Whether you’re a gamer looking for your next title or a developer researching what makes a video game thrive in the competitive scene, knowing top eSports games is crucial. This blog explores the 15 best eSports games, ranging from legendary titles like League of Legends and Counter-Strike to trending mobile hits and innovative shooters, highlighting their milestones and players. It enables you to know and make an informed decision, be it playing a game or taking inspiration to build one.
Whether you’re an eSports gamer chasing your next victory or a game development company dreaming of building the next big title, being aware of the best eSports games is your competitive edge. It helps you be in the know of the current trend, and what suits players the most to make the right decision.
From League of Legends’ layered strategies to Counter-Strike’s split-second headshots and PUBG’s do-or-die survival rush, there is a wide range of eSports and their attributes that make them the best eSports games among gamers of different types. What makes them stand out isn’t just the high-octane gameplay but the communities they inspire and the opportunities they create for players to turn their skills into careers.
The above-mentioned names of the games are just a glance; however, this blog covers a wider list, which goes beyond the legendary titles like League of Legends and Counter-Strike to innovative shooters and trending mobile hits, including Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Valorant, Dota 2, and many other top esports games.
15 Top eSports Games to Play in 2025
Gamers today have a wide range of options for esports games to play. A few of them include League of Legends, Counter-Strike, PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG), Valorant, Dota 2, and more. However, the number is larger; the following are the top esports games to play in 2025:
1. League of Legends
League of Legends, commonly referred to as League or LoL, is a multiplayer online battle arena video game. It was developed and published by Riot Games in 2009 for Windows, and then started supporting macOS, too. The game is well-known for its complex strategy and teamplay, whose World Championship draws millions of viewers from across the world.
Why it’s an eSport:
League of Legends’ intense 5v5 matches, large tournaments like Worlds, and a thriving global league system make it an esports game.
Fun fact or milestone:
The League of Legends World Championship attracts more than 5 million peak viewers.
Who plays League of Legends?
The players of the game include casual and pro gamers worldwide, from local LAN teams to global esports giants, such as T1 and G2 Esports.
2. Counter-Strike
Counter-Strike is a complete series of multiplayer tactical first-person shooter video games with a long history in online gaming. It was developed and officially published in 2000 by Valve Corporation. Its competitive scene is known for its tactical depth and high-level gameplay.
Why it’s an eSport:
With legendary teams and nail-biting tournaments consistently, Counter-Strike (CS: GO and now CS2) is considered to be a tactical FPS staple.
Fun fact or milestone:
IEM Katowice and the CS Majors are among the most prestigious events in first-person shooter esports.
Who plays Counter-Strike?
Many types of gamers out there, including hardcore FPS players, college leagues, and huge esports organizations like NAVI, FaZe Clan, and Astralis, play Counter-Strike.
3. PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG)
Developed by KRAFTON’s PUBG Studios and published by KRAFTON, PUBG Corporation in 2017, PUBG is a battle royale game that shapes the genre within competitive gaming. The game is available across platforms, including Android, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X and Series S, Xbox One, and Google Stadia. Similar to many other open-world survival or first-person shooter genres, the primary goal of PUBG is to be the last player alive.
Why it’s an eSport:
PUBG is the original battle royale that brought large-scale survival combat to the esports stage, making it one of the best esports games.
Fun fact or milestone:
PUBG Mobile is huge, especially in Asia, with prize pools crossing millions.
Who plays PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG)?
Players of this game include pro squads in Asia and growing global leagues for both PC and mobile.
4. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang is a popular mobile multiplayer online battle arena game. It was developed and published by Chinese game development company Moonton, a subsidiary of ByteDance, in 2016 for Android and iOS. Since its release, the game has grown in popularity, most prominently in Southeast Asia, becoming the first choice of gamers.
Why it’s an eSport:
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang is an esports because ot its competitive, team-based gameplay, official pro leagues (like MPL), global tournaments with big prize pools, and a large fanbase that watches and supports teams.
Fun fact or milestone:
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang’s M-Series World Championship pulls in millions of live viewers.
Who plays Mobile Legends: Bang Bang?
This game has a massive player base in countries, including the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
5. Valorant
Developed and published by Riot Games in 2020, Valorant is a first-person tactical shooter video game. Game enthusiasts can leverage the availability of this game on multiple platforms like PlayStation 5, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X, and Series S. Valorant takes inspiration from the Counter-Strike series and takes multiple mechanics, such as the buy menu, spray patterns, and inaccuracy while moving.
Why it’s an eSport:
Among the many reasons that make VALORANT one of the biggest and well-known esports is the VALORANT Champions Tour.
