The world of eSports is a place where some rise and some fall. The third quarter of 2024 was a real battleground for popular eSports games: which ones made it to the top, and which ones merely tried to catch up with the frontrunners? We have compiled a top 10 of the most watched and exciting projects that attracted millions of viewers around the world. Let’s delve into the unique features of each project and understand what made them so appealing.
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang is the king of mobile eSports
The East-West Cup 2024 (EWC) tournament reaffirmed Mobile Legends’ status as the best mobile game of the year. With more than 2.38 million viewers during the finals, the EWC set a new bar for mobile eSports. The importance of this tournament lies not only in the number of fans, but also in the participation of the world’s best teams, such as Blacklist International and RRQ Hoshi.
Community and team
The Mobile Legends community is made up of true strategists who live the game. The developers continue to support members with regular patches and events, creating an atmosphere where everyone feels part of a big and important world. Professional teams host regular broadcasts and masterclasses, further engaging fans and growing the popular eSports game.
League of Legends: the immortal leader of the moba genre
The LCK Regional Finals 2024 tournament was another major event that attracted 1.82 million viewers worldwide. Riot Games has consistently focused on League of Legends by championing the growth of the eSports ecosystem, and the LCK was a great example of how the project can grow through regular big games.
In 2024, prize pools for major eSports tournaments such as Worlds and LCK totalled over $10 million, attracting both new and experienced players. This keeps League of Legends in the spotlight and makes it one of the top eSports games.
Dota 2: the champion of strategy
The International is an icon among competitors. eSports prize money reached another record $40 million. More than 1.52 million people watched the final matches, where not only victory was at stake, but also the history of an entire generation of gamers.
Community and fan loyalty
Dota 2 is a community that needs no further introduction. The game has been a favourite of millions of people for years, thanks to its depth and complexity. You can’t rely on luck: only calculation, teamwork and flawless execution of strategies lead to victory. This makes Dota 2 one of the most lucrative e-sports games.
The secret of its continued popularity
Many popular eSports games come and go, but Dota 2 endures because of its unique balance of difficulty and opportunities for individual exploitation. Each game is different from the last and the next strategy requires a subtle approach.
Valorant: young blood
The Valorant Champions 2024 tournament proved that the project has a place among the leaders in its own right. More than 1.41 million viewers followed the final, in which teams from North America and Europe performed on a global level. Riot Games actively supports the concept, adding new maps and agents and organising spectacular battles.
Breaking through and reaching new audiences
Valorant is characterised by its accessibility for beginners and its great potential for professional players. Its unique blend of tactics and action attracts many players from other shooters, such as CS and Overwatch. The high level of support and competitive events make Valorant one of the most popular eSports games.
Counter-Strike 2: A new chapter in the legend
The IEM Cologne 2024 tournament attracted 1.05 million viewers, confirming that interest in Counter-Strike 2 is not waning. The transition to the updated engine breathed new life into the game, making it even more attractive for spectators and participants. A new lightning-fast shooting animation system added depth and realism to the gameplay, while improved weapon models now take into account more detailed ballistics.
Fortnite: a battle royale with a unique style
The FNCS 2024 Global Championship was a huge event for Fortnite, attracting more than 809,000 spectators. The championship brought a new wave of popularity to the project and proved that battle royale is still at the forefront. Fortnite appeals not only for its gameplay, but also for its ability to express itself. Constant collaborations with global brands, concerts and events make the concept stand out among popular e-sports games.
Arena of Valor: a Chinese mafia classic
Arena of Valor eSports tournaments continue to attract attention, reaching a peak of 699,000 spectators during the 2024 AoV Premier League. The participation of Asia’s best teams makes for spectacular matches and demonstrates the high level of professionalism of the players. The project offers fast-paced matches, in-depth strategy and heroes that create unique gameplay. AoV’s popularity in the East is due to the game’s adaptation to local preferences and cultural idiosyncrasies.
PUBG Mobile: the living legend of mobile Battle Royale
The World Cup tournament attracted more than 566,000 viewers and confirmed PUBG Mobile’s status as one of the most popular mobile e-sports games. The project appeals to users with its large-scale competitions, such as the PUBG Mobile World Cup, and the variety of maps, each of which requires a unique approach and strategy.
PUBG: Battlegrounds: Battle Royale on PC
PUBG: Battlegrounds, like the classic version of PUBG, attracted an audience of more than 510,000 viewers for the 2024 Nations Cup. The event was a milestone for players who wanted to showcase their skills in the original version of the popular concept. The tournament brought together teams from all over the world, including favourites from South Korea and Russia. As such, the PUBG Nations Cup was a real treat for Battle Royale fans and the match finals were incredibly exciting and full of tactical manoeuvring.
Battlegrounds Mobile India: the Indian market leader
The BMPS Pro Series attracted over 493,000 spectators and made Battlegrounds Mobile India a staple of eSports in India. The tournament has become the premier event for local participants, allowing teams like Team SouL and GodLike Esports to showcase their skills on the big stage. Regular updates, improved localisation and events to celebrate national holidays make BM India particularly appealing to the local market, keeping it one of the most popular eSports games among locals.
Conclusion
The third quarter of 2024 has shown that popular eSports games continue to surprise and attract new viewers. Each has unique features and is set to offer players something special. We continue to keep an eye on their development and look forward to new tournaments that will set the standard for all eSports in the future.