There are tons of video games out there today, and the industry is worth trillions. Yet, have you ever wondered what the most popular competitive video games are? Well, there are plenty of those, and many will actually be viable markets to bet on at places such as Pinnacle Esports. To find out more about the brand, you can read this review, but first, you may want to know which the most popular esports games out there are.
Table of Contents
1. Overwatch
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Overwatch has fun and an almost casual vibe, but it also has a depth of game play that will stick with you. The game successfully mingles first and third-person shooter mechanics and spices them with unique character abilities that will definitely make it worth your while. Players will find the experience greatly satisfying, and even if you are a non-esports player, you will definitely keep coming back to Overwatch for more refreshing action.
2. Dota 2
Dota 2 is without a doubt the world’s most famous esports game. The game started as a simple map mode for another game, Warcraft 3, but it quickly gained popularity around its crowning event – The International. Why? Because Valve was the first company to believe that esports has much potential, and as a result, Gabe Newell and fellow executives decided to really push the prize purse for esports events.
The first Dota 2 event had a modest $1 million in prize money, but the latest one posted $40 million. The game is one that is centered on two warring factions, each represented by five heroes. Each hero has unique abilities that allow them to take advantage of a situation and try to destroy the opposing side’s base.
3. League of Legends
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Another popular MOBA, League of Legends, has a fantastic game play and learning curve. Unlike other games that expect too much from you from the moment you join, League of Legends feels very easy and intuitive to play. You almost don’t have to think about getting familiar with the game, and then, as you progress, you will find out that delving into some of the deeper aspects of the game requires practice and patience.
Nevertheless, League of Legends is another very popular game, and as such, it has a global fan base. In fact, the game is played as franchised leagues, the same way you have soccer leagues, and that is another reason why it’s so popular. A single spot in any of these franchised leagues may cost anything from $30 million to $60 million.
4. Starcraft
Starcraft is, without a doubt, the most challenging game you can ever play in a competitive format. The title has two distinct elements – micro and macro – that can be very difficult to master, and this is just the way it is.
Players who are keen to try the game will have to come prepared that there is a lot of depth to Starcraft, and that is precisely what makes it so popular as a competitive title today.
5. Rocket League
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Rocket League is a game that offers vastly different gameplay. It’s based on two simple premises – fast cars and soccer. Now, you are probably thinking, how is it even possible to mingle these two together? Well, as it turns out, you absolutely can, and it’s not just that Rocket League is a unique esports title; it’s also one of the most successful competitive games out there.
It’s especially popular on a college level, and as such, you can see why so many people are playing the title and why its popularity continues to increase day in and day out. Players who are keen to try a great title may as well give the Rocket League a fair shot!
6. MTG: Arena
If you love the classic trade card game Magic The Gathering, you will definitely love MTG: Arena. It’s a digital version of the original, and it’s considered an esports today. The game has a solid global following making for an amazing competitive ecosystem and many people to play against.
7. Hearthstone
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Hearthstone is Blizzard’s own highly successful crack at collectible card games. It’s fun, it’s light, and while it takes some mastery and understanding, the game is an absolute and worthwhile blast. Players are invited to have a shot at Hearthstone if they want to compete and put their skill to the fore and in terms of pure popularity – Hearthstone is maybe one of the most played games in its genre.
8. Call of Duty
Call of Duty is a timeless classic. The game went to esports just recently, but it has been quite successful in its stated goal, and today, you can expect to see many Call of Duty competitions. In fact, the Call of Duty League (CDL) now costs between $40 million and $60 million per slot per team.
9. Valorant
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Valorant is Riot Games’ most recent and quite ambitious first-person shooter. The game is an absolute blast, and just like Overwatch, it introduces numerous new mechanics to the gameplay experience that adds to the overall game satisfaction you derive. Valiant’s heroes are called “agents,” and mastering each is a fun experience.
10. PUBG
PUBG is one of the most fun games to play right now. It’s a battle royale game where you and your team of three or five players join the fray and compete against a hundred or so more. Each team is trying to eliminate the others, of course, with a lot of grenades and rocket launcher missiles flying around and, not least, vehicles speeding at break-neck speed.
The game can be absolute chaos, but when played competitively, PUBG is a fantastic title that will definitely make it worth your while. There are competitions for both the desktop and mobile versions of the game, and they are both worthwhile. Players need to cultivate a fair degree of shooting skills, but the tactical element may have an even greater significance in this game of cat-and-mouse.
