Report
Cheating, Hacking, Piracy, and Esports: Protecting Competition, Revenue, and Reputation
This Omdia report examines the growing impact of cheating, hacking, and piracy on esports through a survey of event organizers and team representatives. Esports generated $1.6 billion in 2021 and was projected to reach $3.1 billion by 2026, making media rights, sponsorships, advertising, and competitive integrity increasingly valuable. Eighty-one percent of respondents viewed cheating or hacking as a moderate or major concern, while 55% expressed similar concern about piracy. More than four-fifths identified reputational damage as a major risk, and over two-thirds reported some revenue impact. Responsibility remains fragmented among publishers, organizers, teams, broadcasters, platforms, and independent bodies, creating uncertainty about effective action. The report calls for greater educa
