Most Popular Esports By Viewership/Streaming

By Dan Holmes Contributor Updated: 13 August 2024

Dan Holmes Contributor

Dan Holmes, a content creator and sports betting enthusiast, brings over a decade of experience to Betting.US. His extensive writing background spans from the internet to prestigious roles at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. Dan’s articles, featured on numerous websites, cover various sports, from bowling to disc golf.

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About eSports

Alright, let’s talk about esports, the wild and wacky world where gaming meets competition, and things get seriously intense. If you think gaming is just a hobby, think again, because esports is a full-blown phenomenon that’s taking the world by storm.

First things first, what exactly is esports? Well, it’s basically competitive gaming on steroids. Picture this: instead of playing against your buddies for bragging rights, you’re facing off against some of the best players on the planet, with fame, glory, and cold hard cash on the line.

Esports covers a wide range of games, from shooters like Call of Duty and Fortnite to strategy games like League of Legends and Dota 2. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re into high-octane action or brain-bending tactics.

But here’s the thing that sets esports apart – it’s not just about playing games. It’s about mastering them, honing your skills until you’re at the top of your game. We’re talking lightning-fast reflexes, split-second decision-making, and nerves of steel.

And let me tell you, the competition is fierce. Esports tournaments pack arenas with thousands of screaming fans, all cheering on their favorite players and teams. It’s like the Super Bowl, but with more keyboards and fewer shoulder pads.

But it’s not just about the players. Esports has a whole ecosystem of coaches, analysts, and support staff who help keep the machine running smoothly. These folks crunch numbers, analyze strategies, and make sure the players are firing on all cylinders when it’s game time.

And then there’s the money. Oh boy, the money. Esports has exploded into a multi-billion-dollar industry, with sponsorships, endorsements, and prize pools that would make even the most seasoned Wall Street banker blush. We’re talking millions of dollars up for grabs, enough to make even the most skeptical parent rethink their stance on gaming.

But it’s not all fun and games in the world of esports. With great power comes great responsibility, and there are plenty of challenges that come with being at the top of your game. From grueling practice schedules to the pressure of performing on the big stage, esports pros face a whole host of hurdles on their path to glory.

But you know what? They wouldn’t have it any other way. Because for every late-night practice session and nail-biting tournament, there’s a moment of pure joy, a rush of adrenaline that makes it all worth it. Whether you’re standing victorious on the winner’s podium or picking yourself up after a tough loss, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of competing at the highest level in esports.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, there’s never been a better time to dive into the world of esports. With more games, more players, and more excitement than ever before, it’s a journey you won’t soon forget. So grab your controller, lace up your keyboard, and get ready to experience the thrill of esports firsthand. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

Top Esports Games Viewership

As of recent years, the top 5 esports by viewership have been:

1. League of Legends (LoL): Developed by Riot Games, LoL consistently ranks as one of the most-watched esports worldwide and biggest esports games by viewership. Its annual World Championship attracts millions of viewers and features some of the best teams from around the globe.

In 2023, according to Statista, League of Legends World Championship 2023 attracted in excess of 6 million viewers to its competition. The viewers came from all corners of the Earth, and represented a cross-section of the human population, from young people in Japan, to middle age gamers in the Middle East, to senior citizens who love LoL and live in the U.S. and Mexico. That event reportedly set the esports mark for highest esports viewership.

League of Legends isn’t just a game; it’s an adrenaline-fueled rollercoaster ride from start to finish. With its fast-paced action, strategic depth, and heart-pounding team fights, every match is a thrilling adventure. From the rush of securing a kill to the nail-biting tension of a close game, League of Legends keeps players on the edge of their seats, craving just one more game. Whether you’re outplaying your opponents with flashy combos or coordinating with your team to secure an epic comeback victory, the feeling of triumph is unmatched. In League of Legends, every click, every decision, could be the difference between victory and defeat, making every moment a pulse-pounding thrill ride.

2. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO): Valve’s iconic first-person shooter has a massive following in the esports scene. Major tournaments like the Intel Extreme Masters and ESL One draw huge viewership numbers, especially during intense matches between top teams.

3. Dota 2: Another title from Valve, Dota 2 boasts one of the largest prize pools in esports history with its annual tournament, The International. The game’s strategic depth and high-level gameplay make it a favorite among esports enthusiasts worldwide.

4. Fortnite: Epic Games’ battle royale sensation took the gaming world by storm, including the esports scene. While relatively newer compared to other titles on this list, Fortnite tournaments, like the Fortnite World Cup, have attracted millions of viewers eager to watch skilled players battle it out for victory royales, resulting in some of the highest esports viewership.

5. Overwatch: Blizzard Entertainment’s team-based shooter Overwatch has carved out its place in the esports landscape with its Overwatch League. Featuring professional teams representing cities from around the world, the league garners significant viewership during its regular season and playoffs.

These rankings can fluctuate over time due to factors like game updates, new releases, and shifts in viewer preferences. However, these five titles have consistently maintained their positions as some of the most-watched esports in recent years.

The Future: Esports to Challenge Real-World Sporting Events?

Alright, let’s tackle the million-dollar question: Will esports eventually eclipse traditional sports like football, basketball, and soccer? Buckle up, because we’re diving deep into the realm of pixels versus pigskins, controllers versus cleats.

On the one hand, you’ve got esports, the upstart contender in the world of sports entertainment. With its fast-paced action, global appeal, and massive online presence, it’s no wonder some folks think it’s poised to take over the throne.

Think about it: esports isn’t bound by things like weather or geography. You don’t need a fancy stadium or a field of grass to play, just a computer, a console, and an internet connection. That means anyone, anywhere can join in on the fun, leveling the playing field and opening up a world of possibilities.

And let’s not forget about the numbers. Esports is already a multi-billion-dollar industry, with viewership numbers that rival some of the biggest traditional sports events. Major tournaments attract millions of viewers from around the globe, all eager to watch their favorite players and teams duke it out for glory.

But hold on just a minute, because traditional sports aren’t going down without a fight. Sure, esports might have the flashy graphics and the high-tech gadgets, but there’s something timeless about the thrill of a live sporting event.

Consider the electric atmosphere: the roar of the crowd, the smell of hot dogs and popcorn, the anticipation as the clock ticks down to the final buzzer. You just can’t replicate that feeling in front of a computer screen.

There is a long, storied history and tradition that comes with traditional sports. From the Super Bowl to the World Cup, these events have been bringing people together for generations, creating memories that last a lifetime. Plus, there’s the physical aspect to consider. While esports pros might have lightning-fast reflexes and killer hand-eye coordination, they’re not exactly breaking a sweat out there. Traditional sports, on the other hand, are all about pushing the limits of the human body, testing endurance, strength, and skill in ways that esports just can’t match.

But here’s the thing: maybe we’re looking at this all wrong. Maybe it’s not a question of esports versus traditional sports, but rather how the two can coexist and complement each other in the ever-evolving landscape of sports entertainment.

Already, we’re seeing traditional sports leagues dipping their toes into the world of esports, with organizations like the NBA and NFL launching their own esports initiatives. And why not? Esports offers a whole new way to engage with fans, from virtual jersey sales to in-game advertising opportunities.

Ultimately, maybe it’s not about which is better – esports or traditional sports – but about finding ways to celebrate the diversity and richness of both. So whether you’re cheering for your favorite team on the field or rooting for your top player in the virtual arena, one thing’s for sure – the future of sports is looking brighter than ever.