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Which games fall under e-sports: an overview of the most popular disciplines?

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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

Main eSports disciplines: which games fall under 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

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

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Cybersport in 2024 has soared to new heights, and competition among clubs has heated up to the limit. In a world where every battle becomes a spectacle and millions of spectators watch every move of the participants, only the best cybersport teams can reach the real heights. It’s time to determine who has become the king of this arena in 2024.

How the ranking of cyber sports teams is formed

The evaluation criteria are complex and multi-layered, because success in this field is not only about winning tournaments, but also stability, spectator love and the level of support for the organisation. Cybersports teams are evaluated according to the following parameters:

  1. Tournament achievements. Wins and prizes at major competitions such as The International for Dota 2, PGL Major for CS and League of Legends World Championship are the main measure of performance.
  2. Popularity with viewers. The more viewers watching a group play, the higher its importance in the eyes of analysts.
  3. Financial indicators. The earnings of the team and the distribution of prize funds speak of its level and the support of sponsors.
  4. Stability of results. Groups that are constantly kept in the top, arouse respect and prove their consistency over a long distance.

All of these aspects combined allow analysts to compile an objective ranking of cyber sports teams, which does not just record single victories, but shows consistency and reliability.

TOP of the best cyber sports teams of 2024

The year 2024 was rich in surprises, and the ranking of cyber sports teams was topped by true titans of the industry. The ones that ended up at the top:

  1. Team Secret are true masters of the Dota 2 scene. Their dominance at The International 2024 surprised many, and the squad didn’t just win, they did it confidently, leaving no chance to their opponents. Stability and the ability to work cohesively is their secret.
  2. NAVI are legendary CS players who are back on top again. Their tactical moves and coordination at PGL Major 2024 left no spectator indifferent. Their victories are a symbiosis of talent and endless training.
  3. T1 are the kings of League of Legends. Their strategies and innovative approaches to the game won them the championship title at Worlds 2024. T1 continue to amaze with their approach, leaving all opponents far behind.

Earnings and financial component of cybersports

Who's on the throne: ranking the best cybersport teams of 2024The financial side has reached new heights in 2024. Cybersport teams earn not only through prize money, but also through sponsorship contracts, advertising deals and merchandising. Here are some key numbers:

  1. $20 million is Team Secret’s total earnings in 2024, including prize money, sponsorship contracts and broadcast revenue.
  2. NAVI earned around $15 million, with the majority of the amount coming from sponsorship contracts with giants Logitech and Monster Energy.
  3. T1 made $17 million, much of it from merchandise sales and advertising contracts.

Cybersport team compositions: who creates success?

Cybersport involves teamwork, which requires maximum dedication from each participant and the ability to fulfil their role at the highest level. Teams play a key role, as it is the cohesion and professionalism of everyone that allows to achieve the highest results.

Team Secret

Puppey stands out in their line-up as a player who not only leads the team to victories, but is also a symbol of stability. His leadership skills and experience have been the foundation of the group’s progress. Puppey is known for his ability to adapt to any playing conditions, making him a versatile leader.

Nisha is also an important member of the cybersport team, demonstrating the highest level of mechanical prowess, especially in stressful situations where a single move determines the outcome of a match. Team Secret’s breakthrough is not only the stars, but also the deep team synergy that has been building over the years, including strategic support from coach Heen, who is known for his brilliant tactical decisions.

NAVI

S1mple is one of the most famous CS players, whose precise shots and incredible reactions lead the alliance to victory. But behind his achievements is the well-coordinated work of the whole five, each of whom knows his role on the field. Besides S1mple, a huge contribution to the result is made by such players as electronic, whose ability to control the map and make quick decisions is often decisive, and b1t, known for his phenomenal accuracy and coolness in the most tense moments.

An important part of NAVI is Boombl4, who, as captain, is able to instantly adapt to the changing situation in the game, strategising on the fly.

Thanks to the cohesion and professionalism of the players, NAVI was not only able to return to the top, but also to stay there despite the strong competition.

T1

Faker, a League of Legends legend whose experience and tactical vision of the game help the club to be one step ahead of the opponent every time. However, success is not possible without Zeus, who provides aggressive support on the line, and Keria, who plays at the backline and whose excellent defences and saves have been crucial in key matches.

Worth mentioning is Gumayusi, whose aggressive play at the shooting guard position brings critical moments. All of them together create the perfect balance and rhythm that helps T1 maintain its leading position in world tournaments.

The best eSports organisations: an inside look

The triumph of teams is impossible without strong support from organisations. Team Liquid and G2 Esports are entire empires behind their groups.

The secret to Team Liquid’s success: the training process

Team Liquid provide their players with the best training facilities, including their own training centre in Los Angeles, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities such as dedicated rooms, recovery areas and even analytical labs for strategy work.

Management is focused on long-term progress, which includes not only hiring the best coaches and analysts, but also the support of psychologists and physical training specialists. With this approach, Team Liquid create the perfect environment for their players to develop and perform at their best.

The marketing success of G2 Esports: how they attract attention

The organisation is known for creative marketing moves and for building a unique brand around its players. In 2024, G2 have launched some major advertising campaigns, such as collaborations with the BMW and Red Bull brands, which has helped attract the attention of not only cybersports fans but also the general public.

