Bruce Dias 
Esports is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world, with millions of fans and players sucked into the world of competitive gaming. The foundations of esports lie in the games themselves; games are not only entertaining but capable of sporting competitive play.
Esports is popular across several different genres, from first-person shooters like Call of Duty, strategy games like League of Legends, and sports franchises like FIFA. There is something for everyone in esports, and this is what has led to its meteoric rise, with certain games standing out as the best for esports with their balance of play features and watchability. For some, competitive gaming has even become a career path, while others see it as the best side hustle in the digital era.
League of Legends
No game has had as much success in the world of esports as League of Legends has. Developed by Riot Games, it offers a fast-paced online multiplayer battle experience that translates perfectly to esports. The format of the game is that two teams of five players compete to destroy the opponent’s base. What makes League of Legends so popular is that the concept behind the game is very simple, yet it manages to combine strategy, teamwork, and individual skill, all into one viewing experience.
What sets League of Legends apart is its global infrastructure. Riot Games has built professional leagues across the globe, all intending to reach the world championships, which remain as one of the most-watched esports events. League of Legends has a massive player base that is continuing to grow, and its constant updates keep players engaged over time.
Counter-Strike 2
Counter-Strike has been a mainstay in the competitive gaming scene for over 20 years, and Counter-Strike 2 embodies the latest evolution in the series. The game is a tactical first-person shooter that focuses on precision and teamwork. Players compete in objective-based rounds, which makes every decision critical.
Not many games have managed to have the longevity quite like Counter-Strike has, and a big reason for this is that the game feels simple yet complex at the same time. For viewers, the matches are easy to follow and understand, but the stakes of each match feel incredibly high. Then, for the players, the game requires a high level of skill and accuracy, as missing one shot could cost their team the game. Counter-Strike tournaments are always flooded with high attendance, and its professional scene is as strong as it has ever been.
Fortnite
Fortnite took the world by storm in 2018 with its battle royale format, which has since made for a very hectic and entertaining esports game. Developers Epic Games have put a lot of time and effort into making their own competitive tournaments, some of which offer multi-million-dollar prizes. The popularity of the game, combined with its high-stakes tournaments, attracts huge audiences. Fortnite’s unique building mechanics and fast-paced action make for an intense yet entertaining competitive environment.
It may not follow the same structure as League of Legends or Counter-Strike, but Fortnite’s cultural impact is second to none, and its wide appeal amongst younger audiences has brought a whole new fanbase to the esports world. The Fortnite World Cup showcased just how popular the game has become and how well it has translated to esports.
Dota 2
Dota 2, developed by Valve, is another giant in esports. The format of the game is similar to League of Legends, as it is an online multiplayer battle game. What makes Dota 2 stand out is the game’s complexity and steep learning curve; not just anyone can load up Dota and start playing. Dota is for hardcore gamers, and it has a core fanbase that draws in a great deal of attention to its competitive scene.
No two games of Dota are the same, with its variety in character selection and deep strategy. Where Dota 2 struggles is that for newcomers, it is not the easiest game to understand, but once you have taken the time to learn the format, there aren’t many games as enjoyable in the competitive scene as Dota.
Call of Duty
The Call of Duty franchise is a legend in not just esports but in traditional gaming too; no other shooter has achieved the same heights as Call of Duty. The fast-paced first-person shooters offer multiple competitive game modes, from objective-based modes like Search and Destroy to traditional death matches. Call of Duty has managed to create a competitive scene that transcends beyond its events and has become a part of pop culture.
Call of Duty is one for the console players primarily, and its popularity is down partly due to its great social media presence. The professional scene remains competitive with teams such as Faze Clan and Optic battling it out to be the best. With new annual releases, Call of Duty manages to always feel fresh to both players and viewers, which has added to its competitive success.
