GAMR vs. ESPO

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

GAMR (Amplify Video Game Leaders ETF) and ESPO (VanEck Video Gaming and eSports ETF) are both Gaming funds - GAMR tracks the VettaFi Video Game Leaders Index while ESPO tracks the MVIS Global Video Gaming and eSports Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, GAMR returned -0.85%/yr vs 5.81%/yr for ESPO. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. GAMR charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.55%/yr for ESPO.

Performance

GAMR vs. ESPO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Amplify Video Game Leaders ETF (GAMR) and VanEck Video Gaming and eSports ETF (ESPO). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GAMR achieves a -2.04% return, which is significantly higher than ESPO's -15.67% return.

GAMR

• 1D: -1.04%
• 1M: 0.50%
• YTD: -2.04%
• 6M: -2.34%
• 1Y: 11.61%
• 3Y*: 14.31%
• 5Y*: -0.85%
• 10Y*: 12.47%

ESPO

• 1D: -1.03%
• 1M: -1.94%
• YTD: -15.67%
• 6M: -15.96%
• 1Y: -15.18%
• 3Y*: 18.28%
• 5Y*: 5.81%
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

GAMR vs. ESPO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
GAMR Amplify Video Game Leaders ETF	-2.04%	39.20%	11.23%	6.89%	-36.96%	11.31%	76.83%	14.76%	-11.93%
ESPO VanEck Video Gaming and eSports ETF	-15.67%	25.79%	47.61%	33.64%	-34.71%	-2.13%	83.93%	42.36%	-12.49%

Correlation

The correlation between GAMR and ESPO is 0.75, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.75
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.79
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.85
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 17, 2018	0.84

The correlation between GAMR and ESPO has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.75 to 0.85 - a consistent structural relationship.

GAMR vs. ESPO - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GAMR	ESPO
Technology	65.4%	55.8%
Communication Services	25.0%	29.7%
Consumer Cyclical	9.1%	14.3%
Financial Services	0.1%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

GAMR vs. ESPO — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

GAMR

GAMR Risk / Return Rank: 15
GAMR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 16
GAMR Sortino Ratio Rank: 15
GAMR Omega Ratio Rank: 16
GAMR Calmar Ratio Rank: 13
GAMR Martin Ratio Rank: 12

ESPO

ESPO Risk / Return Rank: 3
ESPO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3
ESPO Sortino Ratio Rank: 3
ESPO Omega Ratio Rank: 3
ESPO Calmar Ratio Rank: 4
ESPO Martin Ratio Rank: 4

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

GAMR vs. ESPO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Amplify Video Game Leaders ETF (GAMR) and VanEck Video Gaming and eSports ETF (ESPO). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	GAMR	ESPO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.50	-0.82	+1.32
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.81	-1.05	+1.87
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.11	0.88	+0.23
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.40	-0.55	+0.94
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.89	-0.93	+1.82

GAMR vs. ESPO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GAMR Sharpe Ratio is 0.50, which is higher than the ESPO Sharpe Ratio of -0.82. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GAMR and ESPO, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

GAMR vs. ESPO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GAMR drawdown since its inception was -55.37%, which is greater than ESPO's maximum drawdown of -50.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GAMR and ESPO.

Drawdown Indicators

	GAMR	ESPO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.37%	-50.99%	-4.38%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-29.36%	-27.81%	-1.55%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-29.36%	-27.81%	-1.55%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-50.57%	-48.33%	-2.24%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-55.37%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-18.38%	-27.68%	+9.30%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-22.10%	-15.10%	-7.00%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	13.10%	16.40%	-3.30%

Volatility

GAMR vs. ESPO - Volatility Comparison

Amplify Video Game Leaders ETF (GAMR) has a higher volatility of 8.23% compared to VanEck Video Gaming and eSports ETF (ESPO) at 4.46%. This indicates that GAMR's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ESPO based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GAMR	ESPO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.23%	4.46%	+3.77%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.45%	14.64%	+3.81%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.24%	18.67%	+4.57%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.54%	25.09%	-0.55%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.36%	25.68%	-1.32%

GAMR vs. ESPO - Expense Ratio Comparison

GAMR has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is higher than ESPO's 0.55% expense ratio.

Dividends

GAMR vs. ESPO - Dividend Comparison

GAMR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.53%, less than ESPO's 1.48% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
ESPO VanEck Video Gaming and eSports ETF	1.48%	1.24%	0.44%	0.96%	0.91%	3.36%	0.12%	0.22%	0.04%
GAMR Amplify Video Game Leaders ETF	0.53%	0.52%	0.63%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GAMR and ESPO in my portfolio?

GAMR and ESPO have a correlation of 0.75, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GAMR or ESPO?

GAMR has higher volatility (8.23%) compared to ESPO (4.46%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GAMR dropped -55.37% vs ESPO's -50.99%.

Which ETF is better, GAMR or ESPO?

On 5-year performance, ESPO leads with 5.81% vs -0.85% for GAMR. On fees, ESPO is cheaper at 0.55% per year. On volatility, ESPO has been the lower-risk option at 4.46%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GAMR or ESPO?

Over the 5-year period, ESPO has performed better with a 5.81% return vs -0.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GAMR or ESPO?

ESPO is cheaper with a 0.55% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for GAMR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, GAMR or ESPO?

ESPO has the higher dividend yield at 1.48%, compared with 0.53% for GAMR.

What is the main difference between GAMR and ESPO?

GAMR tracks VettaFi Video Game Leaders Index, while ESPO tracks MVIS Global Video Gaming and eSports Index. They also come from different issuers: Amplify and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for GAMR and 0.55% for ESPO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GAMR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.50 vs -0.82), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.