The People’s Republic has regained its position as the highest-grossing nation in competitive gaming, with its participants earning a substantial $37 million in winnings during 2021, concluding a three-year dominance by America.

This surge in revenue propelled China back to the peak position for the first time since 2017, as per information from Esports Earnings. The United States, which had maintained the lead since 2018, witnessed its earnings decrease for the third straight year, finishing in second place with $22.8 million.

This change in the competitive gaming scene emphasizes China’s comeback as a leading power. The nation’s players more than doubled their income from the prior year, while the US experienced a steady fall in both income and the quantity of players representing the country.

The Russian Federation emerged as an unexpected competitor, securing a noteworthy third place with $21.9 million in winnings. This remarkable jump from sixth place in 2020, where they earned a mere $4.4 million, highlights the swift expansion of esports within the area.

Concurrently, South Korea, another esports giant, underwent a decrease, falling to fourth place with $11 million.

Esports organizations from China reigned supreme in 2021, taking home a massive $21.7 million in winnings. This was a significant leap from their previous third-place finishes in 2019 and 2020. Ukraine also ascended the leaderboard, securing the fifth position with $10.3 million. This accomplishment is even more remarkable given their absence from the top ten in both 2019 and 2020. Other nations joining the top ten earners in 2021 consist of Brazil, Japan, the United Kingdom, France, and Denmark.

As esports wagering specialist, Vйом Chodhury, observes, “China and Ukraine emerged as the dominant forces in competitive gaming throughout 2021. The United States, following its peak in 2019, has experienced a consistent downturn. The repercussions of the global health crisis on the American esports scene continued to be felt in 2021.”