Which games are part of E-Sports?

eSports, or electronic sports, emerged a few decades ago due to the popularization of certain games and the internet. The first steps of eSports players were taken when tournaments for classic games like Space Invaders and Pac-Man were held.

Today, eSports is a full-fledged industry with millions of fans around the world. Professional players, major sponsors, and dedicated game fans contribute to its development. For those interested in the topic of eSports, we have compiled a list of the most popular games in 2024 that have made history in eSports competitions.

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO)

Developer: Valve
Release date: 2012
Tournaments: Major ($2.000.000), Blast Premier ($4.250.000)

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) is a multiplayer first-person shooter developed and published by Valve in 2012. The game features two teams – Terrorists and Counter-Terrorists. The objective of the Terrorist team includes holding hostages, planting bombs, and eliminating opponents. The Counter-Terrorist team aims to rescue hostages, defuse bombs, and neutralize dangerous opponents hindering their mission. The primary goals of the game involve completing missions such as planting or defusing bombs and rescuing hostages.

Players in CS:GO earn money through successful mission completion and eliminating opponents in each round, which they can then spend on purchasing weapons and equipment. CS:GO is renowned for its tactical depth, requiring players to exhibit not only precise shooting skills but also teamwork, strategic thinking, and quick decision-making.

Dota 2

Developer: Valve
Release date: 2013
Tournaments: The International ($1.600.000), Major

Dota 2 is a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game developed by Valve in 2013. In this game, two teams of five players each compete to destroy the opponent’s main building, known as the Ancient, located in their base.

Players control unique heroes with diverse abilities and roles such as Tank, Support, Mage, and Assassin. They gather gold and experience, kill enemy creatures, acquire magical items, and more to strengthen their heroes during the match.

Dota 2 is renowned for its deep strategic elements and high complexity, demanding not only individual skill but also coordinated teamwork from its players. The game boasts a massive fan base and stands as one of the leading disciplines in eSports.

eFootball (formerly Pro Evolution Soccer)

Developer: Konami
Release date: 2001
Tournaments: Championship Pro 2023 ($268.555), Championship Open ($240.000)

eFootball is a series of football simulation games developed by the renowned company Konami. These games have been released annually, with the latest installment, eFootball™ 2024, launched on September 7, 2023.

Similar to real football, Pro Evolution Soccer (now eFootball) focuses on two sports teams competing on the field for victory. In this game, users can select football clubs and play for them in various modes. It’s not necessary for players to control the entire team in eFootball, as there is a career mode that allows users to enhance a specific athlete of the club. The goal of the simulator is to achieve as many victories as possible and to improve the team or one of its players. Here, real users can play against each other online or train in matches against bots to reach a specific score (experience points).

Pro Evolution Soccer stands out among other football simulations by focusing more on strategic and tactical decisions, as well as improving each player on the team. eFootball’s strengths include well-developed mechanics and realistic animations.

League of Legends

Developer: Riot Games
Release date: 2009
Tournaments: The International ($2.000.000), Worlds ($2.500.000), LCS Summer 2024 ($200.000)

League of Legends (or LoL) is a multiplayer online game in the MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) genre, developed by Riot Games in 2009. It bears many similarities to DotA (as it was created based on its template). LoL is completely free to play online. In League of Legends, there are two teams, each consisting of five players, who compete against each other, maneuvering across the map and destroying enemy characters. Each player controls a “Champion Hero” – all champions differ in special traits and abilities, taking on specific roles within the team (attack, support, etc.).

During matches, players must gather as much experience and gold as possible to maximize their champion’s improvements (reaching specific levels and collecting useful items). In the main mode of the game, each team must destroy the opponent’s “Nexus” – the most important building on the map – while preventing the enemy team from destroying their own Nexus. Additional modes require capturing and holding control points while the main building is being destroyed.

LoL is one of the most popular games in the world and is therefore among the top and largest esports disciplines, encompassing professional leagues and world championships. League of Legends is known for its straightforward gameplay, user-friendly controls, and a variety of game modes that require different tactics and strategies. Players also appreciate the dynamic and intense development of events on the map.

Valorant

Developer: Riot Games
Release date: 2020
Tournaments: Champions Tour 2024: Masters Shanghai ($1.000.000), VCT 2024 EMEA S2 ($250.000)

Valorant is a multiplayer first-person shooter released in 2020, developed by Riot Games. Originally codenamed Project A, the game was later renamed Valorant, which also contributed to its successful release.

