The match between NAVI and FURIA at the Esports World Cup 2024 attracted the lowest viewership since 2019. The peak audience for the broadcast was only 249,000 viewers, marking the smallest audience since ESL One Cologne 2019, which had 204,000 viewers. NAVI won that match 2-0. Despite this, the match still became the second most popular of the tournament.
This decline in viewership prompts questions about the reasons behind the drop in popularity compared to previous years, especially given the high viewer numbers at similar tournaments in the past.
The Esports World Cup has traditionally been one of the most prestigious events in the esports calendar. Encounters between NAVI and FURIA have always drawn large audiences, such as at Gamers8 2023, where their match attracted over 400,000 viewers.
The competitive nature of their rivalry has typically added intrigue and drawn in many fans.
The decrease in interest may be attributed to various factors, including the saturation of the esports market, changes in team line-ups, or a general decline in interest in specific competitions.
The low viewership for the NAVI vs. FURIA match highlights that even prominent teams can struggle to attract viewers. This presents a challenge for tournament organisers and the teams, necessitating a reassessment of strategies to engage and retain audiences. Nonetheless, exciting matches still lie ahead, and the esports community eagerly anticipates fresh thrills and memorable moments.