Top Games for Esports: Must-Play Titles of the Year

Wondering which games dominate the esports scene today? In this article, we list the top games for esports, spanning multiple genres like shooters, MOBAs, and battle royale. Get insights into the competitive landscapes that make these games a must-watch or play.

First-Person Shooter Esports Games

First-person shooters (FPS) remain a cornerstone of esports, offering intense action and strategic gameplay. Titles like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO) have long been a favorite among competitive gamers, with a thriving scene that features numerous leagues and championships worldwide. The game’s tactical depth and high skill ceiling make it a staple in the esports community.

Call of Duty commands a significant presence in competitive gaming, with major tournaments offering prize pools often reaching millions of dollars. These events attract top-tier talent from around the globe, showcasing the best of the FPS genre.

Valorant has emerged as a formidable contender in the FPS esports scene. It combines tactical shooting elements with unique character abilities, adding a fresh layer of strategy to the genre. The game’s popularity continues to rise, making it essential for any FPS enthusiast.

Third-Person Shooter Esports Games

Third-person shooters have carved out their own niche in the esports world, offering a unique perspective and dynamic gameplay. Fortnite stands out as a dominant force, known for hosting major tournaments like the Fortnite World Cup. Its vibrant visuals and innovative building mechanics set it apart from other shooters.

PUBG Mobile also holds a significant place in the esports scene, with competitive leagues like the PUBG Mobile Global Championship. Players can join the action through various online platforms and tournaments, making it accessible to a wide audience.

Fortnite and PUBG continue to attract millions of players and viewers, solidifying their status as top-tier third-person shooter esports games. Their engaging gameplay and competitive formats make them favorites among fans and players alike.

Real-Time Strategy Esports Games

Real-time strategy (RTS) games offer a blend of strategic planning and quick decision-making, making them a fascinating genre in esports. StarCraft II remains a flagship title, continuing the legacy of its predecessor despite initial disagreements between Blizzard and Kespa. Its complex mechanics and high-stakes tournaments have kept it at the forefront of RTS esports.

The Age of Empires series also holds a prominent place in RTS esports. The EGC Masters Series for Age of Empires IV, with a prize pool exceeding $75,000, highlights the game’s competitive nature. Events like the Winter Team Championship II and Red Bull Wololo: El Reinado further showcase its global appeal and competitive spirit.

These games continue to draw strategic minds from around the world, making RTS esports captivating for both players and spectators.

Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) Esports Games

Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) games enjoy a massive global following due to their teamwork-oriented gameplay and strategic depth. League of Legends, developed by Riot Games, is a prime example, boasting a rich history since its release in 2009. Major tournaments, such as the World Championship, attract millions of viewers and offer substantial prize pools.

Arena of Valor, another popular MOBA, features annual world championships like the Arena of Valor International Championship (AIC) and Arena of Valor World Cup (AWC). Developed by TiMi Studios, the game emphasizes fast-paced action and strategic gameplay.

Heroes of the Storm, developed by Blizzard Entertainment, adds a unique twist to the MOBA genre with its crossover elements. The Heroes Global Championship (HGC) was the main event for this game, showcasing its competitive potential. These titles exemplify the engaging and strategic nature of MOBA esports.

Simulation Sports Esports Games

Simulation sports games bring the thrill of real-world sports into the digital arena, offering realistic gameplay and intense competition. The NBA 2K League provides a platform for competitive play with a prize pool exceeding $1.5 million. This league draws top talent and showcases the strategic depth of basketball simulation.

Madden NFL also boasts significant competitive events like the Madden Championship Series, featuring substantial prize pools. The Madden NFL 17 Championship Series, for instance, had a prize pool of $1 million, highlighting the financial stakes involved.

The FIFA series by EA Sports consistently updates its rosters and gameplay mechanics, enhancing the competitive gaming experience. The FIFA eWorld Cup, with prize pools exceeding $500,000, is a testament to the game’s popularity and competitive nature.

eFootball, formerly known as PES, hosts prestigious competitions like the eFootball Championship Pro. These games allow players to experience the excitement of professional sports through competitive esports.

Deck-Building Card Esports Games

Deck-building card games combine strategic depth with dynamic gameplay, making them a captivating choice for competitive gaming. Hearthstone, with its seasonal card rotations, keeps the competitive scene fresh and engaging. The game has been instrumental in establishing professional leagues within the card gaming community.

