Let the arguments commence! Obviously, esports gaming is a very subjective matter, and each fan will have their own opinions on which is the best title. But there are some that consistently do better than others, and we thought we would mention a few that we will be playing – a lot – in 2024.
There are many different reasons why a title should be considered one of the best in the business. We will go into some of those factors in a moment, but things like competitions and events have to be taken into account, as well as just the gameplay. Many betting websites offer markets for events these days, too, so that awareness has to be considered.
Unsurprisingly, many of the titles that we have included here are well-known and will have been played by many of you. But they are so popular for a reason, and with the demand for esports gaming not looking to slow down any time soon, they are games that will be played by millions worldwide for quite a while.
Ranking
It is not easy to name definitively the best esports game. As we said, this is a very emotive and subjective area of gaming, so there will be a difference of opinions for many. But there are a few ways that we can rank titles to begin with. Then, we can start with the real debate!
League of Legends leads the way in terms of all-time viewership, while Counter-Strike is the game with the most active teams. But if it comes down to the biggest prize pool, Dota 2 takes the lead – and if we include mobile esports games, PUBG Mobile has to be part of the conversation. Picking out just one winner suddenly seems a little more difficult, doesn’t it?
What Makes a Great Esports Game?
The beauty of esports games is that there is not one type or genre. That means that if you really like shooter games, you have a good choice of titles, while the more sports-focused among you can reach for the games that have tie-ins with traditional sports leagues and teams.
Aside from just the actual gameplay of an export, we think that to make it “great,” there needs to be a growing and committed scene around the game. This also includes a selection of good-sized events where the competition can be evaluated. Established esports, as shown below, all meet these requirements.
League of Legends
Where else can you start with the most popular esports on the market? There are many MOBA games out there, but League of Legends (LoL) has consistently attracted new players over the years, with its combination of gameplay elements providing a complex experience for players.
The presence of teams means that viewers can support their favorites, meaning that LoL ticks the boxes for event organizers and betting sites alike. The steep learning curve for mastering the game is a huge plus for the longevity of LoL, and it is sure to be top of the rankings for a while yet.
Apex Legends
The ping system used in Apex Legends has been lauded by many esports experts for making it one of the most accessible and inclusive titles out there. But, even without that advantage, Apex Legends has become a favorite for anyone remotely interested in battle royale shoot-outs.
There is enough diversity of abilities when it comes to characters to make Apex Legends interesting to play and watch, and that communication advantage really comes into play in the big events. Speaking of which, there are some very good tournaments for Apex Legends – and that is why it gets our vote here.
Dota 2
This game has been heralded as a game changer, and even its complexity doesn’t put off millions of players every year. Part of the attraction is that Dota 2 is easy to pick up at the start. But, even though it does get more difficult as you go on, you are already hooked on the gameplay by then.
The basics of the game are relatively straightforward. However, the teamwork needed – and the choices that have to be made (there are over 100 characters for a start) – provide exquisite complexity. The tournament prize pools have to be seen to be believed, and considering they are crowdfunded by players, it shows just how popular this game is.
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
If you like first-person shooter games, you are never going to be short of choice. But Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) has consistently attracted more players than any of the others and continues to be one of the best esports titles. It is also one of the most popular betting sites.
Shooting skills are obviously highly rated in CS: GO, but there is also a need for tactics and skills that provide gamers with an all-round experience. The beauty of this game is that it initially seems very simple to pick up. But if you want to be successful at CS:GO, you will definitely need to put the time in.
StarCraft 2
Our last choice of esports title may show a little personal bias, but StarCraft 2 is a game that has remained a favorite for many, even when the developers have all but given up on it. One advantage of this title is that it doesn’t really need to receive updates to keep the gamers happy.
A real-time strategy game, StarCraft 2 may not be quite as big news as it was when it was launched in 2010. But there are still plenty of big-money tournaments keeping the flame alive and a community that proves that the best esports are always fan-driven.
