The competitive gaming scene in 2024 is more exciting than ever, featuring thrilling tournaments and intense rivalries. Here are the top 10 esports games that are defining the landscape this year. From fast-paced shooters to strategic battle arenas, these games are captivating players and fans around the world.
How We Picked Our Favorite Esports Games
Choosing our favorite esports games involved a detailed process to ensure we highlight the best in the industry. We considered several factors, including popularity, competitive scene, and player feedback. Our selection aims to showcase the esports games that offer the most engaging and thrilling experiences for both players and spectators. By analyzing various aspects of each game, we have identified those that stand out in the ever-growing world of esports.
The Biggest Esports Games
The world of competitive games continues to thrive, with certain titles standing out as the biggest esports games. These games dominate the scene with massive player bases, significant tournament prizes, and global fan followings. Featuring intense gameplay and strategic depth, they attract both seasoned professionals and enthusiastic newcomers. Here are the standout competitive games that are making waves in the esports industry, captivating audiences and setting new standards for competitive gaming.
Dota 2
Release year: 2013
Total prize money Awarded: $340 million
Noteworthy Tournaments: The International
Top Players: Nisha (Michał Jankowski), miCKe (Michael Vu), iNSaNiA (Aydin Sarkohi)
Dota 2 is a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game developed by Valve Corporation and released in 2013. In this game, two teams of five players each compete to destroy the opponent’s “Ancient,” a large structure located within their base. Each player controls a unique “hero” with distinct abilities and roles, contributing to the team’s strategy.
The game map is divided into three lanes, where players battle against opposing heroes and AI-controlled sections called “creeps.” Players earn gold and experience by defeating enemies, allowing them to purchase powerful items and level up their heroes. Successful teamwork, strategic planning, and skillful execution are crucial to winning the match.
Dota 2 features over a hundred heroes, each with their own playstyle, strengths, and weaknesses, offering endless strategic possibilities and requiring deep understanding of the game’s mechanics to excel.
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
Release Year: 2012
Total Prize Money Awarded: $162 million
Noteworthy Tournaments: PGL Major Stockholm
Top Players: s1mple (Oleksandr Kostyliev) , ZywOo (Mathieu Herbaut) , m0NESY (Ilya Osipov)
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) is one of the most popular esport games in the world. Developed by Valve Corporation and Hidden Path Entertainment, CS:GO was released in 2012. It is a first-person shooter that pits two teams, Terrorists and Counter-Terrorists, against each other in various objective-based game modes.
The primary game mode involves the Terrorists attempting to plant a bomb at designated sites, while the Counter-Terrorists aim to prevent the bomb from being planted or to defuse it if it is. Another popular mode features the Counter-Terrorists rescuing hostages held by the Terrorists. Each round is won either by completing the objective or by eliminating the opposing team.
CS:GO is known for its strategic depth, requiring players to master weapon handling, map knowledge, and teamwork. The game has a robust competitive scene with numerous tournaments, including the prestigious Major Championships, where teams compete for large prize pools and international acclaim. CS:GO continues to be a cornerstone in the world of esport games, attracting millions of players and fans globally.
League of Legends
Release Year: 2009
Total Prize Money Awarded: $105 million
Noteworthy Tournaments: LoL World Championship
Top Players: Faker (Lee Sang-hyeok) , Knight (Zhuo Ding) ,Ruler (Park Jae-hyuk)
League of Legends is one of the biggest esports games, developed by Riot Games and released in 2009. This multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game features two teams of five players each, battling to destroy the opposing team’s Nexus, located in their base.
Players choose from a roster of over 150 champions, each with unique abilities and roles, to create diverse team compositions and strategies. The game map is divided into three lanes and a jungle area, where players fight against enemy champions, minions, and neutral monsters to gain gold and experience. Successful teamwork and strategic planning are essential to outmaneuver and overpower the opposing team.
League of Legends has a vibrant competitive scene with numerous regional leagues and international tournaments, such as the World Championship, where teams from around the globe compete for significant prize money and prestigious titles. The game’s dynamic gameplay and deep strategic elements ensure its place among the biggest esports games, drawing millions of players and viewers worldwide.
Fortnite
Release Year: 2017
Total Prize Money Awarded: $174.2 million
Noteworthy Tournaments: Fortnite World Cup Finals, Fortnite Fall Skirmish Series
Top Players: Bugha (Kyle Giersdorf) , Queasy (Aleksa Cvetkovic) , Veno (Harry Pearson)
Fortnite is a prominent title among the top esports games, developed by Epic Games and released in 2017. This battle royale game has gained massive popularity due to its unique combination of shooting and building mechanics. In Fortnite, 100 players are dropped onto an island where they must gather resources, build structures, and eliminate opponents to be the last person or team standing.
