Greetings, gaming aficionados!
Are you prepared to level up your gaming knowledge?
Find here our e-sports list, sorted by popularity.
From battle-hardened veterans to button-mashing newcomers, there’s a thrilling e-sport for everyone!
E-Sports List
- League of Legends (LoL)
- Dota 2
- Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO)
- Fortnite
- Hearthstone
- Overwatch
- PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG)
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare
- Apex Legends
- Rainbow Six Siege
Table of Contents
#1 League of Legends (LoL)
League of Legends, a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game, was developed and published by Riot Games in 2009. LoL has its roots in the United States but has gained massive global popularity, particularly in Asia and Europe.
The annual League of Legends World Championship is one of the most prestigious tournaments in the e-sports scene. Additionally, LoL has been part of the Asian Games since 2018 as a demonstration sport.
#2 Dota 2
Another MOBA game, Dota 2, was developed and published by Valve Corporation in 2013. This game traces its origins to the popular Warcraft III mod Defense of the Ancients (DotA).
Most popular in Asia, Europe, and North America, Dota 2’s premier tournament, The International, boasts one of the largest prize pools in e-sports history. Dota 2 has been included in various regional multi-sport events as well.
#3 Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO)
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is a first-person shooter (FPS) game developed by Valve Corporation and Hidden Path Entertainment, released in 2012. CS:GO is the fourth installment of the popular Counter-Strike series, which originated in the United States in 1999.
With its widespread popularity extending to Europe, North America, and South America, CS:GO hosts numerous global tournaments, including the Eleague Major and Intel Extreme Masters events.
#4 Fortnite
Fortnite, developed and published by Epic Games in 2017, is a battle royale and sandbox game that quickly rose to global prominence. The game’s origins are in the United States, but its popularity has spread worldwide, attracting millions of players.
The Fortnite World Cup, with huge cash prizes, is the game’s most prestigious tournament. Fortnite is also part of various e-sports events and leagues.
#5 Hearthstone
Hearthstone, a digital collectible card game, was developed and published by Blizzard Entertainment in 2014. Originating from the United States, the game combines elements of traditional card games with Warcraft’s lore.
Hearthstone is popular globally, with prominent tournaments like the Hearthstone World Championship and various Masters tour events. The game is also included in the lineup for the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games.
#6 Overwatch
Overwatch, a team-based FPS developed and published by Blizzard Entertainment, was released in 2016. The game, which originated in the United States, is popular in Asia, Europe, and North America.
The Overwatch League, which follows a city-based franchising model, is the game’s premier professional e-sports competition. Overwatch has also been included in various multi-game e-sports events.
#7 PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG)
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, a battle royale game developed and published by PUBG Corporation, was released in 2017. The game has its origins in South Korea and has become popular worldwide.
The PUBG Global Championship is the game’s most prestigious tournament. Although not part of the Olympic program, PUBG has been included in the Asian Games as a demonstration sport.
#8 Call of Duty: Modern Warfare
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare is an FPS game developed by Infinity Ward and published by Activision in 2019. The Modern Warfare installment is part of the broader Call of Duty series, which has its roots in the United States since 2003.
The game enjoys widespread popularity, with the Call of Duty League serving as its flagship e-sports competition. Additionally, Call of Duty competitions are held in various e-sports leagues and events.
#9 Apex Legends
Apex Legends, a free-to-play battle royale game, was developed by Respawn Entertainment and published by Electronic Arts in 2019. The game has its origins in the United States and has quickly gained popularity worldwide.
The Apex Legends Global Series comprises the game’s various competitive events, attracting top players from around the globe. Apex Legends has continued to make waves in the global e-sports scene.
#10 Rainbow Six Siege
Rainbow Six Siege, a tactical FPS game, was developed and published by Ubisoft in 2015. With its origins in France, Rainbow Six Siege has a strong following worldwide, particularly in the United States, Europe, and Brazil.
The annual Six Invitational tournament provides the most prominent stage for Rainbow Six Siege e-sports competition. Additionally, the game has been part of various regional and global e-sports leagues and events.
More E Sports
- FIFA: FIFA, a series of soccer simulation video games, originated in 1993 with the release of FIFA International Soccer by Electronic Arts. The games are popular worldwide, particularly in Europe and the Americas. The FIFA eWorld Cup is an annual esports competition that brings together top players from various FIFA games. FIFA soccer games have also been included in multiple esports leagues and events, such as the ePremier League and eMLS.
- Rocket League: Developed and published by Psyonix in 2015, Rocket League is a unique blend of soccer and vehicular action. The game’s origins are in the United States, but its popularity has spread worldwide. The Rocket League Championship Series is the flagship esports competition for the game. Rocket League has also been included in various esports events and leagues worldwide.
- Valorant: Valorant is a first-person shooter game developed and published by Riot Games, released in 2020. Originating in the United States, the game quickly gained a global following, particularly in North America and Europe. The Valorant Champions Tour serves as the premier esports competition series for the game. Valorant is also part of various regional and global esports leagues and events.
- StarCraft II: StarCraft II, a real-time strategy game, was developed and published by Blizzard Entertainment in 2010. With its roots in the United States, the game gained immense popularity, particularly in South Korea. The StarCraft II World Championship Series is the game’s most prestigious esports competition. StarCraft II has also been included in various esports leagues and events, such as the Intel Extreme Masters and the DreamHack Series.
- World of Warcraft (WoW): Developed and published by Blizzard Entertainment, World of Warcraft is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game that was launched in 2004. Originating in the United States, WoW has become a worldwide phenomenon, particularly in North America, Europe, and Asia. The Arena World Championship and the Mythic Dungeon International are two main esports competitions in the World of Warcraft domain.
- Smite: Smite, a third-person multiplayer online battle arena game, was developed and published by Hi-Rez Studios in 2014. The game, which originated in the United States, enjoys global popularity, especially in the Americas and Europe. The annual Smite World Championship serves as the game’s premier esports competition. Smite has also been included in various regional and global esports events and leagues.
- Street Fighter V: Street Fighter V, a fighting game developed and published by Capcom, was released in 2016 as the latest installment in the legendary Street Fighter series, which originated in Japan in 1987. The game is popular worldwide, especially in Asia and the Americas. The Capcom Pro Tour and the Evolution Championship Series are two leading esports competitions for Street Fighter V. The game also features in various esports leagues and events globally.
FAQ
What are the most popular e-sports?
The most popular e-sports include League of Legends, Dota 2, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Fortnite, Hearthstone, Overwatch, PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, Apex Legends, and Rainbow Six Siege.
How many different e-sports are there?
Our e-sports list includes 17 unique e-sports.