They are also active on their social media, often posting behind-the-scenes footage of players and hosting interactive events, which creates a strong emotional connection with fans. Their philosophy is entertainment, and they do everything they can to make cybersports not just a competition, but a show that you want to watch.

Conclusion

Top eSports organisations: an inside lookThe cyber sports world in 2024 has become an arena not only for spectacular battles, but also for demonstrating the power of team spirit and support. Cybersports teams demonstrate that success is impossible without competent management, teamwork and a constant pursuit of excellence. The industry continues to grow, and there are many bright spots ahead. It’s important to stay tuned as the future of cybersport promises to be even more exciting and unpredictable.

What comes to mind when you hear the word “e-sports”: Dota 2, CS:GO, maybe League of Legends? But it’s not just about fighting for an ancient throne or taking out terrorists. The gaming scene has grown so much that unusual forms of e-sports are starting to catch the public’s attention, from Google Street View travel to office professionals competing for speed in Excel.

GeoGuessr: Traveling the world from home

GeoGuessr takes participants to random locations around the world via Google Street View. The task is simple but challenging: determine the exact location on a map by just looking at the surrounding panorama. In the world championship, players have to demonstrate their geography skills as best as possible. Rainbolt, one of the game’s most famous professionals, impresses with his ability to determine where a certain object is located literally in a matter of seconds. Thanks to this incredible spectacle, an unusual cybersport like GeoGuessr has received its deserved share of attention.

Microsoft Excel: Office Battles for Speed

Have you ever heard of Excel Championships? Yes, yes, the seemingly boring spreadsheet program becomes a real testing ground for office battles. Participants solve tasks ranging from complex calculations to creating huge formulas, competing for speed. These competitions require skills similar to those of classic cyber sports: precision, knowledge of the program’s subtleties and immediate reaction. By turning office software into a cyber competition arena, Excel becomes a truly interesting discipline that breaks with conventional ideas about what a “game” is.

Turbo Racing League: Snails at the Start

Can you imagine a snail race? In honor of the release of the animated film Turbo, DreamWorks launched the Turbo Racing League in 2013, in which users control snails in dynamic races. The tournament, with an impressive prize pool of $250,000, attracted players from all over the world, making this fun discipline part of an unusual cyber sport. Does that sound absurd? But it is precisely the kind of eccentricity that is missing from traditional competitions.

Farming Simulator League: Virtual farmers in action

When e-sports and agriculture meet, an unusual type of game is born: Farming Simulator League. Teams of three compete to harvest the crop within a limited time. They choose the right equipment, drive the virtual tractors and use all the functions of the simulation. It is not just about the harvest, but also about teamwork, because in this discipline it is important to plan ahead and work together.

osu: rhythm in every movement

GeoGuessr: Traveling the world from homeosu! has won the love of millions of people. Participants control the cursor, try to keep up with the music and perform incredible precision moves. The osu! world championships attract both professionals and beginners with their spectacular and fast sessions. Reaction, coordination and musical hearing are the main tools of the users. Rhythm games have always been a great way to practice, but osu! has turned them into a real cybersport spectacle.

Shrek SuperSlam: fairytale hero fights

When we talk about fighting games, few people think of Shrek SuperSlam, a game based on the universe of Shrek. But this particular project has become iconic thanks to its humor and unexpected characters. The competition took place at the annual Shrekfest festival, where participants demonstrated their skills with the fairytale characters. These fighting games not only offer the opportunity to fight in the arena, but also to experience all the “fairytale” skills of the characters, adding humor and lightness to the proceedings.

VR Esports: Immersive Virtual Battles

The world of VR Esports immerses players in stories with virtual reality headsets. Teams compete in shooters or sports simulators, such as big tennis, while being fully immersed in the game. There is no room for passive observation: users actively interact with the environment. These unusual cybersport competitions are held all over the world and attract spectators who are eager to see how virtual reality becomes a real battle.

Puyo Puyo: Fast Arcade Puzzles

Puyo Puyo is a simple arcade game in which you have to match balls by color to make them disappear and score points. At the professional level, however, it becomes an exciting spectacle. Participants compete with speed and strategy to make combinations and make their opponents disappear. The puzzle requires not only fast hands, but also a thoughtful approach, which makes it interesting for both spectators and players.

Shaq Fu: The Basketball Player Against Evil

In Shaq Fu, basketball player Shaquille O’Neal fights demons and other evil forces in another dimension. Despite mixed reviews, the concept has found its fans and has become cult entertainment for people who like unusual combinations of genres. The Shaq Fu cybersport competition has become an event for fans of the extraordinary and has shown that there are no limits to imagination in cybersports.

Cycling Esports: Cycling in the Virtual World

In Cycling Esports, users compete on bicycle machines connected to a virtual circuit. World championships bring together the best cyclists, who show not only their physical condition, but also their tactical skills. Real loads, virtual climbs and descents and high competition make this type of cybersport truly unusual and exciting. The project clearly shows how physical activity and virtual competition can be combined.

Unusual Cybersports: Conclusion

Shrek SuperSlam: fairytale hero fightsThe world of esports is not limited to classic games and well-known disciplines. Unusual forms of esports are expanding the ideas of what the basis of a game can be. From Excel battles in the office to virtual farmers, all these disciplines prove that virtual reality can be versatile, interesting and unpredictable. So the next time you hear the word “cybersport” remember: it’s not just about challenging shooters, but also about snails, dancing and even the infamous Excel spreadsheets.