Fortnite features vibrant graphics and frequent updates, introducing new content, events, and collaborations that keep the gameplay fresh and engaging. The game also includes various modes, such as solo, duo, and squad play, allowing players to compete alone or with friends.
Fortnite has a strong competitive scene, highlighted by events like the Fortnite World Cup, where players compete for substantial prize pools. The game’s mix of strategic building, shooting skills, and creative play keeps it at the forefront of top esports games, attracting millions of players and spectators worldwide.
StarCraft II
Release Year: 2010
Total Prize Money Awarded: $40.1 million
Noteworthy Tournaments: WCS Global Finals
Top Players: Serral (Joona Sotala) , Reynor (Riccardo Romiti) , Maru (Cho Seong Ju)
StarCraft II is a prominent title in esports gaming, developed by Blizzard Entertainment and released in 2010. This real-time strategy (RTS) game features three unique factions: Terran, Protoss, and Zerg. Each faction has its own distinct units, structures, and strategies, providing a variety of gameplay experiences.
In StarCraft II, players must gather resources, build bases, and assemble armies to defeat their opponents. Success requires careful management of economy, efficient unit production, and strategic deployment of forces. Matches can be highly dynamic, with fast-paced action and tactical maneuvers playing crucial roles.
StarCraft II has a well-established competitive scene, with numerous tournaments and leagues around the world. The game’s most prestigious event, the StarCraft II World Championship Series (WCS), attracts top players who compete for significant prize pools and international recognition. As a cornerstone of esports gaming, StarCraft II continues to captivate audiences with its depth, complexity, and intense competitive play.
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG)
Release Year: 2017
Total Prize Money Awarded: $57.4 million
Noteworthy Tournaments: PUBG Global Championship, PUBG Nations Cup
Top Players: ZpYan1 (Zhou Pinyan), TGLTN (James Giezen), Pio (Cha Seung-hoon)
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) is a standout title among the best esports games. Developed by PUBG Corporation and released in 2017, PUBG is a battle royale game where up to 100 players are dropped onto an island to fight until only one remains. Players must scavenge for weapons, armor, and supplies while navigating the shrinking play area to survive.
The game features various maps with different terrains, requiring players to adapt their strategies based on the environment. PUBG can be played in solo, duo, or squad modes, allowing for diverse tactical approaches and teamwork.
PUBG has a thriving competitive scene with major tournaments such as the PUBG Global Championship, where teams from around the world compete for substantial prize pools and global recognition. With its realistic gameplay, strategic depth, and intense action, PUBG has secured its place as one of the best esports games, captivating millions of players and viewers worldwide.
Hearthstone
Release Year: 2014
Total Prize Money Awarded: $29.5 million
Noteworthy Tournaments: Hearthstone World Championship, GrandMasters, Masters Tour
Top Players: BunnyHoppor (Raphael Peltzer), Uikyou, Glory (Sato Kenta)
Hearthstone is a prominent title among the top 10 esports games. Developed by Blizzard Entertainment and released in 2014, this digital collectible card game is set in the Warcraft universe. Players build decks from hundreds of unique cards and engage in one-on-one battles, using strategy and timing to outmaneuver their opponents.
Each match involves summoning minions, casting spells, and utilizing hero powers to reduce the opponent’s health to zero. Hearthstone’s gameplay is both accessible to new players and deeply strategic, offering a range of modes including Standard, Wild, and Battlegrounds.
The competitive scene for Hearthstone is robust, featuring events such as the Hearthstone World Championship, where top players compete for substantial prize pools and international prestige. With its engaging mechanics, strategic depth, and vibrant community, Hearthstone continues to be a key player in the top 10 esports games, attracting a global audience of players and fans.
Overwatch
Release Year: 2016
Total Prize Money Awarded: $34.6 million
Noteworthy Tournaments: Overwatch League
Top Players: SP9K1E (Kim Yeong-Han), Void (Jun-woo Kang), Edison (Kim Tae-Hoon)
Overwatch is a key title in the esports games list. Developed by Blizzard Entertainment and released in 2016, Overwatch is a team-based first-person shooter that features a diverse cast of characters, each with unique abilities and roles. The game emphasizes teamwork and strategy, with players working together to complete objectives such as capturing points or escorting payloads.
Overwatch includes multiple game modes, and its characters are categorized into three roles: Damage, Tank, and Support. This variety allows for dynamic and engaging gameplay, where players must coordinate their heroes’ strengths to outplay the opposing team.
