Think about your favorite video game. Now picture yourself competing against other players from around the world for fame and fortune. That’s the exciting world of esports, where competitive gaming has become a global phenomenon.
Esports, short for electronic sports, refers to professional gaming competitions where players go head-to-head in their favorite video games. These competitions have been around since the early 2000s but have exploded in popularity in recent years. With huge cash prizes, devoted fan bases, and millions of viewers, esports events are on par with traditional sports in terms of excitement and competition.
Some of the most popular competitive video games in the world right now include League of Legends, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Dota 2, Overwatch, and Fortnite. Let’s take a closer look at each of these games and why they have become staples in the esports scene.
League of Legends, developed by Riot Games, is a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game that pits two teams of five players against each other in a strategic battle to destroy the enemy’s base. With over 100 million monthly players and a thriving competitive scene, League of Legends has become one of the most popular esports games in the world. The annual League of Legends World Championship is one of the biggest esports events of the year, with millions of dollars in prize money up for grabs.
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, or CS:GO, is a first-person shooter game developed by Valve Corporation. In CS:GO, two teams of five players compete in fast-paced rounds of gunplay and strategy. The game has a huge following in the esports community, with major tournaments like the ESL Pro League and the Intel Extreme Masters drawing in thousands of viewers. With its high skill ceiling and intense gameplay, CS:GO remains a favorite among competitive gamers.
Dota 2, another MOBA game developed by Valve Corporation, is known for its complex gameplay and deep strategy. In Dota 2, two teams of five players battle it out on a map filled with obstacles and objectives. The game has a massive following in the esports world, with the annual Dota 2 International tournament offering millions of dollars in prize money. With its ever-changing meta and competitive scene, Dota 2 continues to be a top choice for esports fans.
Overwatch, developed by Blizzard Entertainment, is a team-based first-person shooter game that has taken the esports world by storm. In Overwatch, players choose from a diverse roster of heroes with unique abilities and roles, working together to achieve objectives and secure victory. The Overwatch League, a professional esports league with city-based teams, has brought the game to new heights in terms of competition and entertainment. With its fast-paced action and colorful cast of characters, Overwatch has become a fan favorite in the esports community.
Fortnite, developed by Epic Games, is a battle royale game that has become a cultural phenomenon since its release in 2017. In Fortnite, 100 players drop onto an island and compete in a last-man-standing battle to the death. The game’s unique building mechanics and vibrant art style have made it a hit with players of all ages, leading to a booming esports scene with tournaments like the Fortnite World Cup offering huge cash prizes. With its constantly evolving gameplay and pop culture crossover events, Fortnite has cemented its place as one of the most popular esports games in the world.
These are just a few of the many competitive video games that make up the exciting world of esports. Whether you’re a fan of strategy games like League of Legends and Dota 2 or fast-paced shooters like CS:GO and Overwatch, there’s something for everyone in the world of competitive gaming.
So next time you’re playing your favorite video game, think about taking your skills to the next level and competing in the thrilling world of esports. Who knows, you might just become the next esports superstar.
