Did you know that the global audience for esports is projected to hit 318 million people? The rise of esports has been extraordinary, with new titles being introduced annually. However, certain games stand out and capture a larger following than others.
When discussing the top esports games, perceptions can vary widely. Some games enjoy worldwide popularity, while others shine in specific regions. Additionally, some games boast larger player bases, whereas others are known for hosting massive tournaments with substantial prize pools.
In this post, we’ve ranked the leading esports games based on the total prize money awarded in tournaments. All data has been sourced from the Esports website. Let’s dive into the list of the most prominent esports games.
1. Dota 2
Dota 2, a widely acclaimed multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game developed by Valve Corporation, serves as the sequel to Defense of the Ancients: All-Stars. Its popularity soars particularly in North America and Europe.
In Dota 2, two teams of five players each compete, with each team defending their territory on the game map. Victory is achieved by being the first to destroy the opposing team’s central structure, known as the “Ancient,” located within their base.
2. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
Presenting yet another renowned esports creation by Valve Corporation, developed in partnership with Hidden Path Entertainment. This first-person shooter game stands as the fourth installment in the esteemed Counter-Strike series.
Two opposing factions, terrorists and counter-terrorists, engage in intense battles within the game’s framework. The terrorists’ objective is to seize hostages and deploy explosives, while the counter-terrorists must rescue the captives and neutralize the bomb threats.
3. Fortnite
Fortnite stands as a widely embraced multiplayer online creation crafted by Epic Games, featuring three distinct game modes under a unified banner. Here’s a glimpse into each mode:
Save the World: Embark on an adventure alongside up to four comrades, combating hordes of zombie-like adversaries to safeguard both yourselves and fellow survivors.
Battle Royale: Engage in adrenaline-pumping player-versus-player showdowns, with up to a hundred participants battling it out for ultimate supremacy. Whether solo or in teams, the goal remains the same: be the last one standing.
Creative: Enter a realm of boundless imagination and ingenuity. Creative mode grants players carte blanche control over the game world, fostering limitless opportunities for expression and innovation.
4. League of Legends
Hailing from the creative minds at Riot Games, this multiplayer real-time strategy action game has garnered substantial acclaim, particularly in Asian gaming circles.
In this dynamic battleground, teams of either three or five players engage in strategic warfare reminiscent of Dota 2’s gameplay mechanics. Victory is achieved by methodically dismantling the opposing team’s defenses and obliterating their central structure, known as the “Nexus,” housed within their base.
5. StarCraft II
Crafted by the ingenious minds at Blizzard Entertainment, this real-time strategy masterpiece serves as the highly anticipated sequel to the original Starcraft saga.
Immersed within a captivating science-fiction universe, players navigate the intricate interplay between three distinct species: the resilient Terrans, the relentless Zerg, and the enigmatic Protoss. The game unfolds across three compelling chapters, with the base installment, Wings of Liberty, delving deep into the saga of the Terrans, while subsequent expansion packs explore the riveting narratives of the Zerg and Protoss factions.
6. PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG)
Enter the realm of battle royale intensity with this creation from UBG Corporation. In this adrenaline-fueled game, a hundred contenders vie fiercely for survival, each determined to outlast the rest and claim victory as the sole survivor. Whether forging alliances or facing the challenge solo, strategic prowess and quick reflexes are the keys to triumph in this gripping showdown.
7. Overwatch
Step into the exhilarating world of team-based combat with this first-person shooter masterpiece crafted by Blizzard Entertainment. In this heart-pounding adventure, teams of six unite to tackle formidable challenges. Whether it’s securing control points or escorting payloads across treacherous terrain against the ticking clock, every match is a pulse-pounding race against time and opposition. While the game has gained fervent popularity in Asia, its global appeal transcends borders, captivating players from every corner of the world.
8. Hearthstone
Explore the world of card battles with this free game from Blizzard Entertainment. You’ll face off one-on-one against another player in a turn-based showdown. Each of you gets a deck of 30 cards and picks a hero with a special ability. There are plenty of game modes to try out!
9. Heroes of the Storm
Enter the realm of multiplayer excitement with this Blizzard Entertainment gem. Bringing together characters and battlegrounds from Blizzard’s renowned titles like Warcraft and Overwatch, this game offers a unique blend of action and strategy. Eschewing traditional labels, its dynamic gameplay earns it the title of a “hero brawler,” distinguishing it from standard multiplayer online battle arena or action real-time strategy games.
10. Arena of Valor
Jump into the multiplayer action with this game from TiMi Studios, backed by Tencent Games. Gather your squad of five and dive into various game modes for non-stop fun!
11. Counter-Strike
Often referred to as Counter-Strike 1.6 or Half-Life: Counter-Strike, this title served as the precursor to the widely celebrated Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, courtesy of Valve Corporation.
While many former CS 1.6 aficionados have migrated to the latest installment, CS: GO, the original remains a stalwart in the esports realm, boasting significant prize pools and enduring popularity. Notably beloved in Europe, its legacy continues to thrive even amidst the evolution of the franchise.
12. Rainbow Six Siege
This Ubisoft-developed tactical shooter offers diverse gameplay modes, from defusing bombs to rescuing hostages. Players have the flexibility to take on the role of attacker or defender across various scenarios and modes, adding layers of strategy and excitement to every match.
13. Rocket League
Enter the realm of arcade-style soccer like never before with this innovative creation from Psyonix. Picture this: cars taking the field in a spectacle known as “soccer, but with cars.” Gather your team of up to eight players and aim to score goals, just like in traditional soccer, but with a thrilling automotive twist.
14. SMITE
Welcome to the world of epic battles in this free multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) adventure crafted by Hi-Rez Studios. Immerse yourself in a realm where mythological Gods and Goddesses clash in epic showdowns. Choose your champion from a diverse roster of characters, each with their own unique abilities, and engage in team-based combat across various game modes. With a plethora of characters to explore and master, the excitement never ends in this mythical battleground.
15. StarCraft: Brood War
This expansion pack for the original StarCraft game, a precursor to StarCraft II, was developed by Saffire Corporation in collaboration with Blizzard Entertainment. While it enjoys global popularity, its fanbase is particularly strong in South Korea.
Much like StarCraft II, this expansion centers on the epic struggle between three species: Terrans, Protoss, and Zerg. Players aim to establish bases, build formidable armies, and dominate their adversaries in a strategic quest for victory.
Final Thoughts
These are some of the top esports games you can dive into. If you’re more of an esports enthusiast rather than a player, you can still immerse yourself in the scene by following esports influencers and players, and by watching their gameplay.
FAQs
What’s the most popular game in ESports?
Global Offensive stands out with over 16,000 professional players, cementing its status as one of the most popular esports games of today. Similarly, Dota 2 and Fortnite have also amassed substantial followings, making them major players in the esports arena.
What is the best esport game 2024?
In 2024, Dota 2 holds the title of the most popular esports game.