The Overwatch League (OWL) is the premier competitive platform for the game, featuring professional teams from around the world competing in a structured season. With substantial prize pools and a dedicated fanbase, OWL highlights the game’s significance in the esports scene. Overwatch’s fast-paced action, strategic depth, and vibrant community ensure its place on any esports games list, captivating millions of players and viewers globally.
Rocket League
Release Year: 2016
Total Prize Money Awarded: $35.3 million
Noteworthy Tournaments: World Championship
Top Players: Zen (Alexis Bernier), Vatira (Axel Touret), M0nkey M00n (Evan Rogez)
Rocket League is a standout title among the most popular esports games. Developed by Psyonix and released in 2015, Rocket League combines soccer with high-speed cars, offering a unique and thrilling gameplay experience. Players control rocket-powered vehicles to hit a giant ball into the opponent’s goal, aiming to score more points than the opposing team within the match’s time limit.
Rocket League features various game modes, including 1v1, 2v2, and 3v3 matches, each requiring different strategies and teamwork. The game’s mechanics, which mix aerial acrobatics and precise control, make it accessible to newcomers while offering depth for competitive players.
The Rocket League Championship Series (RLCS) is the premier competitive event for the game, drawing top teams from around the world to compete for substantial prize pools and international recognition. With its fast-paced action, strategic gameplay, and vibrant community, Rocket League has firmly established itself as one of the most popular esports games, captivating millions of players and fans worldwide.
Valorant
Release Year: 2020
Total Prize Money Awarded: $26.8 million
Noteworthy Tournaments: VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT), VALORANT Champions 2023.
Top Players: TenZ (Tyson Ngo), zekken (Zachary Patrone), Meteor (Kim Tae-o)
Valorant is a prominent title among the top competitive games. Developed by Riot Games and released in 2020, Valorant is a tactical first-person shooter that combines precise gunplay with unique character abilities. Players choose from a roster of agents, each with distinct skills that can be used strategically to gain an advantage over the opposing team.
The game features a 5v5 format, where teams alternate between attacking and defending. The attacking team aims to plant a spike at designated sites, while the defending team tries to prevent this or defuse the spike if it has been planted. Each round can be won either by completing the objective or by eliminating the opposing team.
Valorant has quickly established a strong competitive scene, highlighted by events such as the Valorant Champions Tour (VCT), where top teams from around the world compete for substantial prize pools and global recognition. With its mix of tactical depth, strategic gameplay, and a vibrant community, Valorant has solidified its place among the top competitive games, attracting millions of players and viewers worldwide.
Most Played Competitive Games
The world of competitive video games is vast, with many titles vying for the attention of players seeking thrilling challenges and high-stakes competition. Among the most played competitive games, several stand out as the best online competitive games and best competitive games for PC. Below is a table showing the average number of daily online players and the record peak number of players for these top games:
Dota 2
Current
259,982
24h Peak
799,927
All-Time Peak
1,291,325
Counter-Strike
Current
1,049,186
24h Peak
1,470,222
All-Time Peak
1,818,773
League of Legends
Current
166,228
24h Peak
1,355,854
All-Time Peak
6,402,760
Fortnite
Current
159,352
24h Peak
247,331
All-Time Peak
739,575
StarCraft II
Current
50,318
24h Peak
110,652
All-Time Peak
176,413
PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS
Current
202,640
24h Peak
630,703
All-Time Peak
3,257,248
Hearthstone
Current
45,456
24h Peak
100,854
All-Time Peak
291,075
Overwatch
Current
25,345
24h Peak
43,922
All-Time Peak
75,608
Rocket League
Current
29,313
24h Peak
29,575
All-Time Peak
147,632
Valorant
Current
71,497
24h Peak
117,245
All-Time Peak
1,687,848
Main Esports Games Genres
The world of competitive esports games is diverse, embracing various genres that each offer unique challenges and excitement. Here are the main esports game genres featuring some of the most popular competitive games.
- First-Person Shooters (FPS): Titles like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) and Valorant dominate this genre. These games focus on precision, strategy, and teamwork, with players competing in intense, tactical matches. FPS games are among the most competitive online games, attracting both casual and professional players.
- Multiplayer Online Battle Arenas (MOBAs): League of Legends and Dota 2 are leading examples in this genre. Players select unique characters with distinct abilities and engage in strategic 5v5 battles. MOBAs are known for their deep strategic gameplay and are some of the most popular competitive games in esports.
- Battle Royales: Fortnite and PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) are top contenders in this genre. Players compete to be the last person or team standing on a shrinking map, requiring a mix of survival skills, combat proficiency, and strategic planning. These games are some of the most competitive online games, drawing large audiences and player bases.
