Esports Games Most Popular

Would you bet on baseball if you didn’t know the difference between batting and pitching, or on football if you couldn’t tell a quarterback from a running back? Would you bet on soccer if you didn’t know the rules of the game? Of course you wouldn’t!

Well, at least we hope you wouldn’t. You see, it’s VERY important to understand what you’re betting on when you’re putting real money at risk. This applies to all forms of gambling, including esports betting. If you don’t understand the games that you’re betting on, then you ARE going to lose money. It really is as simple as that.

One of our top tips for betting on esports is to focus on the games that you’re already familiar with. This is because it’s a lot easier to make good betting decisions when you fully understand how a game works. You don’t necessarily need to have played a game yourself before betting on it (although it helps), but you certainly need to know the basics of how it’s played.

It’s easy to follow this tip if you’re a hardcore video gamer or big video gaming fan. What if you don’t know much about ANY of the esports games though? What are you supposed to do then? You come to us of course!

Below we have listed all the popular styles of esports games commonly bet on today. We’ve also provided detailed guides for the most popular games that offer the best betting opportunities.

Multiplayer Online Battle Arena Games

The FIFA series of games from EA Sports is one of the most popular sports video game series of all time. The original game was FIFA International Soccer, released all the way back in 1993. Since then there. CS:GO is still regarded as one of the most popular esports games, having one of the largest fan based communities in the world. It is the focal point of many major tournament events, since its first release in 2012. If you are new to the counter strike series; the game comprises of two teams, being the Terrorists and Counter-terrorists. Boxing and other fighting sports have been popular in the world of traditional sports since ancient times, and in the world of gaming, fighting games have also always been massively popular. So, it should come as no surprise to learn that fighting is one of the most popular present-day esports around.

Multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games have become incredibly popular with video gamers in recent years. Early versions were usually spin-offs derived from real-time strategy games, but there are now many MOBAs that stand alone as individual games in their own right.

Most MOBAs are team games. There are usually two opposing teams, with each team consisting of multiple characters (or heroes). Players control one individual character, and play co-operatively with other players on their team to destroy the opposing team’s base. Each hero has various characteristics and abilities that can be improved during a game to make the character more effective.

The history of MOBAs began in 1998, when a video gamer created a custom map for the real-time strategy game StarCraft. It required players to join up as a team against computer-controlled units to destroy a structure while protecting their own base. There were a few differences between that map and the MOBAs of today, but it basically inspired the creation of a new genre.

The genre has gone from strength to strength since then, and some of the modern MOBAs are among the most played video games in the world. The following are particularly popular, and feature in many high-profile esports competitions.

We’ve written detailed guides on all four of these MOBAs. You’ll find them linked below, along with a brief overview of each game.

Dota 2 was released in 2013, by Valve Corporation. Like most MOBAs, it’s a free-to-play online game for computers rather than consoles. It’s available only for Windows, OS X and Linux. It’s a very complex game, and comes with a steep learning curve, but it’s popular because of its immersive gameplay.

Dota 2 games feature two teams, with five players on each team. The team that manages to destroy their opponents’ structure first is the winner.

Usually referred to as LoL, League of Legends is one of the most played PC games in both North America and Europe. To call it popular would be something of an understatement! It was released in 2009, by a developer named Riot Games.

League of Legends games take place between two teams, with five players on each team. Each player must select a “champion” to control during games. There are over 130 different champions to choose from, in several different categories, with more being added every few months. The aim of the game is usually to destroy the opponents’ “Nexus”, but objectives can vary depending on the game mode the player chooses.

Smite was developed by Hi-Rez Studios and released in 2014 following an extended beta test. It has a large and active community and features in several high-profile esports contests.

Players control mythological characters such as gods and goddesses in Smite. There are a number of different game modes, with “Conquest” the most popular. This is where players form teams of five and compete against an opposing team in combat. The goal is to destroy an in-game character called the “Titan”.

The developers of Heroes of the Storm (Blizzard Entertainment) don’t consider this game to be a MOBA. They claim it has a different playstyle to other games in this genre, and label it a “hero brawler” instead. They may have a point, but most people in the videogaming community still class it as a MOBA anyway.

That’s largely because it follows the same basic format as a typical MOBA, with two teams of five competing against each other. Each player selects a character, which is then levelled up as a game progresses. The only real difference is the game objectives, as these are much more varied than most other MOBAs.

Here are some other MOBA games that are played professionally in esports tournaments and leagues, or have been in the past.

