New to the world of eSports? If you’ve always loved gaming, whether casually with friends or competitively online, you might be surprised to learn about the thriving global eSports scene.
From high-stakes tournaments to professional teams and players, eSports has evolved into a massive industry.
If you're curious about diving in but don't know where to start, we’ve got you covered.
VALORANT
We have to kick things off with VALORANT, the tactical shooter from Riot Games that has just secured the Esports Game of the Year Award for the third year in a row. Few games have achieved such rapid success; upon its release in 2020, VALORANT quickly amassed a massive player base and saw numerous esports pros migrating from other titles to join the action.
In 2023, VALORANT adopted a partnership model, giving fans four major international leagues to follow:
- The Americas
- EMEA
- Pacific
- China
Each league will feature 11 teams in 2024, ensuring plenty of exciting matches to watch. If you don’t have a Twitch or YouTube account, you can catch the action live on Magic Win or other betting platforms. Teams aim to qualify for Masters events through their respective leagues before they finally compete at the Champions tournament in August.
What makes VALORANT such an engaging esport to watch? The gameplay strikes a perfect balance between slow, methodical tactics and fast, fluid action. Teams bring diverse strategies and personalities, making every match unpredictable. It's common to see underdog teams make surprising runs. For example, Evil Geniuses, once considered a joke at the start of the season, shocked everyone by winning the Champions title and becoming the world’s best team.
League of Legends
League of Legends has become a cornerstone in the gaming world. Another groundbreaking title from Riot Games, it was released in 2009 and has continued to grow in popularity, solidifying its place as one of the most thrilling esports to watch.
Each year, fans eagerly await the World Championship, or "Worlds." Even if you're not an active player, the gripping storylines and intense competition are hard to resist. The game’s spectator experience is highly accessible, and the dynamic casters and analysts make the matches even more enjoyable.
For those looking to dive into the League of Legends esports scene in 2024, it helps to know which players are making waves. Here’s a list of some of the top pros and their respective teams:
- Faker – T1
- Ruler – JD Gaming
- Keria – T1
- Knight – BLG
- Chovy – Gen.G
Chinese and South Korean teams continue to dominate the scene, and if you're picking a team to follow, T1 is a great choice. Widely regarded as the greatest of all time in League of Legends, watching T1 is sure to deliver exciting gameplay and unforgettable moments.
Counter-Strike 2
CS:GO was a legendary title that defined the tactical FPS genre for years, creating some of esports’ most iconic figures. Players like Shroud, Tarik, and S1mple became household names thanks to their remarkable performances in the CS:GO scene.
However, in 2023, Valve made the difficult decision to end CS:GO’s esports legacy. But don’t fret, as it gave birth to Counter-Strike 2! The new iteration keeps the core elements intact, including fan-favorite maps and the same competitive atmosphere, while adding exciting new content and mechanics.
If you’re a fan of shooter games, CS2 is a must-try. It offers a high skill ceiling that makes it a challenge to master, but the esports scene is nothing short of captivating. This year, emerging talents like donk have already left their mark, pulling off a stunning victory over FaZe at IEM Katowice with Team Spirit, and proving that the future of CS2 is as bright as ever. Be sure to take advantage of CS2 promo codes to maximize your gaming experience with special offers and bonuses.
Rocket League
It’s fascinating how some of the best esports titles have no ties to traditional sports, with one exception—Rocket League. Released in 2015, this game took the world by storm by blending two beloved elements: soccer and cars. Essentially, you’re playing soccer, but with vehicles as your players, pushing a giant ball into the goal.
The unique concept made it an instant hit and cemented Rocket League as a top-tier esport. It’s one of the most exciting esports when it comes to skill levels—if you’ve ever played the game, you’ll be amazed by what the professionals can pull off. Compared to other games, the gap between casual players and pros in Rocket League is enormous. While other esports see a smaller divide, Rocket League’s professional players operate on a whole different level.
Let’s wrap up by mentioning a few other esports that are also thriving:
- DOTA 2
- Rainbow Six Siege
- EA Sports Football Club
- Overwatch
Esports is still in its early stages, making it a great time to dive into the scene and start following some games. In the years to come, you’ll be glad you did as esports continues to grow and rival traditional sports in scale and popularity.
