Esports has grown from a niche hobby to a global phenomenon, captivating millions of fans and players worldwide. In 2024, the esports landscape continues to evolve, with new games emerging and established titles maintaining their dominance. This article explores the most popular esports gamesin 2024, providing a comprehensive guide for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Criteria For Popularity

To determine the popularity of esports games in 2024, we considered several factors:

• Player Base and Activity: The number of active players and the size of the community.
• Viewership Statistics: Numbers from major tournaments and regular broadcasts.
• Tournament Prize Pools: The total monetary rewards available in competitions.
• Community Engagement: Interaction and participation levels on social media and forums.

Leading The Charge: The Titans Of Esports In 2024

Certain games stand out as the main pillars of the esports community in 2024. These games have massive player bases, draw huge audiences, and foster vibrant communities. Let’s dive into the key titles making waves in esports, examining their history, gameplay, and what makes them so compelling.

League Of Legends

League of Legends(LoL), developed by Riot Games, remains a cornerstone of the esports industry.

• History and Evolution: Released in 2009, LoL has evolved with regular updates and new content.
• Gameplay Overview: A multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game where teams of five players battle to destroy the opponent's Nexus.
• Major Tournaments and Events: The League of Legends World Championship is a highly-watched event, drawing millions of viewers globally.
• Professional Scene: Prominent teams like T1, G2 Esports, and Fnatic are well-known in the LoL community.
• Community and Fan Engagement: The game has a massive online community with active participation on forums, social media, and in fan events.

Dota 2

Dota 2, another MOBA game developed by Valve Corporation, is a major player in the esports arena.

• History and Evolution: Released in 2013, Dota 2 has seen numerous updates and enhancements.
• Gameplay Overview: Players select heroes with unique abilities to battle in teams of five, aiming to destroy the enemy's Ancient.
• Major Tournaments and Events: The International features some of the largest prize pools in esports history.
• Professional Scene: Teams like OG, Team Secret, and Evil Geniuses dominate the competitive landscape.
• Community and Fan Engagement: Dota 2's passionate community is active on platforms like Reddit and Twitch.

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive(CS) is one of the most enduring and popular first-person shooters in esports.Major Championships, and more.

• History and Evolution: Released in 2012, CShas maintained its popularity through consistent updates and community support.
• Gameplay Overview: Teams of terrorists and counter-terrorists face off in various objective-based game modes.
• Major Tournaments and Events: Events like ESL One and the CSMajor Championships draw huge audiences and substantial prize money.
• Professional Scene: Legendary teams such as Astralis, Natus Vincere, and FaZe Clan are key figures in the CSworld.
• Community and Fan Engagement: The game’s community is robust, with active participation on forums, social media, and streaming platforms.

Valorant

Valorant, developed by Riot Games, has quickly risen to prominence since its release in 2020.

• History and Evolution: Valorant has grown rapidly, with regular updates and new content.
• Gameplay Overview: A tactical first-person shooter where teams compete in various objective-based modes, featuring agents with unique abilities.
• Major Tournaments and Events: The Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) is a major competitive circuit with significant viewership and prize pools.
• Professional Scene: Teams like Sentinels, Team Liquid, and Fnatic are prominent in the Valorant competitive scene.
• Community and Fan Engagement: Valorant enjoys a vibrant community with active discussions and streaming on platforms like Twitch and YouTube.

Fortnite

Fortnite, developed by Epic Games, remains a cultural phenomenon in the gamingand esports world.

• History and Evolution: Since its release in 2017, Fortnite has continuously evolved with new seasons and content.
• Gameplay Overview: A battle royale game where 100 players fight to be the last one standing, featuring unique building mechanics.
• Major Tournaments and Events: The Fortnite World Cup and various seasonal tournaments attract massive viewership and participation.
• Professional Scene: Top players like Bugha, Clix, and Benjyfishy are well-known in the Fortnite community.
• Community and Fan Engagement: Fortnite’s community is vast and engaged, with significant presence on social media and streaming platforms.

Overwatch 2

Overwatch 2, developed by Blizzard Entertainment, builds on the success of its predecessor with new content and gameplay enhancements.

• History and Evolution: Released in 2022, Overwatch 2 introduces new heroes, maps, and game modes.
• Gameplay Overview: A team-based shooter where players select heroes with unique abilities to compete in various game modes.
• Major Tournaments and Events: The Overwatch League (OWL) is a major competitive league with global participation.
• Professional Scene: Teams like Dallas Fuel, San Francisco Shock, and Shanghai Dragons are key players in the OWL.
• Community and Fan Engagement: Overwatch 2’s community is highly active, with strong engagement on social media and streaming platforms.

Call Of Duty: Warzone

Call of Duty: Warzone, developed by Infinity Ward and Raven Software, is a leading battle royale game in esports.

• History and Evolution: Released in 2020, Warzone has become a staple in the battle royale genre.
• Gameplay Overview: Players compete in a large-scale battle royale, featuring realistic combat and tactical gameplay.
• Major Tournaments and Events: Warzone tournaments, like the World Series of Warzone, draw significant attention and prize pools.
• Professional Scene: Teams and players like FaZe Clan, OpTic Gaming, and NICKMERCS are prominent in the Warzone community.
• Community and Fan Engagement: Warzone’s community is highly engaged, with active participation on social media and streaming platforms.

Apex Legends

Apex Legends, developed by Respawn Entertainment, continues to be a major player in the battle royale esports scene.