Valorant can be classified as a classic shooter. In this game, there are two teams, divided into attackers and defenders, facing off on the arena. Each team consists of 5 players (agents), each with unique abilities and skills that can be purchased before the round starts or upgraded during the game. Activating these abilities requires charging, which can be earned by various means such as killing an opponent, planting/defusing a bomb, or capturing a point. Each player also has access to a range of classic weapons (knife, pistol, shotgun, rifle, sniper rifle, etc.).

Valorant is known for its sleek graphics, well-developed mechanics, and thoughtful combat system. Many esports players enjoy playing this game because events unfold quickly, leaving little time to rest.

Call of Duty

Developer: Infinity Ward, Treyarch, Raven Software, Sledgehammer Games
Release date: 2003-2024
Tournaments: League Championship ($1.000.000), Esports World Cup 2024 ($1.000.000)

Call of Duty (or CoD) is a series of first-person shooter games published by Activision in collaboration with studios such as Infinity Ward, Treyarch, Raven Software, and Sledgehammer Games. Throughout much of the series, the storyline is set during World War II or the Cold War era. This means that players starting this shooter become immediate participants in virtual battles and conflicts of the past. Players must choose a map and one of two teams (countries), then proceed to eliminate enemies or capture points. The round ends after one team has completely eliminated the other or players have accumulated the most points through point capture.

The advantage of this shooter lies in its dynamic events. The aggressive gameplay, combined with well-crafted mechanics and realistic shooting, makes this game memorable. Although Call of Duty was primarily developed for consoles, it is available on nearly all platforms. Its esports discipline is characterized by straightforward gameplay and the necessity to adapt to the shooter’s mechanics.

Fortnite

Developer: Epic Games
Release date: 2017
Tournaments: FNCS Global Championship 2023 ($4.000.000)

Fortnite is an online computer game in the battle royale genre, developed by Epic Games in 2017. Since its release, Fortnite has gained millions of fans worldwide. It is a unique game that combines elements of the classic battle royale genre with the ability to build various structures and buildings.

Players start the game by parachuting onto a large map. Their main task is to find weapons and equipment to fight opponents and survive in a zone that gradually shrinks over time. Fortnite is known for its colorful graphics, dynamic shooting mechanics, and the ability to construct various buildings to defend against or attack opponents.

This game has had a significant impact on the eSports world. Fortnite tournaments offer impressive prize money and attract a wide audience. Fortnite is an excellent example of how a game can become one of the most popular in eSports through its originality and innovation.

FIFA

Developer: EA Sports
Release date: 1993
Tournaments: FIFA eWorld Cup ($500.000)

FIFA is a football simulation game series developed and published by EA Sports. The series began in 1993 and has been updated annually with a new version. FIFA is known for its realistic portrayal of the sport of football, allowing players to play as their favorite teams and players.

The game offers various modes, including Career Mode, where players can control a single player or a team, and Ultimate Team, where players can build their own teams and compete against others. FIFA is renowned for its detailed graphics, smooth animations, and a wide selection of leagues and teams.

In eSports, FIFA is one of the leading disciplines, with numerous tournaments held worldwide by EA Sports and other organizations. The FIFA eWorld Cup is the premier tournament, where the best players compete for the title of World Champion.

Overwatch 2

Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
Release date: 2022
Tournaments: Overwatch League ($5.000.000)

Overwatch 2 is a team-based multiplayer first-person shooter developed by Blizzard Entertainment. It is the successor to the original Overwatch game and was released in 2022. In Overwatch 2, two teams of six players each compete in various modes.

The game is distinguished by its heroes, who have unique abilities and roles within the team. These heroes are divided into three categories: Damage, Tank, and Support. Overwatch 2 offers a variety of game modes, including Control, Escort, and Hybrid modes, where teams must work together to achieve objectives.

Overwatch 2 is known for its colorful graphics, dynamic gameplay, and strategic depth. It has a large fan base and is one of the leading eSports disciplines. The Overwatch League is the premier tournament, where the best teams in the world compete against each other.

Rainbow Six Siege

Developer: Ubisoft
Release date: 2015
Tournaments: Six Invitational ($3.000.000), Pro League ($500.000)

Rainbow Six Siege is a tactical first-person shooter developed by Ubisoft and released in 2015. The game is part of the Rainbow Six series and is known for its team-based gameplay and destructible environments.

In Rainbow Six Siege, two teams of five players each compete in various modes. Players can choose from a variety of Operators, each with unique abilities and equipment. The game requires precise shooting, strategic thinking, and good team communication.

