| Abstract |
The esports business is growing exponentially and will become a US$1.9 billion industry by 2025. Although it hinders many business creations, this activity may seem completely inaccessible for entrepreneurs in emerging countries. Indeed, they face many difficulties such as failing infrastructure, high equipment costs, limited purchasing power, low public and private investment, lack of institutional recognition, and the strong domination of leading countries. This study explores how sustainable esports entrepreneurs in emerging countries manage to build successful businesses and have a positive impact, driving the decline of poverty, discrimination, and un-employment. The methodology is based on a multiple case study in 10 countries: Brazil, Argentina, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Algeria, Morocco, Hungary, Turkey, India, and the Philippines. In these countries, esports entrepreneurs put their knowledge and talents at the service of society, implement innovative processes and technologies, show audacity and ingenuity to overcome scarcity, and demonstrate great resilience in adversity. |