• History and Evolution: Since its release in 2019, Apex Legends has maintained a strong player base with regular updates.
• Gameplay Overview: A battle royale game where teams of three compete, each player selecting unique legends with special abilities.
• Major Tournaments and Events: The Apex Legends Global Series (ALGS) is a major competitive circuit with significant viewership and prize pools.
• Professional Scene: Teams like TSM, NRG, and Cloud9 are prominent in the Apex Legends competitive scene.
• Community and Fan Engagement: Apex Legends enjoys a vibrant community with active discussions and streaming on platforms like Twitch and YouTube.

Rocket League

Rocket League, developed by Psyonix, combines soccer and vehicular acrobatics in a unique and exciting esports experience.

• History and Evolution: Released in 2015, Rocket League has become a staple in esports with a unique gameplay style.
• Gameplay Overview: Players control rocket-powered cars to hit a ball into the opponent’s goal, playing in teams of up to four.
• Major Tournaments and Events: The Rocket League Championship Series (RLCS) is a major competitive league with global participation.
• Professional Scene: Teams like Team BDS, G2 Esports, and NRG are key players in the Rocket League community.
• Community and Fan Engagement: Rocket League’s community is highly active, with strong engagement on social media and streaming platforms.

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, developed by Moonton, is a leading mobile MOBA game in esports.

• History and Evolution: Since its release in 2016, Mobile Legends has grown in popularity, particularly in Southeast Asia.
• Gameplay Overview: Teams of five compete to destroy the opponent’s base, each player selecting unique heroes.
• Major Tournaments and Events: The Mobile Legends Professional League (MPL) is a major competitive circuit with significant viewership and prize pools.
• Professional Scene: Teams like Bren Esports, RRQ Hoshi, and Blacklist International are prominent in the Mobile Legends community.
• Community and Fan Engagement: Mobile Legends enjoys a vibrant community with active discussions and streaming on platforms like Facebook and YouTube.

PUBG Mobile

PUBG Mobile, developed by Tencent Games, remains a dominant force in mobile esports.

• History and Evolution: Released in 2018, PUBG Mobile has maintained a strong player base with regular updates.
• Gameplay Overview: Players compete in a battle royale, with the last person or team standing declared the winner.
• Major Tournaments and Events: The PUBG Mobile Global Championship (PMGC) is a major competitive circuit with significant viewership and prize pools.
• Professional Scene: Teams like Nova Esports, Bigetron RA, and Natus Vincere are prominent in the PUBG Mobile community.
• Community and Fan Engagement: PUBG Mobile’s community is highly engaged, with active participation on social media and streaming platforms.

FIFA 24

FIFA 24, developed by EA Sports, is the latest installment in the popular soccer simulation series and a major player in esports.

• History and Evolution: Since its first release in 1993, the FIFA series has evolved with each annual installment.
• Gameplay Overview: Players control soccer teams, competing in realistic matches and various game modes.
• Major Tournaments and Events: The FIFA eWorld Cup and various regional leagues are key events in the competitive scene.
• Professional Scene: Players like Tekkz, MsDossary, and Msdossary7 are prominent in the FIFA community.
• Community and Fan Engagement: FIFA’s community is highly active, with strong engagement on social media and streaming platforms.

Rainbow Six Siege

Rainbow Six Siege, developed by Ubisoft, continues to be a major player in the tactical shooter esports scene.

• History and Evolution: Released in 2015, Rainbow Six Siege has maintained a strong player base with regular updates.
• Gameplay Overview: Teams of attackers and defenders compete in various objective-based game modes.
• Major Tournaments and Events: The Rainbow Six Pro League and the Six Invitational are major competitive events.
• Professional Scene: Teams like G2 Esports, Team Liquid, and FaZe Clan are prominent in the Rainbow Six Siege community.
• Community and Fan Engagement: Rainbow Six Siege’s community is highly active, with strong engagement on social media and streaming platforms.

Street Fighter V

Street Fighter V, developed by Capcom, is a staple in the fighting game esports scene.

• History and Evolution: Since its release in 2016, Street Fighter V has been a cornerstone of the fighting game community.
• Gameplay Overview: Players control fighters with unique moves and abilities, competing in one-on-one matches.
• Major Tournaments and Events: The Capcom Pro Tour and EVO are major competitive events in the Street Fighter scene.
• Professional Scene: Players like Daigo, Tokido, and Punk are well-known in the Street Fighter community.
• Community and Fan Engagement: Street Fighter V’s community is highly active, with strong engagement on social media and streaming platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Makes A Game Popular In Esports?

Popular esports games typically have a large player base, high viewership, substantial prize pools, and strong community engagement.

How Do Esports Tournaments Work?

Esports tournaments often involve teams or individuals competing in various rounds or brackets to determine the winner, with matches streamed live for viewers.

What Are The Biggest Esports Events In 2024?

Major events include The International (Dota 2), League of Legends World Championship, CS

How Can I Get Involved In Esports?

You can get involved by playing competitively, following and supporting teams, or pursuing careers in related fields such as game development, broadcasting, and event management.

What Is The Future Of Mobile Esports?

Mobile esports is expected to grow, with games like Mobile Legends and PUBG Mobile leading the charge, supported by advancements in mobile technology.

Are There Any New Games Expected To Become Popular In Esports Soon?

Emerging games like Halo Infinite and Splitgate show promise and could become major esports titles in the near future.

Conclusion

The esports landscape in 2024 is diverse and vibrant, with a mix of established titles and emerging games. Popular esports games like League of Legends, Dota 2, and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive continue to dominate, while new contenders like Valorant and Apex Legends make significant strides. As the industry continues to grow, these popular esports games will shape the future of competitive gaming, offering exciting opportunities for players, fans, and stakeholders alike.