Legends of Runeterra, another popular card game, emphasizes strategic depth with its unique combat system. It attracts players looking for a deep and rewarding competitive experience.

Magic: The Gathering Arena, known for its extensive card library, offers dynamic gameplay that appeals to competitive players. The Mythic Championship is a major tournament series that showcases the top talent in the game. These games highlight the strategic and engaging nature of deck-building card esports.

Battle Royale Esports Games

Battle royale games offer a thrilling and fast-paced experience, making them a popular choice in esports. Free Fire has introduced a new competitive structure emphasizing local leagues and global events in 2025. The Free Fire World Series features a revamped tournament format, culminating in the Grand Finals.

Apex Legends hosts international competitions that attract millions of viewers. Its unique mechanics and dynamic gameplay make it a standout in the battle royale genre.

These games captivate players and audiences alike, offering high stakes and adrenaline-pumping action in every match that played out this season.

Fighting Esports Games

Fighting games are known for their intense, head-to-head competition and skill-based gameplay. The competitive scene for fighting games remains vibrant, with numerous tournaments attracting thousands of participants and spectators. They emphasize precise execution and strategic thinking.

Communities play a crucial role in the popularity of fighting esports games, fostering engagement through local events and online competitions. This community-driven aspect ensures a lively and supportive environment for players.

Community efforts in organizing events and tournaments significantly contribute to the growth and popularity of fighting games in the esports scene.

Racing Esports Games

Racing esports games offer a unique blend of speed, strategy, and precision. The NASCAR iRacing.com World Championship Series is a premier event with substantial prize money, topped by US$10,500. Competitors must register and pay entry fees for many high-stakes tournaments, ensuring that only the best compete.

Preparation is key in racing esports, with players optimizing their gear and adjusting game settings to gain a competitive edge. Engaging in community discussions on the internet provides valuable insights and networking opportunities for aspiring players.

Staying updated with game patches and tournament changes is crucial for players to remain competitive in the racing esports scene. These games offer a thrilling and competitive environment for racing enthusiasts, thanks to the efforts of the developer.

Tactical Shooter Esports Games

Tactical shooter games demand a high level of strategy and team coordination, making them a staple in the esports world. Rainbow Six Siege is renowned for its strategic gameplay, requiring careful planning during missions. Major tournaments like the Six Invitational attract millions of viewers, highlighting its popularity.

Valorant, featuring characters known as ‘agents’ with unique abilities, adds a layer of strategy to the tactical shooting elements. Regular updates, including new agents and maps, maintain competitive balance and keep the game fresh.

Esports organizations often recruit professional players from tactical shooter esports game for high-stakes competitions, showcasing the strategic depth and popularity of these games.

Conclusion

Esports encompasses a diverse range of gaming genres, each offering unique challenges and excitement. From the fast-paced action of FPS games to the strategic depth of MOBAs, RTS titles, and deck-building card games, there is something for every competitive gamer. As esports continues to grow, these games will remain at the forefront, engaging players and audiences worldwide. Whether you enjoy high-speed competition, strategic battles, or team-based gameplay, the esports landscape offers endless opportunities for thrilling experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Most-watched Esport?

League of Legends is currently regarded as the top esport, recently achieving over 26 million hours of viewership. This underscores its immense popularity and competitive dominance within the esports industry.

What Game Do Esports Play?

Esports professionals predominantly play games across various genres, including popular titles like League of Legends, Dota 2, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, and Overwatch. The most participated genres include fighting games, first-person shooters, real-time strategy, traditional sports, and the highly favored multiplayer online battle arena games.

What Is the Most Popular First-person Shooter Esports Game?

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO) stands out as the most popular first-person shooter esports game, renowned for its tactical depth and vibrant competitive community.

Which Game Has the Largest Prize Pools in Third-person Shooters?

Fortnite holds the largest prize pools in third-person shooters, exemplified by tournaments like the Fortnite World Cup. Its competitive scene continues to attract substantial financial backing.

What Are Some of the Key Real-time Strategy Esports Games?

StarCraft II and the Age of Empires series are key titles in the real-time strategy esports genre, known for their competitive scenes and dedicated player bases. These games have made a lasting impact on the esports landscape.