizzle.
