Esports has become a global phenomenon with millions of viewers and tens of thousands of professional players. Here are the top 6 esports games today: League of Legends, Dota 2, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Overwatch, Fortnite, and Starcraft II. League of Legends is the biggest esports title in the world, followed by Dota 2 and CS:GO. Among other popular titles are Overwatch and Fortnite, which have growing esports scenes. Starcraft II is a real-time strategy game that has a massive following, particularly in South Korea, and hosts various competitions throughout the year, with the biggest being the World Championship Series.
The Top Esports Games of Today: A Guide to the Best Competitions and Leagues
Esports has become a massive industry around the world. With millions of viewers and tens of thousands of professional players, esports has become a legitimized field of competition. The rise of esports has brought forth a variety of games that have taken the gaming world by storm. Here’s a rundown of the top esports games of today.
1. League of Legends
League of Legends is undoubtedly the biggest esports title in the world, having had over 100 million monthly players as of 2020. Developed and published by Riot Games, this online multiplayer battle arena game has been going strong since 2009. The game is a 5v5 contest where teams compete to destroy the enemy team’s nexus. Each player picks a champion with unique abilities, and the winner is decided by strategy, skill, and teamwork.
There are many high-profile competitions and leagues for League of Legends, with the biggest being the League of Legends World Championship, where teams from all over the world compete for the championship title.
2. Dota 2
Dota 2, developed and published by Valve Corporation, is a game similar to League of Legends with a few key differences. Dota 2 is a 5v5 game where the teams compete to destroy the enemy team’s ancient building. Players pick heroes, each with unique abilities, and cooperate to destroy the enemy’s buildings. Dota 2 also has a complex item system, allowing players to buy items to strengthen their hero. Dota 2 has a huge fan base and an established esports scene, with The International, the biggest Dota 2 competition, setting a record-breaking $34 million prize pool in 2019.
3. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO)
CS:GO is a first-person shooter and the successor to the 1999 game Counter-Strike. Valve Corporation made it, and it is widely regarded as one of the most skill-based multiplayer games in the world. Two teams, the terrorist team and the counter-terrorist team, compete to plant or defuse a bomb or rescue/hold hostages. CS:GO has been one of the most popular esports games for years, with viewership exceeding that of many traditional sports. ESL Pro League is the most prominent global league for Counter-Strike, with a yearly prize pool of upwards of $1 million.
4. Overwatch
Overwatch is a team-based first-person shooter game developed by Blizzard Entertainment. The game features two teams of six players each, with each player selecting a unique hero. The teams compete to complete objectives, such as capturing or defending points, or escorting payloads. Overwatch has gained popularity quickly, owing to its colorful art style and welcoming gameplay. The game has also had various esports events since release, with the Overwatch League being the most prestigious.
5. Fortnite
Fortnite is an online multiplayer game developed by Epic Games. It has become one of the most popular titles in the world today, with over 125 million players. The game features a battle royale mode, where up to 100 players compete to be the last player or team standing on a shrinking map. Fortnite’s esports scene has been rapidly growing, with its Fortnite World Cup boasting a $30 million prize pool in its first year.
6. StarCraft II
Blizzard Entertainment’s Starcraft II is a real-time strategy game that first released in 2010. It has since become a popular title in esports. Players control one of three different factions of characters and attempt to defeat their opponents by managing resources, building bases, and creating armies to outmaneuver their enemies. Starcraft II has a massive following, particularly in South Korea, and hosts various competitions all year round, with the biggest being the World Championship Series.
Conclusion
Esports has become a popular form of entertainment that is projected to grow even more in the future. These six games are among the most popular esports titles today, with wide-ranging fandoms and substantial esports scenes. So, feel free to take your pick and delve into the world of esports!