Introduction: What is eSports and why should you read on?
eSports, or electronic sports, is a fast-growing competitive gaming sector played by professional gamers. The concept of eSports first originated in South Korea in the early 2000s, and since then, it has grown exponentially. Players compete against each other in a virtual environment on different platforms including PC, console, and mobile devices. The most popular games are team based, allowing players to work together as they strive to win different tournaments.
The eSports industry is estimated to generate billions of dollars annually with viewership increasing every year. With dedicated stadiums, prize money, and professional players, eSports is quickly becoming a legitimate sporting activity. With the introduction of an international governing body, the International eSports Federation in 2008, eSports is ready for its time in the limelight.
In this guide, we will take a look at the Top 10 eSports Games of All Time, from the most classic titles within the industry, to the most recent releases. We’ll discuss the history of each game, the players behind them, and what makes these titles stand out amongst the millions of other games out there.
Ready to dive in? Continue reading to learn more about the Top 10 eSports Games of All Time!
Summary of Top 10 eSports Games of All Time
Esports is the term used to describe professional competitive gaming. It has grown rapidly from its humble beginnings and has become one of the most popular global spectator sports. The games played at the highest level are those with the largest number of dedicated players, best competitive structure and biggest prize pools.
The following games are widely considered to be the most iconic titles in eSports. Each of them provides an exciting experience for players and viewers alike, making them some of the best eSports games ever made:
- StarCraft II
- Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
- Dota 2
- League of Legends
- Overwatch
- Rocket League
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare/Black Ops Series
- FIFA
- World of Tanks
#1 – StarCraft II
StarCraft II is an old classic real-time strategy game released in 2010. It quickly rose to fame, becoming one of the most successful esports titles of all time. The game is based on an intergalactic conflict between three species: the Terrans, the Zergs and the Protoss. Players must use their skills and strategies to defeat enemies from across the galaxy.
The game also features a powerful online multiplayer mode, with numerous competitive tournaments. StarCraft II has a vast, active fanbase, as well as a dedicated professional eSports league. Professional players compete in tournaments around the world, for huge cash prizes and glory.
StarCraft II remains popular today, with millions of players around the world. The game also boasts impressive visuals and very dynamic gameplay. It’s no surprise that it continues to be one of the top eSports titles of all time.
#2 – Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (400 words)
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) is one of the most popular and highly regarded titles in competitive gaming. Since its launch in 2012, it has been played by millions of players worldwide and has become a staple in esports tournaments. It is a tactical first-person shooter with a variety of game modes for players to engage in.
The basic game mode of CS:GO is the bomb scenario. Two teams, Counter-Terrorists and Terrorists, compete against each other to complete objectives while either defending or planting a bomb. There are a wide selection of maps designed for the game, where teams must fight for control over bombsites. In addition, there are several other game modes such as Hostage Rescue, Gun Game, and Arms Race.
Since its release, CS:GO has provided an incredibly engaging experience. The game requires a strong team working together, as well as communication and individual skills in order to succeed. Professional teams have built loyal fan bases through their intense battles and skillful strategies, making them household names in the world of competitive gaming.
The CS:GO esports scene has grown exponentially in recent years. Major tournaments are sponsored by sponsors like Intel Extreme Masters, DreamHack, and ESL One, with huge prize pools to be won. Millions of viewers worldwide tune in to watch professional teams battle it out in these tournaments, creating an electric atmosphere. It can be argued that CS:GO is at the forefront of the esports scene, thanks to its entertaining gameplay and fast-paced action.
So why is CS:GO so special? Its strategic depth ensures that no two matches play out the same. With a multitude of maps, weapons, and game modes, the potential for creating unique strategies is immense. This helps keep the game fresh and exciting, and encourages players to constantly strive to improve their skills. In addition, its popularity has enabled the game to rack up record-breaking viewership numbers on streaming websites like Twitch and YouTube.
#3 – Dota 2 (400 Words)
Dota 2 is a hugely popular free-to-play online battle arena video game developed by Valve Corporation. It was released in North America and parts of Europe on July 9th 2013. Dota 2 has been dominating the competitive eSports scene since its release with millions of players worldwide.
The objective of the game is for two teams of five players to destroy each other’s bases while simultaneously defending their own. Every player chooses one of 111 different heroes to control, each with their own abilities and roles. Players must work together and strategically plan their moves and actions to outsmart their opponents and ultimately win the match.
