Research Article

Spectator Experience in Online Esports Events: Investigating Satisfaction and Consumption Intentions via the Experience Economy Model

Number: Advanced Online Publication Early Pub Date: July 31, 2026

Spectator Experience in Online Esports Events: Investigating Satisfaction and Consumption Intentions via the Experience Economy Model

Abstract

Although esports have rapidly evolved into a major global entertainment industry in recent years, research on the behavioral consequences of spectators’ event experiences remains limited. In particular, there is a lack of empirical studies examining how the perceived experience of online esports spectators influences their post-event behaviors, such as satisfaction and future viewing intentions. This study, therefore, explores the influence of perceived event experience on satisfaction and consumption intention among online esports spectators through the lens of the Experience Economy Model. The research employed structural equation modeling to test the hypothesized relationships using data from 270 participants who watched online esports events, limited to live-streamed tournaments. Findings indicate that perceived event experience positively affects satisfaction, and satisfaction significantly predicts consumption intention. However, no direct relationship was found between experience and consumption intention. Mediation analysis further revealed that satisfaction is a key mediating variable between event experience and consumption intention. These findings underscore the critical role of satisfaction in transforming experiential elements into behavioral outcomes. The study offers theoretical contributions to esports and experience economy literature and practical implications for stakeholders seeking to enhance viewer engagement and retention in digital esports environments.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

Türkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik Araştırma Kurumu (TÜBİTAK)

Project Number

1919B012110375

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Sports Activity Management

Journal Section

Research Article

Early Pub Date

July 31, 2026

Publication Date

-

Submission Date

August 11, 2025

Acceptance Date

April 10, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Number: Advanced Online Publication

APA
Can, M., Çevik, H., Aras, Y., & Özgen, C. (2026). Spectator Experience in Online Esports Events: Investigating Satisfaction and Consumption Intentions via the Experience Economy Model. Pamukkale Journal of Sport Sciences, Advanced Online Publication. https://doi.org/10.54141/psbd.1762277
AMA
1.Can M, Çevik H, Aras Y, Özgen C. Spectator Experience in Online Esports Events: Investigating Satisfaction and Consumption Intentions via the Experience Economy Model. Pamukkale J Sport Sci. 2026;(Advanced Online Publication). doi:10.54141/psbd.1762277
Chicago
Can, Mine, Hüseyin Çevik, Yusuf Aras, and Caner Özgen. 2026. “Spectator Experience in Online Esports Events: Investigating Satisfaction and Consumption Intentions via the Experience Economy Model”. Pamukkale Journal of Sport Sciences, no. Advanced Online Publication. https://doi.org/10.54141/psbd.1762277.
EndNote
Can M, Çevik H, Aras Y, Özgen C (July 1, 2026) Spectator Experience in Online Esports Events: Investigating Satisfaction and Consumption Intentions via the Experience Economy Model. Pamukkale Journal of Sport Sciences Advanced Online Publication
IEEE
[1]M. Can, H. Çevik, Y. Aras, and C. Özgen, “Spectator Experience in Online Esports Events: Investigating Satisfaction and Consumption Intentions via the Experience Economy Model”, Pamukkale J Sport Sci, no. Advanced Online Publication, July 2026, doi: 10.54141/psbd.1762277.
ISNAD
Can, Mine - Çevik, Hüseyin - Aras, Yusuf - Özgen, Caner. “Spectator Experience in Online Esports Events: Investigating Satisfaction and Consumption Intentions via the Experience Economy Model”. Pamukkale Journal of Sport Sciences. Advanced Online Publication (July 1, 2026). https://doi.org/10.54141/psbd.1762277.
JAMA
1.Can M, Çevik H, Aras Y, Özgen C. Spectator Experience in Online Esports Events: Investigating Satisfaction and Consumption Intentions via the Experience Economy Model. Pamukkale J Sport Sci. 2026. doi:10.54141/psbd.1762277.
MLA
Can, Mine, et al. “Spectator Experience in Online Esports Events: Investigating Satisfaction and Consumption Intentions via the Experience Economy Model”. Pamukkale Journal of Sport Sciences, no. Advanced Online Publication, July 2026, doi:10.54141/psbd.1762277.
Vancouver
1.Mine Can, Hüseyin Çevik, Yusuf Aras, Caner Özgen. Spectator Experience in Online Esports Events: Investigating Satisfaction and Consumption Intentions via the Experience Economy Model. Pamukkale J Sport Sci. 2026 Jul. 1;(Advanced Online Publication). doi:10.54141/psbd.1762277