Poll: E-sports are as big as football for young adults

boy playing computer games
In partnership with the Washington Post, the UMass Lowell Center for Public Opinion conducted two surveys on American attitudes about sports. This, the seventh and final release in a series, focuses on the emergence of video gaming and e-sports, particularly among America’s youth. 

KEY FINDINGS

  • Competitive video gaming or e-sports is just as popular among 14- to 21-year-olds as professional football.
  • A majority of 14- to 21-year-olds have participated in an online video game in the last 12 months.
  • Americans play video games primarily because they are fun; but gaming is also seen as a social activity.