Rainbow Six Siege is renowned for its tactical depth and the ability to use the environment to surprise opponents and achieve objectives. It has a large fan base and is one of the leading eSports disciplines. The Six Invitational and the Pro League are the major tournaments where the best teams in the world compete against each other.

Rocket League

Developer: Psyonix
Release date: 2015
Tournaments: RLCS ($1.000.000)

Rocket League is a unique sports game developed by Psyonix and released in 2015. The game combines soccer with cars powered by rocket boosters. Players control cars and try to shoot the ball into the opponent’s goal.

Rocket League offers various modes, including single-player, multiplayer, and tournaments. The game is characterized by its simple controls, fast-paced action, and spectacular plays. It requires precise driving, good timing, and teamwork.

Rocket League has a large fan base and is one of the leading eSports disciplines. The Rocket League Championship Series (RLCS) is the premier tournament, where the best teams in the world compete against each other.

StarCraft II

Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
Release date: 2010
Tournaments: WCS Global Finals ($500.000)

StarCraft II is a real-time strategy game developed by Blizzard Entertainment and released in 2010. The game is the successor to the original StarCraft and is known for its complex strategy and tactical depth.

In StarCraft II, two players compete against each other, aiming to destroy the opponent’s base. The game features three distinct races – Terran, Protoss, and Zerg – each with unique units and abilities. Players must gather resources, construct buildings, and produce units to defeat their opponents.

StarCraft II is renowned for its steep learning curve and the need to make quick decisions while multitasking. It has a large fan base and is one of the leading eSports disciplines. The World Championship Series (WCS) Global Finals are the premier tournament where the best players in the world compete against each other.

PUBG (Player Unknown’s Battlegrounds)

Developer: PUBG Corporation
Release date: 2017
Tournaments: PUBG Global Championship ($2.000.000)

PUBG is a battle royale game developed by PUBG Corporation and released in 2017. The game popularized the battle royale genre and has gained millions of fans worldwide. In PUBG, 100 players parachute onto a large map, collect weapons and equipment, and fight to survive.

The goal of the game is to be the last one standing. Players must explore their surroundings, eliminate opponents, and stay within a shrinking zone. PUBG is known for its realistic graphics, tactical depth, and the ability to use vehicles.

PUBG has a large fan base and is one of the leading eSports disciplines. The PUBG Global Championship is the premier tournament where the best teams in the world compete against each other.

Apex Legends

Developer: Respawn Entertainment
Release date: 2019
Tournaments: ALGS Championship ($1.000.000)

Apex Legends is a battle royale game developed by Respawn Entertainment and released in 2019. The game features heroes, each with unique abilities and roles within the team. In Apex Legends, 20 teams of three players each compete on a large map.

The goal of the game is to be the last surviving team. Players must collect weapons and equipment, eliminate opponents, and stay within a shrinking zone. Apex Legends is known for its fast-paced action, dynamic gameplay, and strategic depth.

Apex Legends has a large fan base and is one of the leading eSports disciplines. The Apex Legends Global Series (ALGS) Championship is the premier tournament where the best teams in the world compete against each other.

Street Fighter V

Developer: Capcom
Release date: 2016
Tournaments: Capcom Cup ($250.000)

Street Fighter V is a fighting game developed by Capcom and released in 2016. The game is the latest installment in the Street Fighter series and is known for its smooth animations, detailed graphics, and a variety of characters.

In Street Fighter V, two players compete against each other in different arenas, trying to defeat their opponent using various attacks and special techniques. The game requires precise timing, good reactions, and strategic thinking.

Street Fighter V has a large fan base and is one of the leading eSports disciplines. The Capcom Cup is the premier tournament where the best players in the world compete against each other.

Hearthstone

Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
Release date: 2014
Tournaments: Hearthstone World Championship ($1.000.000)

Hearthstone is a digital collectible card game developed by Blizzard Entertainment and released in 2014. The game is set in the Warcraft universe and is known for its simple controls, strategic depth, and a wide variety of cards.

In Hearthstone, two players compete against each other, aiming to reduce the opponent’s health points to zero. Players can draw and play cards from their decks to summon creatures, cast spells, and use weapons. Hearthstone requires strategic thinking, good planning, and an understanding of the various cards and decks.

Hearthstone has a large fan base and is one of the leading eSports disciplines. The Hearthstone World Championship is the premier tournament where the best players in the world compete against each other.