iGamingNuts has unveiled its 2025 global eSports city rankings, offering a fresh perspective on where competitive gaming is thriving. As the industry evolves, the results challenge assumptions and spotlight regions gaining influence. So, which cities are truly leading the charge in the global eSports arena?

As the global eSports industry grows at an unprecedented pace, a new report by iGamingNuts ranks cities around the world based on their competitive gaming performance. The study evaluates urban centres using metrics such as prize earnings, tournament wins, player population, and local gaming culture to identify where eSports is most impactful today, and where future growth is expected.

The results challenge conventional expectations. Cities with smaller teams or populations have emerged as global leaders, while some major urban centres with rich gaming cultures fall short due to low earnings or underdeveloped tournament infrastructure.

Top Cities Leading the Global eSports Scene

According to the rankings, Miami claims the number one spot with a total score of 1.99, driven by strong performances in high-paying tournaments. Despite having only one team, the city earns $1.17 million from competitive gaming and boasts one of the largest fighting game communities in the United States, hosting flagship events such as CEO Gaming.

Closely behind is Irving, Texas, with a score of 1.86. The city’s eSports industry benefits from a strong tech backbone and tournament earnings of $1.01 million. Its structure and performance mirror Miami, though with slightly lower revenue per event.

In Southeast Asia, Selangor, Malaysia secures third place with a score of 1.75. A striking 85% of its population actively participates in gaming, and the city has earned $1.15 million from tournaments. It also hosts Level Up KL, one of the region’s largest industry expos, further cementing its growing international stature.

Nantong, China follows in fourth place, with a score of 1.68. While its prize pool per tournament is slightly below other top-ranking cities, its twelve tournament wins and $3.36 million in earnings showcase a deeply ingrained gaming culture that supports competitive play.

Rounding out the top five is Lahore, Pakistan, which achieves a score of 1.55. Although it has entered fewer tournaments, its $510,000 in earnings and international spotlight—particularly after a Tekken world championship win by a Lahore-based player—signal rapid growth and recognition.

Underdogs and emerging markets in eSports

Several cities rank lower in the study despite notable activity. Tokyo, long regarded as a hub of video game culture, ranks surprisingly low with a score of 0.93. While it hosts the most tournaments (119), average prize money remains limited. The city’s strong arcade culture continues to dominate large-scale eSports events.

In Boston, Massachusetts, the presence of premier institutions like MIT contributes to game development talent, but the region’s score of 0.72 reflects low average prize earnings ($28,846.15) despite 26 tournament appearances.

Indian cities Delhi and Mumbai score 0.37 and 0.57, respectively. Though both cities are home to rapidly growing gaming communities and increasing tournament participation, overall winnings remain modest. Delhi has earned $621,250 across eight events, while Mumbai has brought in $536,611.50 from 14 tournaments.

Hubei, China, ranks lowest at 0.34, highlighting a disconnect between tournament wins and financial returns. The city has won 16 tournaments but only averages $132,186.95 per event, with a stronger presence in mobile gaming than eSports.

Trends shaping the future of competitive gaming

The report highlights several emerging trends that may influence future city rankings:

Rising influence of emerging markets: Cities like Lahore and Mumbai are gaining prominence, driven by improved infrastructure and rising sponsorship opportunities.

Government involvement: Official recognition of eSports by national governments is expected to unlock new funding channels and facilitate larger tournaments.

Growth of regional leagues: Localised competitions are helping cities with limited global visibility build thriving eSports ecosystems.

Economic focus on prize pools: Established eSports hubs such as Miami and Selangor continue to attract large-scale events with significant prize money, reinforcing their dominance.

A spokesperson for iGamingNuts explains, “This study reveals that success in eSports isn’t just about having a large player base or hosting the most events. It’s about creating a high-performance ecosystem—strong local culture, professional structures, and strategic investment in tournaments and teams.”

Methodology and data insights

The rankings are based on a detailed analysis of total prize money earned, the number of tournaments hosted and won, and the proportion of gamers in each city’s population. Data was gathered from industry reports, tournament earnings databases, and market research to ensure a comprehensive picture of the global competitive gaming landscape.

The study highlights that eSports remains dynamic and regionally diverse. As technology evolves, regulations adapt, and player expectations change, cities that foster innovation, attract talent, and support their gaming communities will drive the next phase of global eSports expansion.

About iGamingNuts

iGamingNuts is a research and analysis platform focused on the global gaming and eSports industry. The organisation provides data-driven insights, rankings, and market reports that explore trends in online gaming, competitive eSports, and digital entertainment.

By collecting and analysing information from tournament databases, player statistics, and market research, iGamingNuts delivers valuable intelligence for stakeholders across the gaming ecosystem: from industry professionals and investors to fans and players. Their studies aim to highlight emerging markets, benchmark performance, and support the development of a transparent and informed gaming community.