- Real-Time Strategy (RTS): StarCraft II remains a key player in this genre, emphasizing resource management, tactical unit deployment, and strategic planning. RTS games are known for their complexity and are a staple in competitive esports games.
- Sports and Racing Games: Titles like FIFA and Rocket League bring real-world sports into the esports arena. Players compete in fast-paced matches, requiring both skill and strategic thinking. These games are popular for their accessibility and excitement, making them top competitive games.
These genres surround the most popular competitive games, each offering unique gameplay experiences that test players’ skills and strategies, solidifying their places in the competitive esports landscape.
How do the Biggest Esports Games and Tournaments Work?
The biggest esports games and tournaments are structured to showcase the best talent in competitive multiplayer games. These events draw large audiences and feature intense matches, making them a focal point in the world of competitive games.
- Game Format: In competitive multiplayer games, teams or individual players face off in matches that test their skills, strategies, and teamwork. Popular formats include best-of-series, where multiple games determine the winner, and single-elimination brackets, where one loss means elimination from the tournament.
- Qualifiers and Leagues: Many tournaments begin with online or regional qualifiers, allowing teams to earn spots in larger, more prestigious events. Some games have structured leagues with regular seasons, playoffs, and finals, similar to traditional sports.
- Prize Pools: The biggest tournaments often feature substantial prize pools, attracting top-tier talent from around the world. For instance, Dota 2’s The International and Fortnite’s World Cup offer multi-million dollar prizes, elevating the stakes and competitiveness.
- Broadcast and Coverage: Major esports tournaments are broadcasted live on platforms like Twitch and YouTube, with professional commentators providing play-by-play analysis. These broadcasts include pre- and post-match discussions, player interviews, and highlights, engaging viewers and enhancing the overall experience.
- Team and Player Rankings: Competitive games often feature ranking systems to track the performance of teams and individual players. These rankings influence tournament seedings and invite decisions, ensuring that the top competitors face off in high-stakes matches.
- Community and Fan Engagement: Esports tournaments foster strong community engagement through social media, live events, and fan interactions. Fans can support their favorite teams, participate in discussions, and even attend live events to witness the action firsthand.
The biggest esports games and tournaments are meticulously organized to highlight the climax of competitive multiplayer games. With structured formats, significant prize pools, and broad coverage, these events captivate global audiences and drive the growth of competitive games.
What Games are Played in Esports
Esports features a wide range of games that test players’ skills and strategies in various ways. Here are some of the most competitive video games that dominate the esports scene:
- League of Legends: This popular MOBA requires teams to destroy the opposing team’s Nexus through strategic gameplay and coordination. It’s one of the best competitive video games, with a massive player base and numerous tournaments, including the World Championship.
- Dota 2: Another leading MOBA, Dota 2 features complex gameplay where teams of five battle to destroy the enemy’s Ancient. Known for its strategic depth and high-stakes tournaments like The International, it’s a cornerstone of esports.
- Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO): This tactical first-person shooter pits teams of terrorists and counter-terrorists against each other in objective-based matches. CS:GO is renowned for its precision gameplay and competitive scene, making it one of the top competitive games.
- Valorant: Combining tactical shooting with unique agent abilities, Valorant has quickly become a favorite in the esports community. Its strategic gameplay and fast-paced action place it among the best competitive games pc.
- Fortnite: This battle royale game combines shooting and building mechanics, requiring players to outlast opponents on a shrinking map. Fortnite’s massive tournaments and unique gameplay make it a staple in competitive gaming.
- StarCraft II: As a leading real-time strategy game, StarCraft II involves resource management and tactical unit control. It’s a favorite among strategy enthusiasts and features prominently in esports competitions.
- Rocket League: Combining soccer with rocket-powered cars, Rocket League offers a unique and exciting competitive experience. Its easy-to-learn but hard-to-master gameplay makes it popular among both players and spectators.
- Overwatch: This team-based shooter features diverse heroes with unique abilities, requiring teamwork and strategy to complete objectives. Overwatch’s dynamic gameplay and professional league make it a significant title in esports.
- Hearthstone: As a digital collectible card game, Hearthstone involves strategic deck building and turn-based battles. It’s a favorite in the esports scene for its depth and accessibility.
- PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG): This battle royale game focuses on survival and combat, with players fighting to be the last one standing. PUBG’s intense gameplay and large-scale tournaments keep it at the forefront of competitive gaming.
These games represent the peak of competitive gaming, each bringing unique challenges and thrills to players and spectators alike. Their widespread popularity and dedicated professional scenes ensure that esports will continue to grow and captivate audiences around the world. Whether you’re a player looking to compete or a fan enjoying the spectacle, these titles offer some of the best experiences in competitive gaming.
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