This is another extremely popular videogame genre. First person shooter games have been around for decades, with early examples from as far back as the 1970s. The genre really exploded from the 90s though, with Wolfenstein 3D setting a new standard. First-person shooters now account for nearly a third of videogame sales.

The basic premise of these games is simple. Players view the game from a first-person perspective, through the eyes of the character they’re controlling. They use guns and other weapons to engage in combat and complete objectives. These games come in various different formats, such as single player, multi-player and co-op.

First person shooters have been at the forefront of professional esports gaming from the very beginning, and they continue to play a big role today. The following games are especially prevalent at major esports contests.

• Counter-Strike Global Offensive
• Halo
• Battlefield
• Overwatch
• Call of Duty

Counter-Strike is a series of games developed and published by multiple companies. The very first Counter-Strike was actually released as custom mod for another game, Half-Life. It was subsequently purchased by Valve Corporation, the developers of Half Life, and they then worked with other developers to expand the series.

The most popular game in the series is Counter-Strike Global Offensive (CSGO). It features two opposing teams – Terrorists and Counter-Terrorists. The Terrorists typically have to either plant a bomb or capture and hold hostages, while the Counter-Terrorists are tasked with preventing a bomb from being planted or rescuing hostages.

CSGO is currently one of THE most important games in both the main esports industry and the esports betting industry. In addition to a detailed guide to the game itself, we’ve also compiled a list of the best CSGO betting sites.

Halo is another series of games. The first game was developed and released by Bungie for the Xbox back in 2001, and that was initially followed by two other games; Halo 2, which was released in 2003, and Halo 3 in 2007. Another developer then took over the rights to the franchise and released several more sequels and spinoff games.

Several of the Halo Games have been used in esports contests over the years. However, constant changes to the design and format of the game saw a decline in its popularity. It was dropped from most major contests, but a recent version of the game was developed specifically with esports in mind. Halo has subsequently made something of a recovery on the esports circuit with the success of the Halo Championship Series Pro League.

Battlefield was first launched in 2002, as Battlefield 1942. Since then there have been several new releases, and even more expansion packs. Most of the releases have been focused on the online multiplayer format, which makes the game ideal for esports tournaments and leagues.

Overwatch is one of the newest games featured on this page. It was released in 2016, by Blizzard Entertainment, and rated as one the best new games that year. It’s a team based online multiplayer game where players work together to meet set objectives. These can include securing and defending control points, or escorting a transport of goods across a map.

Call of Duty (COD) is one of the most well-known video game series of all time. The series began in 2003, when the original Call of Duty was released for Microsoft Windows. Versions for handhelds and consoles soon followed, as did several sequels and spin-off games.

The COD series was initially set in World War II. That changed with the release of Modern Warfare in 2007, which was set in the modern day. Subsequent versions have gone back to the World War II era, but it’s the Modern Warfare games that are typically played in esports contests.

Current and past esports contests have also featured the following first-person shooter games.

Fighting Games

Video games in this genre are usually pretty straightforward. They’re mostly one-versus-one style games, with two players simply competing to beat their opponent through combat. Various forms of combat can be used depending on the game, but it’s typically some kind of hand-to-hand combat.

Most fighting games involve a number of timed rounds. Rounds are won by either KO’ing the opponent or having done the most damage when round ends. The first player to win a specified number of rounds is the winner.

These games are ideal for individual esports gaming, and the following two are the most popular. They feature in several major esports tournaments and leagues.

Street Fighter is a genuine classic. The first release in this Capcom franchise was back in 1987, and there have been several others since. Some of the earlier versions have subsequently been modernized and rereleased too.

Esports Games Most Popular Games

The latest version of Street Fighter is Street Fighter V. This was released in 2016, and has already featured at several esports contests. The older games still feature regularly as well though.

The Super Smash Bros. series started in 1999, when the original game was released for the Nintendo 64. It featured a number of characters from other Nintendo games, and that theme continued throughout the series. There have been five games in total, with the latest two released simultaneously in 2014.

These games have featured at several notable esports contests, including Apex and the Evolution Championship Series.

Although not as popular as the above two games, the following fighting games are also played competitively.

Real time strategy (RTS) games are games where decisions must be made based on events and changes that happen in real time. This contrasts with traditional turn-based strategy games. The RTS genre is extremely popular for single-player use, but less so for multi-player. It’s therefore not ideal for esports contests.

