The Most Popular Esports Games in the World
Esports, also known as electronic sports, has become a global phenomenon in the entertainment industry. Whether you are a die-hard fan or completely new to esports, get ready to discover the top 10 most popular esports games.
What is Esports?
Esports is a competitive video gaming industry where professional players or teams compete against each other in popular video games for huge prize pools. It is similar to traditional sports, but played in digital battlefields instead of physical arenas.
In recent years, esports has grown into a multi-billion dollar industry with massive viewership and fans worldwide. The industry encompasses a diverse range of game genres, including MOBAs, FPS, RTS, Sports games, and Battle royal games, which host countless tournaments and leagues dedicated solely to esports. The top players and teams have also become celebrities or influencers, attracting sponsorships from major brands.
The rapid growth of esports has caught the attention of both traditional sports fans and non-gamers alike.
Why is Esports So Popular?
There are several reasons why esports has become so popular:
Accessibility plays a crucial role in determining the popularity of an esports game. Games are easily accessible across different platforms, including PC and consoles, and can be played anywhere with a good internet connection and basic gaming equipment. The rise of the mobile gaming industry and cloud gaming has also contributed to the popularity of esports.
The visibility of esports has increased significantly due to the rise of gaming streamers and content creators. Popular streamers, such as Ninja, Auronplay, Rubius, Techno Gamerz, and Cr7 Horaa, have played a significant role in increasing the popularity of esports. Streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube have made it easier for gamers to connect with others around the world.
Unlike traditional sports, esports has a truly international audience. Major esports tournaments, such as The International DOTA 2 Championships, attract teams from over 50 countries, competing for record-breaking prize pools.
New games and technologies also contribute to the popularity of esports. Constantly evolving technology and the release of new games cater to different genres and gameplay styles, keeping fans engaged and eager to see who will come out on top.
Mainstream media coverage has also played a significant role in the rise of esports. Major corporations, such as Coca-Cola and Intel, have sponsored events and advertised during broadcasts, propelling esports into mainstream media coverage.
Top 10 Most Popular Esports Games in the World
Based on factors such as player count, viewership numbers, tournament prize pools, and overall popularity within the industry, the top 10 most popular esports games in the world are:
1. League of Legends
League of Legends (LoL) is a multiplayer online battle (MOBA) game developed and published by Riot Games. It has become one of the most popular esports games in the world, with millions of players competing worldwide. The game constantly releases updates and features, making it fresh and exciting for players. Its competitive scene, called the League Championship Series (LCS), attracts top professional teams from around the world.
2. Dota 2
Dota 2 is a multiplayer online battle (MOBA) game developed and published by Valve Corporation. It is one of the most played video games in the world and has a strong competitive scene with large prize pools. Dota 2 regularly hosts esports tournaments and events, attracting top players and teams from around the globe.
3. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO)
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) is a first-person shooter (FPS) game developed and published by Valve Corporation and Hidden Path Entertainment. It has a large and active player community and organizes major esports tournaments that attract millions of viewers.
4. Fortnite
Fortnite is a battle royale game developed by Epic Games. Its unique blend of battle royale gameplay and building mechanics has gained it a massive following. Regular updates and collaborations with popular franchises and artists keep the game fresh and exciting. Fortnite also hosts esports events with large prize pools.
5. Valorant
Valorant is a team-based first-person shooter (FPS) game developed by Riot Games. The game has gained popularity in the esports scene, attracting a massive audience. Valorant offers numerous esports leagues and tournaments watched by millions of fans. Regular updates and a combination of character-based and tactical gameplay make it appealing to players.
6. Overwatch
Overwatch is a team-based FPS game developed by Blizzard Entertainment. It has a competitive scene called the Overwatch League (OWL) organized by Blizzard, attracting diverse players and fans worldwide. Regular updates and changes keep the game fresh and engaging for both players and viewers.
7. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB)
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) is a mobile MOBA game developed and published by Moonton Games. It has gained popularity as a mobile esports game due to its accessibility and active esports tournaments. MLBB offers a large prize pool and has become one of the most popular mobile esports games.
8. Rocket League
Rocket League is a soccer game with rocket-powered cars developed and published by Psyonix. Its fast-paced and action-packed gameplay makes it exciting for both players and viewers. Rocket League organizes esports events, such as the Rocket League Championship Series (RLCS), with a large prize pool.
9. PUBG Mobile
PUBG Mobile (Player Unknown’s Battlegrounds Mobile) is a battle royale mobile game developed by Lightspeed & Quantum Studio and published by Krafton and Tencent Games. It is one of the most popular mobile games with a huge esports fan base. PUBG Mobile organizes esports tournaments, such as the PUBG Mobile Global Championship (PMGC), with a large prize pool.
10. Arena of Valor
Arena of Valor (AoV) is a mobile MOBA game developed and published by TiMi Studio Group and Tencent Games. It has become popular as a mobile esports game, especially in China. Arena of Valor offers active esports leagues and tournaments, attracting a wide audience.
Conclusion
These top 10 most popular esports games have captured the attention of millions of players and viewers worldwide. Esports continues to grow as an industry, presenting promising opportunities for both players and fans. New games and technologies, accessibility, mainstream media coverage, and the strength of a game’s competitive scene have contributed to the popularity of these esports games. As technology advances, the future of esports looks bright with more innovation, excitement, and gaming celebrities.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the most popular esports games right now?
- How to get sponsors for esports teams?
- How much money do esports players and teams make?