It turns out the F1 New Balance Esports Series has been rather popular, as revealed by a new press release, as it drew its highest ever audience of 5.8 million this year, growing 76% year-on-year.
These 2019 online numbers have surpassed the TV and online viewership combined (5.5 million) from 2018, and this was compounded by 169 million social media impressions, marking a 66% increase from last year, as well as a bump of 35% in the same period with 27 million online video views.
79% of viewers were under the age of 34 as well, and here's what Sean Bratches, Managing Director of Commercial Operations at Formula 1, had to say:
"The 2019 Formula 1 esports season has been a tremendous success and a huge congratulations to both Ferrari's David Tonizza and Red Bull Racing Esports team on their hugely impressive titles. I also want to thank all our partners for helping deliver this year's success. We are really excited about the progress we have made this year with a 65% increase in interest in the series compared to last year, our highest ever online audience of 5.8 million and 169 million social media impressions. We are looking forward to next season, with some of China's regional participants coming to the pro draft and the potential for other nations to join the fun. Our best days are ahead of us and we are delighted by the great progress in 2019."
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