Major tournaments for Dota 2 attract millions of viewers worldwide, with 2017’s The International, which had a prize pool of over 20 million US dollars, becoming the largest eSports tournament in history. Professional teams and players compete to win not only the grand prize but also a share of the overall prize pool.
Dota 2 is constantly changing so the game never gets stale, it has attracted professional gamers and fans from all over the world and is now played consistently at the highest level. The Dota Pro Circuit (DPC) is a ranked system which provides various leagues, majors and minor tournaments to gain ranking points, giving teams a chance to qualify for The International.
Not only are professional players highly respected in the Dota 2 community, but also passionate players who just love the game. Dota 2 is a game that is as exciting to watch as it is to play, where teams will do anything to reach the top. Watching teams battle it out in tightly contested games makes for some of the best viewing experiences in eSports.
#4 – League of Legends (LoL)
League of Legends (LoL) was released in 2009 by Riot Games. LoL is a fast-paced team-based multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game that centers around champions that battle each other. This game emphasizes strategy and competitive play. There are five players on each team competing on a three-lane map with towers and minions. The idea is to destroy the enemy team’s base before they can do it to yours.
Each team gets their own unique champion, complete with custom abilities and stats. Champions can level up, build items, and gain gold by killing enemy champions or minions. Gold can be used to buy items for your champion, boosting their abilities and survivability in fights.
LoL has become extremely popular since its release. It’s now the most played game on the planet – it has nearly 90 million players per month. It’s also one of the most successful eSports game, with millions of viewers tuning in to watch tournaments like the League of Legends World Championship.
Many professional teams have signed onto LoL tournaments, creating an active competitive scene. Players of all skill levels and ages compete in tournaments for cash prize pools of up to millions of dollars.
LoL is highly praised for its depth and breadth, allowing for strategies and tactics that give each game a unique feel. It’s constantly evolving with new champions, items, and game modes. With an ever-growing fan base, LoL easily takes the number four spot on our list of top 10 eSports games of all time.
#5 – Overwatch
Overwatch is a team-based shooter game that was created by Blizzard Entertainment. It was released in 2016 and quickly became one of the top esports games of all time. In Overwatch, two teams of six players battle it out on different maps. Each player chooses a unique hero character to play from a diverse range of available heroes that come with their own special abilities.
The main mode of Overwatch is a 6v6 Payload Escort. Here, one team has to escort a payload between different checkpoints while the other team tries to stop it. Other game modes include Capture the Flag, Control, and Hybrid. In addition, there is an Overwatch League which is a professional esports competition featuring the best Overwatch players from around the world.
Overwatch has become increasingly popular among both casual and competitive gamers. With its vibrant art style, team-based gameplay, and exciting characters, it has captivated viewers from around the world. It has also been featured in many tournaments, such as the Overwatch World Cup, and its competitive scene continues to grow.
Overwatch is considered one of the best esports games of all time for its fast-paced and highly strategic matches. It is also very accessible compared to other popular esports titles, making it easy for newcomers to get into the game. As such, it has a large player base and boasts a strong esports presence.
#6 – Rocket League (400 words)
Rocket League is a car-based soccer video game developed and published by Psyonix. The game was first released for Microsoft Windows and PlayStation 4 in July 2015, with ports for Xbox One, macOS, Linux, and Nintendo Switch being released later on.
In Rocket League, players control their cars to kick an oversized soccer ball into their opponent’s net. The players use rocket boosters to jump, flip, and spin their cars in mid-air to score goals. With its combination of high-speed action, explosive play, and accessible controls, Rocket League has quickly become a popular eSports game.
The game was the most downloaded PlayStation Plus game of the month when it was released in 2015. Since then, it has seen more than 40 million players across all platforms. This success led to the creation of the Rocket League Championship Series, an annual competitive tournament featuring top players from around the world.
The tournament is divided into two divisions: the Rocket League European Championship and the Rocket League Championship Series. Each division has its own set of rules and regulations, and the prize pools can range from $50,000 USD up to $100,000 USD. Professional teams compete in these tournaments for the chance to win the title of “world champion”.
For those who want to start getting competitive, there are plenty of online tournaments and communities to join. Players can also self-organize their teams and enter tournaments to take their eSports career to the next level. There are even weekly online tournaments hosted by Twitch and YouTube Gaming that anyone can enter.
No matter your level or experience, Rocket League is a great game to get into if you’re looking for a thrilling, fast-paced sport with a lot of potential. It has a simple yet challenging gameplay, so even beginners can get a hang of it quickly. If you’re looking for a new game to watch or play, Rocket League is definitely worth a try!
