Professional esports gamers are benefiting from new and innovative revenue streams in the industry, including in-game collaborations that help fans connect with their favorite top-ranking players.
Esports teams traditionally make their income from prize money, brand deals, and sponsorships, similar to traditional sports. As the industry develops, teams and game developers are learning that they can work together to capitalize on fandom.
Speaking with China Global Television (CGTN), the manager of one of the world's premier esports clubs, Edward Gaming (EDG), highlighted the success of their collaboration with competitive shooter game Valorant.
The game launched an event that allowed players to purchase special-edition weapon skins, including EDG skins. When fans buy content to show support for their favorite team or player, the latter receives a share of the profit.
"This is one of the better models we've seen so far. It connects esports fans and players," said Ji Xing, general manager of competition and training at EDG.
Other industry insiders agreed that the model holds excellent potential to help esports players monetize their skills.
"Revenue from in-game items is growing fast -- way more than prize money," said Jin Yibo, CEO of TJ Sports, an esports operation joint venture company backed by Chinese internet giant Tencent.
Another important income source for esports clubs is live streaming, as fans send virtual gifts to their favorite players.
In an interview with CGTN, world champion gamer Zheng Yongkang, a professional Valorant player for EDG, said streaming is expected for all club members, with each player streaming at least 40 hours a month. It has become a revenue source for both the players and the club.
Emerging business models help professional esports players profit
Thousands of demonstrators rallied in Italy and Greece on Saturday to protest against U.S. military intervention in Venezuela, with protesters in Rome, Milan and Athens condemning Washington's actions and calling for respect for Venezuelan sovereignty.
In Rome, more than 1,000 demonstrators marched toward the area near the U.S. Embassy, calling on Washington to immediately release Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.
Police blocked roads around the embassy to prevent protesters from approaching the building, but demonstrators continued to denounce U.S. actions.
"First of all, we oppose U.S. imperialist aggression. This kind of behavior is shameful. The U.S. is attacking a sovereign country, and as [U.S. President Donald] Trump himself has said, this is for oil interests," said protester Giovanni Barbera.
Saturday's rally marked the second large-scale protest in Rome this month against U.S. military operations in Venezuela, following an earlier one on on Jan 3.
Participants included members of multiple political parties, labor unions and social organizations. The protesters held banners reading "Stop imperialist interference" and "Free Maduro," urging the international community to respect Venezuela's sovereignty and the will of its people, and condemning the U.S. for violating international law.
"We are protesting the way the U.S. handles international politics. Since the events of January 3, we have seen violations of international law, and we are very concerned about how the global situation is developing," said protester Stefano De Angelis.
Organizers said solidarity rallies in support of Venezuela were held in 30 Italian cities on the same day.
Meanwhile, similar protests were also staged in Greece. About 200 people gathered outside the U.S. Embassy in Athens, voicing support for Venezuela and opposition to U.S. military actions.
"We oppose U.S. imperialism and its attack on Venezuela. At the same time, the U.S. is also threatening Cuba, Mexico and Greenland. We must stand up against this behavior," said Greek protester Argiro Sirmakezi.
Protesters rally in Italy, Greece against U.S. military operation in Venezuela