There are, however, some exceptions to this. The best example is Starcraft II. This is an INCREDIBLY popular RTS game that was released back in 2010. It was the sequel to the equally popular original Starcraft, and set a new standard for strategy based video games.

Starcraft II also played a key role in the growth of the esports industry. As one of the first video games to be legitimately considered as a spectator sport, it helped to establish the validity of esports contests being played in front of live audiences.

Other RTS games to feature at professional esports contests include the following.

Sports and racing video games have long been part of the esports scene. They’re not quite as prevalent as some of the other genres mentioned on this page, but there are a few games that feature regularly at high profile leagues and tournaments. The following two are especially common.

The FIFA series of games from EA Sports is one of the most popular sports video game series of all time. The original game was FIFA International Soccer, released all the way back in 1993. Since then there have been over 20 subsequent versions made, and we can now expect to see a new game every 12 months or so. The latest version of FIFA is usually one the most anticipated game releases of the year.

Most sports videogames are based on REAL sports, but Rocket League is one of the exceptions. It’s based on a virtual sport that’s a little bit like soccer, but involves using rocket-powered vehicles to move the ball around. Several esports competitions have featured this game, including ones organized by ESL and Major League Gaming.

Several other sports and racing games are played competitively too, including the following.

Our final list of esports games is for those that don’t fall into any of the categories covered above. These are essentially games that are in a genre of all of their own, and can’t really be labelled. There are two in particular that are a big deal on the esports scene.

World of Tanks is a free-to-play online game, although there are some premium features that come at a cost. There are also console versions of the game that were released after the original and mobile versions have recently been released too. The basic premise is the same in all versions of the games though.

As the name suggests, this game is about tanks. Players choose which armored vehicle to take control of (from a range of over 400) and are then placed into battle against opponents. The goal is to destroy all enemy vehicles and/or capture the opposing team’s base.

Hearthstone is part of the Warcraft game franchise that includes World of Warcraft. Although not quite as popular as World of Warcraft (few games are), it has a large following and has proved to be ideal for esports contests.

This is a very simple game really. It’s a turn-based game between two players, where the objective is to destroy the opponent. Players control a selected hero, and use cards and crystals to make their moves.

Here are some other esports games that cannot easily be categorized.

Mortal Kombat 11:

Mortal Kombat 11 is thelatest instalment in the critically acclaimed fighting franchise. It was firstlaunched in April 2019 and offers eye popping ‘2.5D’ graphics in a bid to bringyou as close to the fight as possible.

Unlike many otherfighting games, Mortal Kombat has custom character variations, giving youunprecedented control of your fighters. It features a roster of new andreturning classic fighters to continue the epic 27 year saga.

Expect an unprecedentedamount of gore, and over the top fatality finishing moves, from possibly one ofthe most fully featured fighting games you can buy.

Similar to Tekken, thegame has its own annual esports tournament, the ‘Mortal Kombat Pro Series‘,which sees participation from people all over the world. The tournament itselfis quite popular, and can be easily registered from the official Mortal Kombatesports page of their website here.

If you value unpredictability in your esports tournament fighting, then this one game that you have to consider playing.

Click here to buy Mortal Kombat.

Smite

Smite has been around since March 2014, andis another MOBA game that’s played between 2 teams of five. This fast-paced multiplayergame has many (PVP) modes, and up to 107 different characters from 14 differentpantheons.

In each game, players are able to takecontrol of a mythological figure (such as a God or Goddess), and use theirabilities to compete in competitive team-based combat. Every character hastheir own special class being either an: Assassin, Guardian, Hunter, Mage, orWarrior.

The game originates at the ‘home’ fountainof each team. This is where players spawn to start building or buying itemsthat are able to enhance the player’s god. Phoenixes and guard towers make upeach teams defences.

The aim of the game is to destroy thephoenixes and defeat the Titan of the opposite team, to be crowned with thewin!

Smite has a successful esports scene with multiple global tournaments. The Smite World Championship is the largest annual competition that includes a prize pool of just under 1 million dollars!

If you need a unique MOBA game, then you can download it from here.

Most Popular Esports Games In Asia

Street Fighter V

Street Fighter is another legendaryfighting franchise giving players the experience of high intensity head-to-headbattles. The original version of the game was launched in 1987, where it hasbecome one of the highest-grossing video game franchises of all time.

Most Popular Esports Games Right Now

The latest release; Street fighter waslaunched in 2016. It has since then received a major update in 2018 to becomeStreet Fighter V: Arcade Edition, and is planned to receive a further update in2020 titled: Street Fighter V: Champion Edition.

