2 out of 3 Americans Think Video Game Sports Should Be in the Olympics

National Polling finds consumers are more excited about the Super Bowl than Olympic Games; predict that Shaun White will win again; and won’t really care if the US wins or loses

AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 04, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As the Olympic Games get under way today, global research and survey company QuestionPro asked hundreds of US citizens for their take on the 2022 games. The results indicate an overall softening in engagement and identification with the event. While 39 percent intend to watch the games live, the

balance will watch clips, on-demand or not at all. Only 17 percent will be “totally bummed” if the U.S. does not win, and 60 percent say they are more excited to watch the Super Bowl.

On the lighter side, the polling found that 67 percent believe video game sports should be included in the Olympics. In addition, a surprising number of people (25%) believe they now have (or once did) the skills to compete on the world’s highest stage (with 46 people indicating that they’re simply not in good enough shape). And nearly 60 percent believe snowboarder Shaun White will once again medal.

Specifically, the polling found:

Should E-sports be included in the Olympics?

• Yes: 67%
• No: 33%

What event are you more excited to watch in February?

• The Super Bowl: 60%
• The Olympics: 40%

How disappointed will you be if the U.S. does not "win" (i.e. have the highest medal count) in these Olympics?

• Kinda-sorta: 45%
• Not at all: 31%
• Totally Bummed: 17%
• Wait, when are the Olympics? 7%

Do you think you could compete in the Olympics?

• No, I'm not in good enough shape - 46%
• No, I don't have a specific skill - 29%
• Yes, I've got the skills! 15%
• Yes, but too much commitment - 7%
• If I had actually tried I totally could have 3%
  

Do you think Shaun White will win a medal in snowboarding, even though he's 35?

• Yes, he's the Greatest Of All Time: 57%
• Didn't realize he was still competing: 35%
• No: 8%
  

How do you plan to watch the Olympics?

• Live: 39%
• Not live, but Primetime coverage: 12%
• Not live, but On Demand: 7%
• Clips on youtube or social media: 10%
• If it is on, I'll watch it but won't go out of my way: 15%
• I won't be watching: 17%

“The survey results paint an interesting picture of an evolving U.S. consumer relationship to the Olympics,” said Dan Fleetwood, President of Research and Insights at QuestionPro. “That people are more excited to watch the Super Bowl, combined with 49 percent of respondents indicating they will watch on their own terms or not at all suggest that the Olympics aren’t the draw they used to be. Further, with only 17 percent saying they’d be totally bummed if the US doesn’t win suggests an overall reduction in engagement and association with the Olympics. Perhaps allowing e-games might change the game for the Olympic Games?”

About QuestionPro
Founded in 2006, QuestionPro is a global provider of online survey and research services that help companies make better decisions through data. From free consumer accounts to robust enterprise-level research, we offer tools for the creation, distribution, and analysis of surveys. We also offer platforms for polling, mobile research and data visualization. Fortune 100 companies rely on us to help unlock insights about customers, employees and the marketplace. With offices in the US, Canada, Mexico, Germany, India, the UK and the United Arab Emirates we offer customers 24-7 access to highly trained support specialists and engineers. More information is available at www.questionpro.com.