June 20, 2024
Esports is all the rage in 2024. From Valorant selling out its biggest venue in history to Tekken reaching the masses in developing countries, esports is proving that gaming is no longer a mere hobby.
The world of esports continues to grow exponentially, with new games and updates to existing titles keeping the competitive scene fresh and exciting. In 2024, several games have risen to the top, drawing in massive audiences and offering substantial prize pools. Whether you’re a seasoned esports enthusiast or new to the scene, these are the top games to watch in 2024.
League of Legends
League of Legends remains a powerhouse in the esports arena. This multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game, developed by Riot Games, has consistently dominated the esports landscape since its release in 2009. In 2024, League of Legends continues to captivate millions with its strategic depth, dynamic gameplay, and regular updates.
There are adrenaline-pumping storylines and some of the most decorated esports icons that came from LoL. Take Faker, for example, who’s also the first-ever inductee of LoL’s Hall of Legends.
Major LoL tournaments:
- League of Legends World Championship (Worlds): The pinnacle of competitive play, featuring teams from all over the globe battling for the Summoner’s Cup and multi-million dollar prize pools.
- Mid-Season Invitational (MSI): Another major international event that showcases top teams from each region.
Approximate prize money distributed to date:
- Over $100 million.
Counter-Strike
CS2 remains among esports’s most popular first-person shooters (FPS). Released by Valve in 2012, CS has a dedicated fan base and a thriving competitive scene. Similar to Valve, the game’s fanbase thrives on storylines of lesser teams besting the reigning champions at majors. Due to the game’s history, which is deeply rooted in the community, CS2 has an esports circuit that is dear to its fanbase. At the core, CS2 is a heavily esports-oriented game.
Major Tournaments:
- ESL Pro League: One of the most prestigious leagues in CS, featuring top teams worldwide.
- Intel Extreme Masters (IEM): A series of global tournaments culminating in the IEM World Championship.
- Annual CS2 majors
Approximate Prize Money Distributed till Date:
- Over $150 million.
Valorant
Valorant, LoL’s cousin game, has quickly risen to prominence since its release in 2020. This tactical shooter combines elements of CS2 with unique character abilities, creating a fresh and engaging experience. While it’s comparatively new, it has quickly found a footing in the esports scene. The game’s biggest tournament VCT’s leg of Masters recently sold its biggest venue so far in China. This proves that Valorant is only getting started with a bright future ahead of it.
Major Tournaments:
- Valorant Champions Tour (VCT): The primary competitive circuit for Valorant, culminating in the Valorant Champions event.
- Masters Events: Key tournaments within the VCT that provide significant ranking points and prize money.
Approximate Prize Money Distributed till Date:
- Over $25 million.
Dota 2
Dota 2, developed by Valve, is another major player in the MOBA genre. Known for’s complexity and high skill ceiling, Dota 2 attracts a dedicated player base and hosts some of the largest esports tournaments.
Major Tournaments:
- The International (TI): The most significant event in Dota 2, known for its massive prize pools funded by the community.
- Dota Pro Circuit (DPC): A series of events that lead up to The International, providing ranking points and prize money.
Approximate Prize Money Distributed till Date:
- Over $300 million.
Call of Duty
Call of Duty: Warzone has solidified its place in the esports scene since its release in 2020. This battle royale game, part of the long-running Call of Duty franchise, offers fast-paced action and tactical gameplay.
Major Tournaments:
- Call of Duty League (CDL): The primary competitive circuit for Call of Duty, featuring Warzone events.
- World Series of Warzone (WSOW): A major event for Warzone, attracting top players and teams.
Approximate Prize Money Distributed till Date:
- Over $10 million.
Esports-oriented games are achieving tremendous success in 2023. Games like Fortnite, Rocket League, Tekken, and others are extremely popular among competitive players. This trend is expected to continue expanding in the upcoming years, solidifying esports as a major component of the gaming industry.