Street Fighter has a dedicated fanfollowing, being one of the oldest fighting game franchises around. The gamealso has its own Tournament circuit – the “Capcom Pro Tour” and is regularlyincluded in various esports events globally.

The popularity of the game certainly makes it a respectable choice for anyone looking to get involved with possibly one of the most nostalgic esports fighting games.

Click here to purchase Street Fighter V.

Hearthstone

Hearthstone is a collectible turn-basedgame card game which is set in the Warcraft universe. It was first released byBlizzard Entertainment in March 2014 and has become increasing popularthroughout the years.

The game-play offers a unique premise thatdiffers to many other conventional esports games. Players must collect anassortment of digital cards that can be used to attack opponents. Each cardwill provide powerful spells and can also include the ability to summonminions.

Hearthstone is primarily focused aroundonline 1 vs 1 matches giving players the chance to climb the ranks and winitems for their performances.

Hearthstone has an assortment oftournaments hosted by Blizzard and other organizers each year. The majorcompetitions include the “Hearthstone Masters Tour” and “HearthstoneGrandmasters”.

If you’re looking for a competitive cardgame, packed with hundreds obscure moments and scenarios, then this one will fityour requirements. The game is now reported to have over 100 million players,but it’s fair to say it’s prime in esports was long ago.

Hearthstone can be downloaded for free from here.

StarCraft II:

StarCraft II is a real-time strategy gamefrom Blizzard Entertainment. It has been around since 2010 and is considered tobe one of the first esport games.

StarCraft is based around three species:the Terrans, Zerg, and Protoss, who clash against each other in a fight forsurvival. In the multiplayer game, you can take the role of any the species,and use them in a meaningful way to mine resources, and create structures/ armyunits.

The main objective of this game is prettysimple. A game can be won by destroying all of your opponents structures, and defeatingthe opponent’s units.

Although the game is slowly starting todecline with Its age, it’s still fairly popular due to the awesome storylineand large fan following behind it. You won’t find any problems getting pairedup with 1v1 player matches if you still want to join in on the fun now, but thelarger matches have fallen out of favour.

StarCraft II has its own legendary world championship with a prize pool of over $400,000. It’s just another esports option out there, if you’re looking for a unique multiplayer game.

You can download the game for free from here.

Heroes of the Storm

Heroes of the Storm was developed andreleased by Blizzard Entertainment in 2015. It takes a simplified approach tothe MOBA genre, making it perfect for beginners.

The game features 88 playable characters,including your favourite heroes and villains from Warcraft,StarCraft and Diablo. Likewise to other games of the genre, it consistof two teams that control either side of the map.

On each side, there is a vast buildingcalled “the core” that teams have to destroy and protect. This involves usingyour characters abilities to battle through the defences of your enemy.

A teams defences can be made up of towers,cannons, walls, and other structures to halt you in your way. The enemy’s teamwill also try to stop you at the same time. If you do not like complex MOBAgames, then this one will appeal to you as it has much more simple gameplay.

Unfortunately Blizzard announced that it is dramatically scaling down development on Heroes of the Storm since the budget and team were cut, so if you are looking for a shot on one of the most popular esports games, then it might be better to go with one of the other options in the genre.

Find Heroes of the Storm free here.

World of Tanks

World of Tanks is ateam-based MMO action game featuring tank-armoured warfare. It was firstreleased in 2010 but has continued to receive regular updates over the years,and has even expanded onto mobile platforms.

The game boasts over 200 pre-World War II era tanks, from: America,Germany, France and the USSR. Each tank has its ownunique class, such as: light tanks, medium tanks, and heavy tanks. Players can customizeany of their chosen tanks to fit each style of play.

The standard battle focuses on 15 vs. 15 tank on tank matches. The game encourages teammates to communicate with each other over their mic’s in a bid to come up with strategies and tactics that they can use to destroy the competition.

World of tankshas hosted a number of large tournaments in the past such as the WOT grandfinals. Unfortunately the popularity of game has somewhat declined in theesports scene, but if your searching for competitive matches they can still befound hosted on the official website.

Click here to play world of Tanks!

We hope you enjoyed this list on the most popular esports games!

Most Popular Esports Games 2019

Click here to find out the Worlds Greatest Esports Tournaments & Leagues.

Click here to check out the “Top 10 Upcoming Esports Games” in 2020!

Web Sources:
https://www.esportsearnings.com/
https://liquipedia.net/
https://en.wikipedia.org/