10 Most Popular Esports Games of 2024

Patrick_Yu · October 13

Esports in 2024 is hitting new heights, with a wide range of games keeping fans locked in. While PC and console titles have traditionally dominated the competitive gaming scene, mobile games have surged in popularity, establishing themselves as key players in esports. With massive viewership numbers and high-stakes tournaments, mobile games like Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and PUBG Mobile are now rivaling, and in some cases surpassing, their PC and console counterparts. This shift marks a significant evolution in the esports ecosystem, where accessibility and mobile-first gaming are becoming increasingly influential. The following list highlights the 10 most popular esports games of 2024, based on their highest viewership numbers.

1. League of Legends

League of Legends (LoL) is one of the most popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games, developed by Riot Games. Released in 2009, it has grown into a global esports phenomenon with a thriving competitive scene. Players control champions with unique abilities, working in teams to destroy the opposing team's Nexus. LoL’s strategic depth, fast-paced gameplay, and constant updates have maintained its strong player base and relevance.

The League of Legends World Championship, often referred to as Worlds, is among the biggest esports events globally, attracting millions of viewers each year. Professional leagues, like the LCS in North America and the LCK in Korea, further amplify its esports popularity, with teams competing for prestigious titles and significant prize pools. LoL’s accessibility, free-to-play model, and strategic gameplay have made it a staple in the esports industry.

2024 Peak Viewership: 2,829,728 (Mid-Season Invitational)
Total prize money in 2024: $5,586,606.18
Release date: October 27, 2009
Famous tournaments: Worlds, Mid-Season Invitational (MSI), League Championship Series (LCS)

2. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (Mobile)

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang is a mobile MOBA developed by Moonton, released in 2016. It features fast-paced, 5v5 battles that are similar to traditional MOBAs but optimized for shorter matches on mobile devices. Its ease of play and low hardware requirements have made it one of the most popular mobile games, especially in Southeast Asia.

In terms of esports, Mobile Legends has gained immense traction, with tournaments like the Mobile Legends Professional League (MPL) and the annual Mobile Legends World Championship (M2) drawing massive viewership. The game’s success in regions like Indonesia and the Philippines has helped cement it as a major player in the mobile esports scene.

2024 Peak Viewership: 2,382,990 (M4 World Championship)
Total prize money in 2024: $4,817,758.60
Release date: July 11, 2016
Famous tournaments: M4 World Championship, Mobile Legends Professional League (MPL)

3. Counter-Strike

Counter-Strike started as a mod for Half-Life and has since evolved into one of the most iconic first-person shooters (FPS) in gaming history. Its latest iteration, Counter-Strike 2 (CS2), was released in 2023, updating the beloved franchise with improved graphics, new gameplay mechanics, and updated maps, while retaining the tactical, team-based gameplay that has made the series a staple of the esports industry. Players take on roles as terrorists or counter-terrorists, battling across various maps in fast-paced, high-stakes rounds.

CS2 is a fixture in global esports tournaments, such as ESL Pro League and Intel Extreme Masters. The Major Championships, sponsored by Valve, remain one of the most prestigious and anticipated events in competitive gaming. With deep roots in the gaming community and constant competitive evolution, Counter-Strike continues to thrive as one of the most beloved esports titles worldwide.

2024 Peak Viewership: 1,853,954 (ESL Pro League)
Total prize money in 2024: $14,158,445.76
Release date: March 22, 2023 (Counter-Strike 2)
Famous tournaments: ESL Pro League, IEM Katowice, PGL Major

4. Valorant

Valorant, developed by Riot Games, is a tactical FPS with hero-based mechanics. Released in 2020, it combines elements of classic shooters like Counter-Strike with character abilities reminiscent of games like Overwatch. This mix of strategy, precision, and unique character skills has made it highly popular among competitive gamers.

Riot Games has invested heavily in Valorant’s esports ecosystem, with the Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) being its flagship tournament series. Valorant's growing player base and the game’s focus on competitive integrity have helped it carve a significant place in the esports world, making it a staple of the FPS competitive scene.

2024 Peak Viewership: 1,687,848 (VCT Masters)
Total prize money in 2024: $6,222,718.29
Release date: June 2, 2020
Famous tournaments: Valorant Champions Tour (VCT), VCT Masters, Valorant Champions

5. Dota 2

Dota 2, developed by Valve, is a MOBA that serves as the spiritual successor to the original Defense of the Ancients mod for Warcraft III. Known for its steep learning curve and complex strategy, Dota 2 features 5v5 team battles where players aim to destroy the enemy team’s Ancient. The game’s deep mechanics and diverse hero pool make it one of the most challenging yet rewarding esports titles.

Dota 2 is best known for its annual esports event, The International (TI), which consistently boasts the largest prize pools in esports history, sometimes exceeding $40 million. The combination of high-stakes competition and a dedicated player base ensures that Dota 2 remains a major force in the global esports landscape.

