The gaming industry has come a long way in the past few years. What once started out as a niche hobby for kids and teenagers has now turned into a multi-billion-dollar industry, with professional gaming tournaments drawing in millions of viewers online. And no genre of gaming has seen more success than eSports.
So, what is eSports? Simply put, it is competitive gaming at a professional level. Much like traditional sports, eSports sees players competing against each other to win prizes, and often has a large and vocal audience cheering them on.
And just like traditional sports, there are several different games that fall under the eSports umbrella. Some are more popular than others, and some have a bigger prize pool than others.
So, if you’re interested in getting into eSports, or are simply curious about what games people are playing, ready your gaming computer setup and check out our list of the 10 most popular eSports games.
- League of Legends
League of Legends is one of the most popular online games in the world, and it is also one of the most popular eSports games. It is a multiplayer online battle arena game (MOBA) and has been one of the leading eSports games since its inception in 2009.
- Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO) is a first-person shooter game that was released in 2012. It is the fourth game in the Counter-Strike series and is one of the most popular eSports games. This is due in part to its large prize pools, and also because it is a relatively easy game to understand and follow.
- Dota 2
Dota 2 is another MOBA game and is the sequel to Defense of the Ancients (DotA), which was itself a mod for the popular strategy game Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos. Dota 2 was released in 2013 and has become one of the most popular eSports games.
- Overwatch
Overwatch is a team-based first-person shooter game that was released in 2016. It is one of the newest games on this list, but it has quickly become a fan favorite, thanks to its fast-paced action and its colorful cast of characters. The game is also one of the most-watched eSports, with millions of people tuning in to watch professional matches.
- Call of Duty: Black Ops III
Call of Duty: Black Ops III is a first-person shooter game that was released in 2015. It is the twelfth game in the Call of Duty series, and while it is not as popular as some of the other games on this list, it is still one of the most played eSports. If you’re a fan of first-person shooter games, then this is one to check out.
- Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft
Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft is a digital collectible card game that was released in 2014. It is based on the popular Warcraft franchise and has proven to be a hit with gamers of all ages. The game is easy to pick up and play, but difficult to master, making it perfect for both casual and competitive gaming.
- StarCraft II
StarCraft II is a military science fiction real-time strategy game that was released in 2010. It is the sequel to the 1998 game StarCraft and has become one of the most popular eSports games. If you’re a fan of strategy games, then this is definitely one to check out.
- Rocket League
Rocket League is a vehicular soccer video game that was released in 2015. It is one of the more unique games on this list and has proven to be extremely popular, with millions of people playing it.
- Smite
Smite is a third-person multiplayer online battle arena game that was released in 2014. It is one of the more unique games on this list and has proven to be extremely popular, with millions of people playing it. If you’re looking for something a little different, then this is the game for you.
- World of Tanks
World of Tanks is a free-to-play massively multiplayer online game that was released in 2010. It is one of the more unique games on this list and has proven to be extremely popular, with millions of people playing it. World of Tanks is a great game for those who love strategy and planning ahead in their games. It’s also perfect if you want something more laid-back and relaxing.
These are just some of the most popular eSports games. If you’re looking to get into the world of competitive gaming, then these are some games to check out.