Fun fact or milestone:
From 2020 to 2023, VALORANT had more than 20 million monthly players and surpassed $1 billion in revenue since its launch.
Who plays Valorant?
Both casual and competitive game players are continuously drawn to Valorant, making it one of the well-known esports.
6. Dota 2
Dota 2 is a multiplayer online battle arena, developed and released in 2013 by Valve Corporation. It’s a sequel to the Warcraft III mod “Defense of the Ancients.” It’s available on various platforms, including Microsoft Windows, Linux, GeForce Now, and Mac operating systems. Thanks to the crowdfunding through its in-game battle pass, the game now holds the record for the largest esports prize pool.
Why it’s an eSport:
The International (TI), Dota 2’s annual world championship esports tournament, organized by Valve, still holds the record for the highest prize pools in esports.
Fun fact or milestone:
The 2021 TI prize pool crossed $40 million in revenue.
Who plays Dota 2?
Strategy enthusiasts and legendary teams, such as OG and Team Spirit, are the players playing Dota 2.
7. Apex Legends
Developed and published in 2019 by Respawn Entertainment and Electronic Arts, respectively, Apex Legends is a free-to-play battle royale hero shooter set in the Titanfall universe. Gamers using multiple platforms like PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation 4 can access this game. Apex Legends features unique characters with distinct abilities and provides generous prize pools at its Global Series tournaments. The game has bagged the British Academy Games Award for Multiplayer.
Why it’s an eSport:
A hero-based battle royale with high mobility and epic clutch plays makes Apex Legends one of the best esports games.
Fun fact or milestone:
The Apex Legends Global Series (ALGS) has become a top-tier battle royale competition.
Who plays Apex Legends?
Fast-paced first-person shooter fans and streamers who love insane highlight reels play this game.
8. Rocket League
Rocket League was developed and published by Psyonix and released in 2015. It runs on platforms, including PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Linux, and GeForce Now. The studio itself was later acquired by Epic Games, which transitioned Rocket League to a free-to-play game model. Rocket League amalgamates soccer with rocket-powered cars in a fast, physics-driven arena. It has also won the British Academy Games Award for Multiplayer.
Why it’s an eSport:
It’s soccer, but with rocket-powered cars. The game is fun, accessible, and wildly competitive.
Fun fact or milestone:
The RLCS (Rocket League Championship Series), an annual Rocket League esports tournament series produced by Blast ApS and endorsed by Psyonix, the game’s developer, has an ever-growing global fanbase.
Who plays Rocket League?
Rocket League has a wide pool of players, right from casual players to pro teams like G2, Moist Esports, and FaZe Clan.
9. Call of Duty
Developed and published by Activision in 2003, Call of Duty is a first-person shooter military video game series and media franchise, with Modern Warfare and Warzone leading its eSports push. Popular amongst gamers for tight gunplay, diverse modes, and massive prize pools, it’s a staple in competitive first-person shooter games, attracting skilled players and loyal fans worldwide. It’s available on PlayStation (PS4 and PS5), Xbox (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S), PC (Windows), and so on.
Why it’s an eSport:
This is one of the longest-running FPS franchises that has its own franchised Call of Duty League (CDL).
Fun fact or milestone:
Major LAN events like CDL Champs pack stadiums with die-hard fans.
Who plays Call of Duty?
Console and PC players worldwide, plus huge North American fan bases, prefer to play Call of Duty.
10. Fortnite
Fortnite is a battle royale phenomenon, one of the top esports games by Epic Games. Released in 2017, the game is available on PlayStation 5, GeForce Now, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and so on. It’s famous for its dynamic building mechanics and huge in-game events. The unmatched blend of shooting and construction rewards creativity and quick reflexes, making Fortnite gamers’ first choice. Furthermore, frequent updates, top culture crossovers, and big prizes fuel its huge eSports following.
Why it’s an eSport:
A cultural phenomenon that turned battle royale into a festival of in-game events and competitive cups.
Fun fact or milestone:
The Fortnite World Cup paid out $30 million in its inaugural 2019 event.
Who plays Fortnite?
The players of Fortnite are younger audiences, influencers, and competitive players.
11. Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege
Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege is a tactical first-person shooter focused on destructible environments and tight, strategic 5v5 matches. Developed by Ubisoft Montreal in 2015, the game puts significant emphasis on environmental destruction and cooperation between game players. The game is available on platforms like PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4.
Its deep operator system, emphasis on teamwork, and intense clutch moments make the game one of the top eSports shooters today. These features add depth, reward teamwork and individual skill, and produce thrilling moments, which are essential qualities for a competitive, watchable, and replayable eSport.
