Top 10 Most Popular eSports in Q3 2024

Every second something changes in the world of e-sports: new projects appear, rules change, new records are set. The question of which games belong to e-sports concerns beginners and professionals alike. Projects that have become popular form entire industries, attract a large number of fans and offer e-sports players huge prize money.

By 2024, the e-sports industry reached $1.5 billion in revenue and the number of spectators exceeded 500 million. The prize pools of major tournaments such as The International and League of Legends Worlds continue to grow, encouraging young players to turn professional.

Main eSports disciplines: which games fall under eSports?

The field includes many disciplines, each with its own audience and popularity.

MOBA games: Dota 2 and League of Legends are in the spotlight.

MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) games dominate the eSports world because of their team dynamics and spectacle. The most popular are:

1. Dota 2: tournaments like The International collect the biggest prize pools in the industry. In 2023, for example, the total prize pool exceeded $40 million and Team Spirit emerged victorious, winning $18 million. Aspects such as strategy, choice of heroes and their skills and coordination with the team are important in the game.
2. League of Legends (LoL): Riot Games regularly hosts the World Championship, where professional teams from around the world compete for the title of best. In 2024, the Worlds tournament attracted a record number of viewers and surpassed the mark of 5 million simultaneous viewers. The tournament was won by the T1 team, which showed brilliant tactics and a high level of individual skills.

These games are part of eSports as games that define the industry and attract viewers’ attention because of their strategic depth, teamwork and dramatic outcomes.

Shooters: CS:GO and Valorant top the charts

First-person shooters have always been particularly popular among cyberathletes. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) and Valorant dominate the genre:

1. CS:GO: Valve continue to host large tournaments with prize pools of up to USD 2 million. ESL and Blast Pro Series tournaments attract thousands of fans from around the world. In 2024, Team NAVI won the Paris Major, a testament to excellent strategy and outstanding skills.
2. Valorant: the game developed by Riot Games is rapidly gaining popularity and is already an established player in the top disciplines. The VCT Masters 2024 saw a new record number of participants, confirming the rapid growth of the game. Team Fnatic won the VCT Masters with their superior tactical decisions and coordination.

Which games fall under eSports? Of course, shooters are on this list. They are appreciated for their fast pace, high individual skill and spectacle.

Battle Royale and combat: PUBG and Fortnite

The Battle Royale genre is also making its presence felt in the industry. Here are two of the most popular games in this genre:

1. PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) is attracting attention for its realism and strategy. The 2024 PUBG Global Championship brought together the best teams from around the world, with a total prize pool of more than $6 million. Team NewHappy won this tournament by showing excellent tactical and survival skills.
2. Fortnite Epic Games continues to attract players with its colourful tournaments and huge prize pools. The Fortnite World Championship gives participants the chance to win a share of the million-dollar prize pool, making it one of the most anticipated events of the year. In 2024, Bugha is once again among the top players, confirming his status as one of Fortnite’s top stars.

Specific disciplines and their influence on the popularity of eSports

The popularity of e-sports games is determined not only by the quality of the games themselves, but also by their accessibility, spectacularity and community support.

Which games are popular in e-sports?

The question of which games are popular in e-sports can be answered based on several factors:

1. Accessibility: many of these games are free-to-play, which contributes to their popularity among the general public. Valorant and League of Legends are available for free, which ensures a constant influx of new players.
2. Entertainment: Dota 2 and CS:GO tournaments attract millions of spectators with their dynamic and exciting gameplay. For example, the 2024 ESL Pro League CS:GO final had more than 1 million viewers.
3. Developer support: Games that are actively supported by developers, such as Fortnite and LoL, receive regular updates to maintain audience interest. Riot Games invests millions of dollars in developing the eSports scene, making tournaments increasingly attractive to participants.

What games are played professionally: how are tournaments organised?

E-sports tournaments are events in which professional players compete for big cash prizes and the title of best. For example:

1. The Dota 2 International: an annual tournament with the biggest prize pool in the world of eSports. In 2023, the prize pool was $40 million and Team Spirit once again finished in the top three.
2. League of Legends Worlds: the most important tournament of the season, featuring the best teams in the world. Team T1 won the title in 2024.
3. ESL Pro League CS:GO: prestigious championship featuring the best teams in the world. In 2024, Team FaZe Clan achieved great results and won the championship title.

These leagues give top players the chance to showcase their skills, win big cash prizes and gain recognition on the world stage.

The best eSports games in 2024: which top games are making their appearance in the eSports industry

Every year the popularity of eSports games changes, but in 2024, several projects confidently take their position in the rankings.

Let’s take a look at the most popular eSports games in 2024:

1. Dota 2: the biggest prize pool and a long history of successful tournaments. The International remains the most important event in the eSports world.
2. CS:GO – remains popular thanks to the regularity of major tournaments and Valve’s ongoing support.
3. League of Legends – a rich history and the support of a huge community, as well as significant investment in the scene.
4. Valorant – a new favourite, rapidly gaining popularity among players, with numerous tournaments and active developer support.
5. PUBG – realistic gameplay and large tournaments attracting thousands of participants. PUBG remains one of the most recognisable brands in the Battle Royale genre.

Conclusion

In summary, it should be noted that the answer to which games fall under e-sports varies depending on preferences and interests. It is important to realise that this industry has a huge destination with leagues, tournaments and millions of fans worldwide. In 2024, e-sports games continue to gain popularity and cyberathletes are showing an ever-increasing skill level.