#7 – Call of Duty: Modern Warfare/Black Ops Series
Call of Duty is a popular first-person shooter series that has been around since 2003. The series has gone through various iterations over the years, with Modern Warfare and Black Ops standing out as two of the most successful titles in the franchise. Originally released on console systems such as the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, the game was then ported to PC for a wider audience.
When it comes to eSports, the Call of Duty series has been a leader in competitive gaming. The tournaments held around this game are some of the biggest and best in the industry, drawing hundreds of thousands of spectators. Each season of the Call of Duty World League brings together some of the top teams competing for cash prizes and championship titles.
At a professional level, Call of Duty is played 5 versus 5 and uses a variety of game modes, such as Search and Destroy, Capture the Flag, Hardpoint, and Kill Confirmed. Players use various weapons and strategies to outplay their opponents in fast-paced battles as they strive to secure the win.
For those who are new to the Call of Duty series, there are plenty of online tutorials and communities where you can get advice and tips from veterans. There is also plenty of content online that can provide insight into the strategies used by pro players. Whether you’re a fan of the game or just getting started, there is something for everyone in the Call of Duty universe.
#8 – FIFA
FIFA is an eSports game series based on the incredibly popular football (or soccer) world. Developed by EA Sports, the first game was released in 1993 and has been an incredibly successful and beloved series ever since. The latest game in the series is FIFA 20, released in September 2019.
FIFA is a strategic and team-oriented game, that allows players to have tactical control on and off the field. It’s also one of the most competitive sports games ever, with an incredibly successful eSports scene and prestigious tournaments such as the FIFA eWorld Cup held annually.
FIFA can be played by anyone in the world and it offers a great balance between skill and luck. Most importantly, it allows players to become part of the biggest sport in the world, allowing them to experience the thrill of the most iconic stadiums and players around the globe.
Playing FIFA requires strategic thinking and quick actions. Players need to select the right formation, choose the best starting line-up, and decide when to use specific skills to score. The game also requires a lot of knowledge of the real sport – formations, players, stats etc – in order to build a successful team.
The competitive scene is divided into two groups: Professional eSports players and Weekend League Competitors. Professional eSports players compete in tournaments for huge amounts of money, while Weekend League competitors play for glory and bragging rights. You can join both groups, depending on your preferred type of competition.
FIFA is a game loved by millions around the world and it’s a must-play for any fan of the beautiful game. It’s one of the most popular eSports games around, and there’s no better way to become part of the biggest sport in the world than by playing FIFA.
#9 – World of Tanks (400 Words)
World of Tanks is an online tactical massively multiplayer war-themed video game developed and published by Wargaming. Since its release in 2010, the game has become one of the most popular eSport games in the world. It is the ninth title on our list of the top 10 eSports games of all time.
World of Tanks mainly focuses on team-based combat where two teams fight against each other with their tanks. Each team has 15 players who are responsible for controlling their vehicles and using their strategies to defeat their opponents. The game features more than 350 tanks which have been divided into several categories based on their size, power, and speed. All these tanks come with their own unique characteristics and abilities that can be used to outsmart the enemy. It also offers a variety of maps, ranging from forests to mountains to deserts, as the battle ground for the players.
Players in World of Tanks get to experience the thrill of tank warfare on multiple levels. They can take part in large-scale battles with hundreds of tanks fighting each other or they can join smaller groups where they must use their strategy and tactics to outwit their opponents. Additionally, there are also solo missions where players have to complete certain objectives to progress in the game.
The competitive side of World of Tanks is supported with professional tournaments and leagues, including the World of Tanks Grand Finals, which have been attracting thousands of viewers from around the world. The champion of this tournament takes home over $200,000 in prize money, making it one of the highest rewarding tournaments in the eSports industry. It also becomes increasingly popular among the college-aged gamers, as the game has been featured in the universities around the world, such as the CSL and Collegiate Starleague.
In short, World of Tanks is a highly competitive and entertaining game which stands out among other eSports games. With its realistic war simulations and crowd supported tournaments, the game is sure to keep its place on the top 10 eSports games of all time for years to come.
Conclusion
The eSports industry has seen tremendous growth over the years and is showing no signs of slowing down. With the right mix of strategy, skill and luck, professional gamers are taken to the heights of success. The ten games we have listed here are some of the most popular and successful eSports titles in history and are still played by millions of people around the world.
At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what game you choose to play or compete in. All that matters is that you have fun and enjoy yourself. Whether it’s playing with friends or competing professionally, there is something for everyone in the world of eSports. So get out there and start gaming!
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