In recent years, esports has exploded in popularity, with huge number of people tuning in to watch professional gamers compete in tournaments worldwide. Esports games come in all shapes and sizes, from first-person shooters to strategy games, and there’s something for everyone to enjoy. In this article, we’ll look at 11 top esports games you should be playing, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out.
League of Legends
League of Legends (LoL) is a popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game developed and published by Riot Games. In the play, two teams of five players control unique champions with different abilities and strengths, with the goal of destroying the enemy team’s Nexus while defending their own.
Players can level up their champions throughout the game, purchase items, and coordinate with their team to secure objectives and win fights. One of the unique aspects of LoL is its extensive lore and world-building, with each champion having a detailed backstory and personality.
The game also features a competitive ranked mode, where players can climb the ladder and compete in international tournaments for millions of dollars in prize money. With its combination of strategic gameplay, teamwork, and immersive world-building, League of Legends has become a staple in online gaming.
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO) is a first-person shooter game that has been a staple of the esports scene for years. In this game, two teams of five players compete to either plant a bomb or defend a location. Players can choose from various weapons and equipment; communication and strategy are crucial to success. CS: GO tournaments draw huge crowds, with millions of dollars up for grabs in prize money.
Dota 2
Dota 2 is another MOBA game that is similar to League of Legends. In this game, two teams of five players compete to destroy the other team’s base while defending their own. Like League of Legends, Dota 2 has an extensive roster of heroes, each with unique abilities and play styles. Dota 2 tournaments are some of the most significant esports events in the world, with prize pools that can reach tens of millions of dollars.
Fortnite
Fortnite is a royale game that has overtaken the gaming world. In this game, up to 100 players parachute onto an island and play against each other to be the last standing. Players can gather resources and build structures to defend themselves or gain a strategic advantage. Its esports scene is rapidly growing with major tournaments and events.
Overwatch
Overwatch is a team-based first-person shooter play that has acquired a massive following since its release in 2016. In this game, two teams of six players compete to complete objectives or eliminate the other team. Each player can choose from various heroes with unique abilities and roles. In addition, Overwatch has a dedicated esports league with teams worldwide competing for millions of dollars in prize money.
Rainbow Six Siege
Rainbow Six Siege is a tactical FPS (first-person shooter) game that has become a popular esports title in recent years. In this game, two teams of five players compete to complete objectives or eliminate the other team.
Communication and strategy are crucial to success, as players must work together to breach or defend fortified locations. As a result, Rainbow Six Siege tournaments have grown in popularity, with major events offering significant prize money.
Rocket League
Rocket League is a unique game that combines soccer with high-speed cars. In this game, two teams of up to four players compete to score goals by hitting a giant ball with their vehicles. Players can use a boost to increase their speed or perform flips and tricks to gain an advantage. Rocket League has a dedicated esports scene with professional teams and tournaments worldwide.
Valorant
Valorant is a team-based first-person shooter game that has gained much attention since its release in 2020. In this game, two teams of five players compete to either plant or defuse a bomb or eliminate the other team.
Players choose from various agents, each with unique abilities and play styles. Valorant combines elements of both Counter-Strike and Overwatch and has quickly become one of the most popular esports games in the world.
StarCraft II
StarCraft II is based on a real-time strategy, which has been a mainstay in the esports scene for over a decade. In this game, players are one of three races and must gather resources, build armies, and destroy their opponent’s base.
StarCraft II requires quick thinking, strategic planning, and precise execution. The game has a professional esports league with events worldwide, producing some of the most memorable moments in history.
Street Fighter V
Street Fighter V is a classic fighting game that has been around for decades. In this game, players choose from a roster of characters and compete in one-on-one matches to deplete their opponent’s health bar.
Street Fighter V has a dedicated esports scene with professional players and tournaments worldwide. The game requires lightning-fast reflexes, precise execution, and a deep understanding of each character’s moves and abilities.
Smite
Smite is another MOBA game that sets itself apart by having players control their characters from a third-person perspective. In this game, two teams of five players compete to destroy the other team’s base while defending their own.
In addition, Smite has an extensive roster of gods and goddesses from various mythologies for players, each with unique abilities and play styles. Smite’s esports scene has grown in popularity recently, with major tournaments offering significant prize money.
Esports games have come a long way in recent years, and there’s no denying their popularity and impact. From MOBAs to first-person shooters to strategy games, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So whether you’re a pro or just starting, there’s no better time into esports. With millions of players and dollars in prize money up for grabs, there’s never been a better time to join the esports community and start playing one of these top 11 esports games.