The future of esports is determined by the development of technology, changing player preferences and the growing influence of streaming platforms. In 2025, the sector will continue to grow, offering viewers and participants new forms of interaction and more complex competitive disciplines.

Interest in esports disciplines is fueled by the diversity of genres, the high level of tournament organization and the introduction of innovations such as virtual reality. Companies are developing games that meet the needs of professional esports players. In this way, they ensure that the popularity of the discipline grows among a wide audience.

Which games will become popular in esports? Future trends of 2025

The future of esports is unthinkable without innovative games that capture the attention of the masses. The key role is played by genres that have already proven their worth: MOBAs, shooters, strategy games and simulators. Developers strive to adapt their projects to the demands of the audience and thus create spectacular and technically advanced products.

MOBA is the foundation of the eSports ecosystem

The MOBA genre is still an integral part of the new landscape. In 2025, projects in this category will continue to shape the industry and set quality standards for professional disciplines. Tournaments such as the International Championship and the World Championship attract millions of viewers.

Features of MOBAs in 2025:

1. Highly entertaining matches. Spectators witness an exciting battle, where every mistake or victory can change the outcome of the match.
2. Constant content updates. New heroes, mechanics, and events make the games interesting for the mainstream audience.
3. Prize money and sponsors. In 2024 alone, The International’s prize pool was $40 million, indicating a growing investment in the future of esports.

List of changes that made MOBA games more popular:

1. Hero balance. Valve and Riot Games pay special attention to maintaining a balance between the characters. Regular updates will address imbalances.
2. Updated maps. New maps like Lotus Field in Dota 2 offer unique tactical opportunities for players.
3. Improved graphics. By optimizing visual effects, games become more attractive to viewers.

Next-gen shooters: realism and tactics

Shooters from 2025 focus on the combination of realism and unique gameplay mechanics. Games like Valorant, Apex Legends, and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare develop their esports potential through continuous updates and integration with professional leagues.

Special features:

1. Unique characters. Valorant adds agents with new abilities, increasing the variety of strategies.
2. Team battle modes. Apex Legends offers unique formats like 3v3, making the game interesting for a competitive audience.
3. Tactical flexibility. Maps and weapons adapt to different play styles, allowing teams to develop unique approaches.

In 2025, shooters will continue to captivate audiences with improved graphics, sound effects, and augmented reality integration. This allows us to attract both beginners and seasoned professionals.

Card strategies: growing in popularity

Strategic card games are becoming increasingly important in the industry. Hearthstone and Legends of Runeterra continue to attract players with their flexible tactics and in-depth strategy.

Special features:

1. Creating unique decks. Players analyze hundreds of cards to form optimal strategies.
2. Tactical depth. Every decision has an impact on the outcome of the match, making the matches interesting for viewers.
3. Regular updates. New card sets are introduced every 3-4 months, ensuring constant development.

Card strategy games are rooted in their unique approach to gameplay, combining intellectual challenges with competitive elements.

The most promising esports games: the future lies in innovation

Technological innovation plays a key role in the formation of new disciplines. The future of eSports lies in the introduction of blockchain, artificial intelligence and virtual reality, which are changing the approach to game development.

Blockchain games: a revolution

Blockchain-based games such as Axie Infinity offer new opportunities for players and developers. This technology makes it possible to create unique assets that players can trade or use in competitive matches. This mechanism makes games more attractive to the eSports audience.

Virtual Reality: a step towards the future of eSports

Virtual reality is changing the way we look at eSports games. Projects such as Beat Saber and Echo Arena are becoming increasingly popular due to their interactivity and innovative elements. In 2025, virtual reality gaming will gain more attention due to improved technology and decreasing hardware costs.

Development of eSports: challenges and perspectives

The eSports industry faces a number of challenges that must be overcome in order to continue to grow. Key issues include monetization, infrastructure development, and creating a safe environment for players.

Investment in development

The eSports industry is attracting significant investment, focused on developing new games, organizing tournaments, and improving streaming platforms for the future. Major companies such as Tencent and Activision Blizzard continue to invest in the development of disciplines, ensuring a high level of quality and accessibility for the audience.

How to deal with issues

Key challenges include combating toxic behavior, cheating, and unfair monetization. Developers are implementing security systems such as anti-cheat software and moderation tools to improve the quality of the eSports experience.

The impact of eSports on the audience: a look into the future

Management is creating a unique community that unites millions of players and viewers. The popularity of tournaments and streaming platforms is strengthening the bonds between participants in the sector:

1. Creating a global community. International tournaments such as The International and ESL Pro League attract players from different countries, thus contributing to the creation of a global gaming community. Participants in the tournament share their experiences and contribute to the development of eSports culture.
2. The role of streaming. Platforms such as Twitch and YouTube have transformed eSports by making it accessible to a wider audience. Streamers popularize disciplines by demonstrating gameplay sessions and discussing trends.

Results

The future of eSports is shaped by the rapid development of technology, the growing number of players and the interest in new disciplines. The industry continues to grow, combining the creativity of developers with the passion of the audience. Gender is an integral part of culture and influences the lives of millions of people around the world. In 2025, the program will continue its momentum and create new opportunities for participants and spectators.