Esports has taken the gaming world by storm, evolving from casual competitions to global tournaments that offer prize pools in the millions. With a growing audience and an ever-expanding roster of games, esports continues to redefine competitive entertainment.
The most popular titles are not only enjoyable to play but also offer thrilling spectator experiences, creating a symbiotic relationship between players and viewers. Here are the top esports games that dominate the scene in 2024, showcasing their competitive strength, massive communities, and staggering prize pools.
Dota 2, developed by Valve Corporation, is arguably the most prominent name in esports when it comes to prize pools. It has awarded an astounding $355 million, with its annual tournament, The International, setting records for the largest cash pots in esports history. The game’s complexity, which involves over 100 heroes and deep strategic gameplay, has made it a challenging but rewarding experience for both players and spectators.
Countries like China and Europe lead in the competitive scene, with top players such as Johan Sundstein and Jesse Vainikka earning millions. Dota 2's steep learning curve requires teams to coordinate well, which adds to its excitement and competitive nature.
Released in 2012, CS has become synonymous with first-person shooters in the esportsworld. Its simple yet deep gameplay has attracted more than 16,000 professional players globally, with a total prize pool of $162 million awarded as of 2024. The CS major tournaments, such as the PGL Major Stockholm, are highly anticipated events, drawing massive viewership. Many professional players hone their skills through practice, often while enjoying other sports gamesto unwind, which helps maintain their competitive edge in high-stakes tournaments. The game is particularly popular in countries like Russia and Denmark, where top players such as Andreas Højsleth and Peter Rasmussen have achieved notable success. CS excels in providing a balanced competitive environment, where strategy, teamwork, and precision are paramount.
Fortnite, developed by Epic Games, has transformed the battle royale genre since its release in 2017. The game offers various modes, including the popular Battle Royale, where up to 100 players fight to be the last one standing. Fortnite has awarded over $185 million in prize money, making it a lucrative title for competitive players.
The Fortnite World Cup Finals is one of the most exciting events in the esports calendar, with players like Kyle "Bugha" Giersdorf becoming instant stars. What makes Fortnite stand out is its blend of building mechanics and combat, creating a dynamic and fast-paced experience that appeals to younger audiences.
Riot Games' League of Legends continues to dominate the esports landscape. This multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game has awarded over $111 million in prize money, with the annual LoL World Championship being one of the most watched esports events globally.
LoL's appeal lies in its strategic depth, with players needing to master unique champions, each with their abilities and roles. This complexity is a key reason why LoL is more than just a game - it has become a part of pop culture, much like memes about sportsthat spread quickly through the community. The game's strong presence in Asia, especially in South Korea, has produced top players like Sang Hyeok Lee and Jun Sik Bae, who have become legends in the esports world. LoL's constant updates and well-maintained competitive balance make it a staple in the esports community.
Valorant, a tactical shooter developed by Riot Games, made waves when it launched in 2020. The game blends elements of traditional FPS games like CS with hero-based abilities similar to Overwatch, creating a unique and strategic experience. Despite being relatively new, Valorant has quickly secured its place in the esports world, with tournaments like the Valorant Champions Tour offering large prize pools.
The game’s professional scene is growing fast, with teams worldwide competing in various leagues. Its combination of precise gunplay and tactical abilities ensures that Valorant remains a top contender in the esports scene.
Blizzard Entertainment's Overwatch is a team-based first-person shooter that has been a significant player in esports since its release in 2016. The Overwatch League (OWL) is the game's premier competitive circuit, where city-based teams from around the world battle for supremacy. The game awarded over $35 million in prize money by 2024, with major tournaments drawing large audiences.
What sets Overwatch apart is its hero-based mechanics, where each character offers different abilities that contribute to team strategy. This variety in gameplay ensures that no two matches are the same, keeping both players and spectators engaged.
Call of Duty has always been a staple in the first-person shooter genre, and Warzone solidified its position in esports with its battle royale mode. Since its release, Warzone has hosted major events like the Call of Duty League (CDL), offering substantial prize pools.
The game’s tactical gameplay, combined with the fast-paced action typical of Call of Duty, makes it a thrilling competitive title. Many professional players and enthusiasts alike enjoy keeping up with the latest trends in online betting, often placing bets on their favorite teams during high-profile tournaments. Warzone has built a strong fanbase worldwide, with professional players and teams constantly pushing the limits of the game’s mechanics. Its combination of solo, duo, and squad play allows for varied strategies and playstyles, keeping the game fresh.
Rocket League is one of the most unique esports titles, combining soccer with rocket-powered cars. Released in 2015, the game’s simple yet competitive gameplay has captivated both casual and professional players alike. The Rocket League Championship Series (RLCS) is the game's premier tournament, where teams from around the globe compete for sizable prize pools.
With over $39 million in prize money awarded, Rocket League has become a favorite in North America and Europe. Its fast-paced action and creative plays make it a thrilling game to watch, as players perform acrobatic maneuvers to score goals.
Hearthstone, Blizzard Entertainment’s free-to-play digital card game, has carved out its niche in esports. The game has awarded over $29 million in prize money, with tournaments like the Hearthstone World Championship and Masters Tour drawing the best players worldwide. The game is simple to learn but offers deep strategic elements that reward long-term mastery.
Players construct decks of 30 cards and select a hero with unique abilities, battling opponents in a turn-based format. Hearthstone’s engaging mechanics and strategic depth ensure that it remains a popular title in the esports world.
Nintendo’s Super Smash Bros. has long been a favorite in the fighting game community. The game's chaotic, fast-paced gameplay, combined with its iconic roster of characters, makes it a staple at major tournaments like EVO. Although Super Smash Bros. doesn’t receive as much official support from Nintendo as other games, its grassroots community keeps the competitive scene alive.
With various characters from across Nintendo franchises, the game allows for a mix of playstyles, keeping competitions unpredictable and exciting. Players like Gonzalo Barrios and William Hjelte have become well-known in the esports scene for their mastery of the game.
Dota 2 holds the record for the largest prize pools in esports, thanks to its annual tournament, The International, which consistently offers multi-million dollar prizes.
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS
Yes, mobile games like PUBG Mobile are gaining popularity, especially in regions like Southeast Asia and India, showing the growing impact of mobile gaming in esports.
Esports players make money through tournament winnings, sponsorships, streaming, and brand endorsements. Top players can earn substantial income, particularly in games with large prize pools.
The future of esports looks bright, with more games emerging and prize pools growing each year. As the industry expands, new titles may challenge the dominance of established games like Dota 2 and CS.
Looking ahead, the future of esports is promising. New games will inevitably emerge to challenge the current giants, and technological advancements will enhance both the player and viewer experience. Innovations like virtual reality and augmented reality could potentially redefine how esports are played and consumed, creating even more immersive experiences for fans worldwide.