In an interview, Kick’s team explained why they believe their platform is “positioned” to become the top esports streaming service globally, with much of this confidence tied to their approach to advertisements.
Since its launch nearly two years ago, Kick has gained attention with high-profile signings, despite some negative press surrounding certain creators. Nevertheless, the platform, owned by Stake, has grown to become the third most popular streaming service.
A lesser-known aspect of Kick’s growth is its focus on esports. In early 2024, the platform began forming partnerships with esports organizations, most notably Team Secret and Bleed Esports. By April, just before DreamHack Melbourne, Kick also announced a collaboration with ESL for in-person events. Since then, Kick has secured streaming rights for major Counter-Strike 2 and Dota 2 tournaments hosted by BLAST and PGL.
Kick Account Manager Oliver ‘DickStacy’ Tierney, a former CS legend, shared detailed insights into Kick’s ambition to dominate the esports industry. He explained that their strategy involves expansion through various angles: forming partnerships with tournament organizers, supporting grassroots esports, and enhancing the viewer experience.
Tierney acknowledged the challenge of convincing viewers to leave platforms like Twitch and YouTube for Kick, noting that the platform will need to offer unique incentives. Currently, Kick’s main advantages include the absence of ads and faster broadcast speeds. According to Tierney, viewers are increasingly frustrated with frequent ads on platforms like Twitch, especially during esports events.
what kicks lacks
While Kick’s lack of integrated Drops remains a hurdle, Tierney recognized the importance of such features in driving viewership. Despite this limitation, Kick’s focus on CS2 and Dota 2 has provided a solid foundation, with the company working toward securing more games and broadcasters, including Riot titles like Valorant and League of Legends.
Tierney highlighted Kick’s commitment to supporting local esports scenes, particularly in South America and the Middle East, where the platform has a significant user base. With ongoing plans to partner with more tournament organizers, Kick is steadily growing its presence in the esports scene and aims to be recognized as a leading platform for the industry.
As Tierney confidently stated, “We are primed for it. We are the most premium platform for esports by far at the moment.”
