eSports has rapidly grown from a niche hobby into a global phenomenon, with millions of players, spectators, and enthusiasts supporting professional gaming worldwide. If you’re new to competitive video gaming and esports games, you’ll learn everything there is to know. From the influence of esports on gaming to the top 10 best video games of all time, we’ll cover it all in this article.
The Rise of eSports Gaming: From Casual Play to Competitive Tournaments
A key moment in the rise of esports came with the advent of live-streaming platforms like Twitch. These platforms enabled professional gamers to broadcast their gameplay online to a global audience, directly connecting players and their fanbase.Nowadays, gaming esports enthusiasts can also stream major events on platforms like Betiton Sport Ireland, following the action as they support their favorite esports league.
Top 10 eSports Games of All Time
If you’re still at the stage where you ask, ‘What is esports gaming’, the table below lists the top 10 esports games we’ll explore in this article.
1. League of Legends (LoL)
League of Legends (LoL) is always among the player favorites, boasting a massive player base and a passionate, competitive scene. Developed by Riot Games and released in 2009, LoL has consistently maintained a solid player base, and millions of viewers watch the biggest esports gaming tournaments on this game, particularly the League of Legends World Championship.
LoL is a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) that involves two five-player teams competing for control of the map, using various strategies and weapons to destroy their opponents. Its fast-paced gameplay, regular updates, and free-to-play model have made it immensely popular in esports gaming.
2. Dota 2
Anyone who enjoys playing video games will also be familiar with Dota 2, arguably the second most popular MOBA game.
The game is especially known for its intense esports gaming competition, with a record-breaking prize pool that exceeded $34 million in The International tournament. Developed by one of the biggest video game companies, Valve, Dota 2 is defined by its challenging gameplay and complex world.
3. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO)
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, much more commonly known as CS:GO, is the ultimate first-person shooter game. Released in 2012 by Valve, it’s still one of the most popular in the esports sector and the number one game in FPS video game competitions like The Majors.
CS:GO is popular with players who enjoy immersing themselves in intricate and skill-based gameplay. Like many esports video games, it’s known for its tactical complexity and engaging gameplay that rewards players who take a strategic approach with well-thought-out team coordination.
4. Fortnite
Released in 2017 by Epic Games, Fortnite instantly took the video game industry by storm with its innovative Battle Royale competitions. One of its biggest appeals is the weekly update, and the high level of customization players can experiment with. It’s also available in three game modes, including fan-created modes and multiplayer options.
5. Valorant
Valorant is a free-to-play FPS video game released in 2020 by Riot Games. Despite being a relatively new title, it’s already among the best esports games available today, especially in the competitive video gaming sphere. Combining the strategic, team-based gameplay of CS:GO with hero abilities similar to Overwatch, Valorant appeals to traditional FPS fans and those who enjoy more dynamic, ability-based gameplay.
6. Call of Duty (CoD)
Call of Duty, known amongst video game players as ‘CoD’, is one of the best competitive esports games. The first game in the franchise was released in 2003, and there are now 24 mainline CoD games. CoD is easily one of the most iconic FPS games with one of the most dedicated and passionate competitive scenes, especially in multiplayer mode.
7. Overwatch
Overwatch is a team-based online multiplier FPS video game from Blizzard Entertainment. Released in 2016, it’s one of the most popular esports games online right now. The game is often praised for its accessibility, the diversity of its heroes, and the visually appealing art style. The gameplay is just as entertaining with regular updates, new playable heroes, and content that can be unlocked by playing rather than paying.
8. PUBG (PlayerUnknown’s BattleGrounds)
Released in the same year as Fortnite, PUBG was a pioneer in the battle royale gaming genre and is considered one of the best esports mobile games created. The game was one of the first to introduce the concept of 100 players fighting to be the last one standing in a large, open-world environment.
The game’s tense, survival-focused gameplay, and massive player lobbies have made it one of the most enjoyed esports games ever. PUBG’s professional esports competitions, such as the PUBG Global Championship, have drawn significant attention, with video game players from all over the world competing.
9. Rocket League
Rocket League was released in 2015 by Psyonix and became one of the top esports games among fans with its unique mix of soccer and vehicular gameplay. In the game, players control rocket-powered cards and attempt to hit a giant ball into their opponent’s net. The game’s combination of complex strategy and simple mechanics, not to mention its customizability, has made it one of the most exciting video games to date.
10. FIFA Series
The FIFA video game franchise is undoubtedly one of the most popular ones in history. The FIFA video games are the go-to games for virtual football enthusiasts, and a new title is released every year. Offering a realistic football experience with licenses from real-life leagues, teams, and players, FIFA is the ultimate football fan’s dream. What makes it one of the most popular esports games is that players can play as their favourite teams, act as football managers by buying and trading players, and explore different game modes and difficulty levels.
The Evolution of eSports: How eSports Became a Cultural Phenomenon
Competitive video gaming has been around since roughly the 70s, but the 2000s are often seen as the time when esports became mainstream. With huge technological advancements, the rise of multiplayer online games, and streaming technology, esports quickly transformed from casual tournaments to international events.
Top 5 Most Popular eSports Events
Below are the five biggest events and tournaments in the esports industry.
- The International
- The Majors
- Valorant Championships
- LoL World Championships
- FIFA World Cup
Trends in eSports Gaming
Mobile esports games have surged in popularity, with titles like PUBG Mobile and Clash Royale having millions of players. The accessibility of mobile devices and the rise of competitive mobile gaming tournaments have made eSports more inclusive and global. Cross-platform play is also an emerging trend, allowing esports athletes to play games like Fortnite on multiple devices, including PCs, consoles, and mobiles, while competing against each other.
The Future of eSports Gaming: Growth of eSports Tournaments Worldwide
The growth of esports tournaments worldwide continues to rise, with more countries hosting major tournaments and events with ever-growing prize pools. New gamers and esports teams are also emerging in the highly competitive industry, competing in global tournaments for huge cash prizes and prestige.
What eSports Games Are in the Olympics?
In 2023, the International Olympic Committee launched the Olympic eSports Games, marking a significant step toward integrating competitive gaming into traditional sports.
Below is a list of Olympic esports games that were featured in the 2023 Olympics:
- Tic Tac Bow
- com
- Just Dance
- Virtual Regatta
- Virtual Taekwondo
While not confirmed, these games might also be included in the Olympic esports games list:
- FIFA
- NBA2K
- Rocket League
The world of esports continues to evolve and grow, with new titles emerging every year and established games continuing to dominate the competitive scene. Whether it’s the strategic complexity of Dota 2, the fast-paced action of CS:GO, or the unique blend of soccer and cars in Rocket League, each title has contributed to the competitive video gaming scene.
