Esports have completely changed how video games – and video gaming – are perceived. There was a time when the local arcade was the only place games were able to be played and the general consensus was that this was an activity for children. That might not have been completely true, but that was the image of gaming.
Consoles and generations of people growing up being able to play games in the comfort of their own homes have changed how we think about gaming now. But it is the rise of esports that has arguably revolutionized the industry. Professional players, millions of dollars in prize money, and the ability to place wagers on events at sportsbooks like BetUS have changed the way the gaming world is viewed.
As with anything connected to technology, the esports world is constantly evolving and changing. But there are some titles that are consistently played and viewed in great numbers. Here are some of the biggest esports out there at the current time, as far as viewing audiences and participation go.
Arena of Valor
Some of the names on this list may not be as instantly recognizable to those not fully immersed in the esports community. That is because the rise of mobile gaming has taken off remarkably in the last few years. One of the standout titles in this genre of gaming is undoubtedly Arena of Valor.
Originally released in 2015, Arena of Valor is a multiplayer online battle arena game (MOBA) that boasts two world championships and is included as a competitive sport in major events in Southeast Asia. Over 36 million people viewed one of the first tournaments in 2017. Playing much like League of Legends, Arena of Valor remains a hugely popular title.
Fortnite
Even if you know nothing about gaming, there is a very good chance that you will recognize elements of Fortnite. It is not an exaggeration to say that this title has completely transcended the gaming world and become a global phenomenon in its own right. Fortnite merchandise can now be found everywhere.
There are three main game modes and players can choose between them for different experiences of what is essentially a multiplayer title. The battle royale version is the one most popular with the esports community and the major events command huge prize money amounts and adulation of the best players.
Valorant
Taking inspiration from the Counter-Strike series, Valorant is a newer title, originally launched in 2020. Riot Games developed the first competitions and events, and the title has enjoyed high viewership ever since it first hit the scene just four years ago, proving the popularity of first-person shooter games.
Since 2023, there has also been a World Tour with franchise teams taking part in qualifying competitions that all build up to World Championships and Masters events. As with many of these kinds of games, players choose to either attack or defend positions and the near future setting adds an extra element of gameplay.
Counter-Strike
One of the most popular and long-running series of titles in the esports universe, Counter-Strike is nearing its quarter-century birthday, and there have been a number of titles that have delighted fans of first-person shooter gaming. Counter-Strike is regularly considered the prototype for these kinds of games.
The first version was launched in 2000 but more recent incarnations, like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) have really opened up the game to a wider audience. At its core, Counter-Strike is a battle between a team of terrorists and counter-terrorists and utilizes real-life terrains to great effect.
Mobile Legends Bang Bang
If there is one title that stands out as an example of how mobile gaming has changed esports in recent years, it is Mobile Legends Bang Bang. Although the original title was first launched in 2016, it is in recent years that this multiplayer online battle arena game has captivated the gaming audience.
Although there are more people playing some other more established esports, such as Dota 2 and Rocket League, Mobile Legends Bang Bang enjoys huge viewership numbers and continues to dominate the mobile gaming community. The similarities to League of Legends have caused some controversy but they have not seemed to have diminished its appeal.
League of Legends
Widely considered to be the greatest video game ever created, League of Legends (LoL) was developed and published by Riot Games in 2009. It is a multiplayer online battle arena title in which two teams occupy and defend their part of the map, with individual players controlling a “champion” who comes with their own abilities.
Regular updates to the game have proved beneficial and improved not only gameplay but viewing numbers also. Riot Games now operates 12 leagues around the world and the world championships are some of the biggest in esports. For a point of comparison, the elite events in 2016 eclipsed the NBA, the World Series, and the Stanley Cup finals in terms of online viewership and in-person attendance.
League of Legends continues to be the esport that all other developers compare their titles to and, even with the ongoing popularity and profitability of the industry, it is likely to remain that way for a good while yet.