Why it’s an eSport:
Tactical team-based FPS with destructible environments and tight, tense rounds contribute to making this game an eSport.
Fun fact or milestone:
The Six Invitational is Siege’s premier annual showdown.
Who plays Rainbow Six Siege?
Strategic FPS fans and tight-knit pro teams play this game.
12. Free Fire
Free Fire, formerly known as Garena Free Fire, is a free-to-play battle royale game developed and published by Garena International for Android and iOS. Released in 2017, the game gained widespread popularity and became the most downloaded mobile game worldwide in 2019. Free Fire is known for its quick, 10-minute matches designed for phones with lower specifications. It amalgamates accessible gameplay with exciting character skills and global tournaments, making it wildly popular in Southeast Asia and Latin America.
Why it’s an eSport:
A mobile battle royale that’s wildly popular in South America and Southeast Asia makes Free Fire an esports game.
Fun fact or milestone:
Free Fire’s World Series broke peak viewership records for mobile esports.
Who plays Free Fire?
Mobile gamers who want fast matches and huge online battles love to play Free Fire.
13. Honor of Kings
Built by TiMi Studio Group and published by Tencent Games in 2015, Honor of Kings is a widely popular multiplayer online battle arena for iOS, HarmonyOS NEXT, and Android. Mainly dominating the Chinese mobile eSports scene, it offers quick, balanced matches with vibrant heroes and a larger player base. Honor of Kings’ record-breaking prize pools and dedicated pro leagues make the game one of the top esports games.
Why it’s an eSport:
It’s the world’s biggest mobile MOBA, especially massive in China.
Fun fact or milestone:
Regularly tops the charts as the highest-grossing mobile game worldwide.
Who plays Honor of Kings?
The Honor of Kings players are Chinese and Asian mobile gaming communities.
14. Street Fighter 6
Developed and published in 2023, Street Fighter 6 is Capcom’s latest entry in the legendary fighting game series. The game is available on platforms like PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, and PlayStation 4 for gamers. Street Fighter 6 pushes competitive fighting with stunning visuals, new characters, and refined mechanics, while keeping classic combos and strategy at its core. Its global tournaments tend to draw die-hard fans and newcomers alike. It has bagged the Game Award for Best Fighting Game.
Why it’s an eSport:
The latest installment of this iconic fighting game franchise continues the legacy of EVO and global fighting circuits.
Fun fact or milestone:
Street Fighter tournaments have run for over 30 years!
Who plays Street Fighter 6?
Fighting game enthusiasts and pro players at tournaments like EVO.
15. Painkiller
Painkiller is a first-person shooter game developed in 2004 by People Can Fly (A Polish Studio) and published by DreamCatcher Interactive for Microsoft Windows, iOS, and Android, and ported to Xbox in 2006. The game earned cult eSports status for its weapons, high-speed movement, and intense duels, popularly used in early CPL (Cyberathlete Professional League) tournaments, making it a landmark in the old-school competitive shooters.
Why it’s an eSport:
It’s a retro pick, once the official game for the CPL World Tour, showcasing the roots of FPS esports.
Fun fact or milestone:
Painkiller crowned legendary players like Fatal1ty in the early 2000s.
Who plays Painkiller?
Those nostalgic nods for old-school competitive FPS fans play Painkiller.
Wrapping Up!
Right from League of Legends to Counter-Strike, Dota 2, Valorant, PUBG, and more, there’s a multitude of top esports games in the video game industry. Be it a gamer looking for a new game to play or game developers exploring eSports to build a game and enter into this competitive arena, being aware of what works is crucial.
This blog analyzes the top eSports games, covering all the perspectives, such as why they’re eSports, facts and milestones, and the players who play these games. Now that you’re at the end of this blog, you might have reached a conclusion; however, if you’re thinking of building a game, we’ll be taking you there.
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Frequently Asked Questions on Best eSports Games:
The top 5 eSports games include League of Legends, Counter-Strike, Dota 2, Valorant, and PUBG.
There are many; however, when it comes to the top 1 eSports game, League of Legends continues to lead in player base, viewership, and prize pools.
When it comes to the most popular games by viewership in 2025, League of Legends Worlds and Valorant Champions Tour lead global viewership.
When compared to many, Dota 2’s The International, Fortnite, and CS: GO Majors provide some of the largest prize pools.
Among many, Free Fire, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, PUBG Mobile, and Honor of Kings top the charts for mobile esports games.
Dota 2 is recognized as the highest-paid esports game, largely due to its annual “The International” tournament, which boasts the largest prize pools in the industry.
