Esports is defined by the rivalling teams and players that captivate audiences. Some rivalries, like Korea vs. China in League of Legends, achieved legendary status, while others fizzled out quickly, such as Faze Clan vs. OpTic Gaming in Call of Duty. The most intense matchups can draw in huge audiences and define the esports landscape for future generations. Esports rivalries are continually evolving, but the most memorable are those that last and stand the test of time, with each side trying to prove that they are the best.

The Rise and Fall of the Biggest Esports Rivalries

Introduction

Esports is a diverse and dynamic industry that is constantly evolving. As with any sport, one of the most exciting aspects of esports is the rivalry between teams and players. These rivalries have the power to captivate audiences, and they often become one of the defining aspects of the competition. However, not all esports rivalries are created equal. Some rise to legendary status while others flame out quickly.

Rivalries that Defined Esports

Here are some of the biggest esports rivalries that have stood the test of time:

Korea vs. China in League of Legends

Korean and Chinese teams have long dominated competitive League of Legends, leading to a fierce regional rivalry. The two regions constantly trade blows in international competitions, with each side trying to prove they are the best. The rivalry reached its peak at the 2018 League of Legends World Championship finals, where Chinese team Invictus Gaming defeated Korean team SK Telecom T1.

Fnatic vs. G2 in League of Legends

This is a rivalry that has been building for years. Fnatic and G2 have long been the dominant forces in European League of Legends, and their rivalry has only intensified as they continue to compete at the highest level. Their rivalry culminated in the 2019 LEC Summer Split finals, where G2 defeated Fnatic in a thrilling best-of-five series.

Navi vs. Astralis in CS:GO

Natus Vincere (Navi) and Astralis have been two of the most dominant teams in CS:GO for years. Their rivalry has seen them trade victories back and forth, with each team trying to prove they are the best in the world. In 2019, the two teams met in the grand finals of the StarLadder Berlin Major, with Astralis coming out on top.

Rivalries that Didn’t Live up to the Hype

Not all esports rivalries reach legendary status. Here are some rivalries that were hyped up but ultimately failed to deliver:

TSM vs. Cloud9 in League of Legends

TSM and Cloud9 were hyped up as the biggest rivalry in North American League of Legends, but in reality, the two teams never reached the heights expected of them. While they occasionally produced exciting matches, their rivalry lacked the consistency and dominance needed to become a true classic.

Faze Clan vs. OpTic Gaming in Call of Duty

In earlier years of competitive Call of Duty, Faze and OpTic were two of the biggest organizations in the scene. However, their rivalry never lived up to the hype, with both teams struggling to win championships in the same era. While their matches were often exciting, their rivalry never reached the level of intensity or consistency needed to become a legendary esports rivalry.

Conclusion

Esports rivalries are a crucial aspect of the industry, with the most intense matchups capable of drawing in huge audiences. Not all rivalries are created equal, however, with some failing to live up to the hype. Nonetheless, the most legendary rivalries will be remembered for years to come, defining the esports landscape for future generations.