2024 Peak Viewership: 1,523,957 (The International)
Total prize money in 2024: $17,491,815.23
Release date: July 9, 2013
Famous tournaments: The International (TI), Dota Pro Circuit (DPC)

6. Fortnite

Fortnite, developed by Epic Games, revolutionized the battle royale genre with its mix of building mechanics and shooter gameplay. Released in 2017, it quickly gained massive popularity for its colorful art style, unique gameplay, and frequent content updates. Its free-to-play model, cross-platform play, and in-game events have contributed to its enormous global player base.

The game’s esports scene took off with the Fortnite World Cup, where players competed for multi-million dollar prize pools. While Fortnite’s esports scene is less structured compared to other competitive titles, it still draws in large audiences for its major events, making it a cornerstone of the battle royale genre in esports.

2024 Peak Viewership: 809,854 (Fortnite Champion Series)
Total prize money in 2024: $10,706,556.12
Release date: July 25, 2017
Famous tournaments: Fortnite Champion Series (FNCS), Fortnite World Cup

7. Arena of Valor (Mobile)

Arena of Valor (AoV) is a mobile MOBA developed by Tencent Games, optimized for fast 5v5 matches. It features a vast roster of heroes and quick, strategic gameplay. AoV is especially popular in Asia, with a strong following in countries like China, Thailand, and Vietnam.

The game’s esports presence is significant, with tournaments like the Arena of Valor International Championship (AIC) and the Arena of Valor World Cup (AWC) drawing large viewership numbers. AoV’s accessibility and mobile-first focus have made it one of the leading titles in mobile esports.

2024 Peak Viewership: 713,507 (Arena of Valor International Championship)
Total prize money in 2024: $7,017,070.27
Release date: October 14, 2016
Famous tournaments: Arena of Valor International Championship (AIC), Arena of Valor World Cup (AWC)

8. Apex Legends

Developed by Respawn Entertainment, Apex Legends is a free-to-play battle royale game that emphasizes hero-based gameplay, where players choose from a roster of characters with unique abilities. Released in 2019, the game quickly gained a reputation for its fast-paced action, innovative ping system, and team-based dynamics.

The game’s esports scene is growing, with the Apex Legends Global Series (ALGS) being the primary competitive circuit. Apex Legends has carved out a unique space in the battle royale genre, thanks to its fluid movement system and the strategic layer added by character abilities, making it a rising star in competitive gaming.

2024 Peak Viewership: 567,582 (ALGS Championship)
Total prize money in 2024: $4,003,264.00
Release date: February 4, 2019
Famous tournaments: Apex Legends Global Series (ALGS), ALGS Championship

9. PUBG Mobile (Mobile)

PUBG Mobile, the mobile adaptation of PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds, is one of the most popular mobile battle royale games globally. Players parachute onto an island, scavenge for weapons, and fight to be the last person or team standing. Its realistic graphics and tactical gameplay distinguish it from other titles in the genre.

The game has an extensive esports scene, with tournaments like the PUBG Mobile Global Championship (PMGC) attracting massive audiences, particularly in regions like Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Latin America. The mobile adaptation has made battle royale esports more accessible to players without high-end gaming systems.

2024 Peak Viewership: 566,118 (PUBG Mobile World Invitational)
Total prize money in 2024: $6,785,713.64
Release date: March 19, 2018
Famous tournaments: PUBG Mobile Global Championship (PMGC), PUBG Mobile World Invitational (PMWI)

10. Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege

Rainbow Six Siege, developed by Ubisoft, is a tactical shooter that emphasizes teamwork, strategy, and destructible environments. Teams of attackers and defenders compete in close-quarters combat, utilizing unique operators with specialized gadgets. Since its release in 2015, the game has garnered a dedicated competitive following due to its high skill ceiling and strategic depth.

Siege’s esports scene, highlighted by events like the Six Invitational and the Pro League, continues to grow in popularity. The game’s focus on tactical execution and deep team strategies has made it a mainstay in the competitive shooter genre, consistently drawing large crowds and professional teams worldwide.

2024 Peak Viewership: 521,374 (Six Invitational)
Total prize money in 2024: $6,640,147.30
Release date: December 1, 2015
Famous tournaments: Six Invitational, Six Major, Pro League

Conclusion

Esports in 2024 is bigger than ever, with PC, console, and mobile games dominating the scene. As mobile titles rise to rival the classics, the competitive gaming landscape continues to expand. These top games have proven their staying power with massive viewership and packed tournaments. To perform at your best, having the right gear is essential. Acer’s Predator and Nitro lines offer the tools to give you a competitive edge. The Acer Predator Helios laptops and Predator XB monitors deliver top-tier performance with high refresh rates and powerful GPUs to keep you ahead. For more budget-friendly options, the Acer Nitro 5 laptop and Nitro VG0 series monitors provide excellent performance without breaking the bank. Gear up with Acer’s Predator and Nitro products to take your gaming to the next level.