Video game leagues have been around for decades, allowing players to showcase their competitive edge over one another while simultaneously amassing a team following in the process. However, despite a consistent yearning for these tournaments to be brought to cable television and the mainstream media, fans were met with continuous blockades, such as funding, acceptance, and even the recognition of being a real sport.
Despite this challenging journey, the more commonly phrased 'eSports' has skyrocketed in popularity over recent years. What seemed to many as a league with no future has ultimately seen the exposure to millions of spectators and extensive funding by numerous companies and industries, oftentimes surpassing viewership and loyalty statistics seen in physical sports. Due to the broad range of competitive titles currently on the market these days, the variety of eSports leagues is immense. Nevertheless, there are a certain few that stand out from the ever-growing crowd.
7 Rocket League Championship Series - Rocket League
Rocket League's prosperous 2015 release saw players take their customized vehicles to the many pitches the title had to offer, granting fans unique play-styles and fierce battle opportunities. Some players would argue that the football-based, yet indisputably competitive franchise is not only home to one of the most popular eSports leagues, but also some of the most talented and creative gamers the world has ever seen.
Although a rather difficult title to master, Pysonix's Rocket League is host to the global Rocket League Championship Series, in which 16 teams are split into two groups, set to passionately brawl for points. Presented every fall, winter, and spring, those with the most points are granted qualification into the quarter, semi, and eventually, grand finals. With a prize pool of two million dollars, a devoted viewership of nearly 400 thousand, and a jaw-dropping spectacle each game, the Rocket League Championship Series solidifies itself as an ever-growing eSports league, coursing to break records.
6 Fortnite World Cup - Fortnite
Unleashed in 2017, Epic Games' Fortnite ultimately reshaped the gaming industry, toppling triple-A titles with the free-to-play shooter. Granting players countless customization options, the ability to play with friends, and even seasonal events, eventually secured this title's emergence to the scene with a dedicated global audience.
Similar to Rocket League, Fortnite's vast availability to build and edit has produced an army of skilled and inventive players, destined to test their competitive nature. Boasting a 37 million dollar prize pool, the Fortnite World Cup saw over 40 million players participate, narrowing down to a select few champions battling to secure their victory royales. With the power to view solo, duo, and squad competitions throughout the tournament, it's no wonder that over two million spectators were roaring their cherished idols on, distinctively defining this league as one of the most viewed and praised eSports entertainment platforms.
5 PUBG Mobile World Invitational - PUBG Mobile
Amidst the rise of battle royales, PUBG Mobile took to the stand in 2018, unlocking a new chapter regarding competitive eSports play. Despite the title being a mobile exclusive, players were still met with challenging battle approaches alongside a plethora of customization options, distinguishing this title from others within the app store.
Synonymous with a competitive play style, Tencent Games' PUBG Mobile is host to the World Invitational league, prompting a tactical battle of 18 teams all within the same lobby. Spread across three days, each team must secure points judging by their placement at the end of the match, resulting in edge-of-the-seat strategies being used, and clutch plays being made. With a prize pool of two million dollars, and a firm viewership of 400 thousand, many fans would argue that PUBG Mobile has conclusively cemented itself within the top eSports leagues of all time.
4 Overwatch League - Overwatch
Overwatch's debut release in 2016 further enhanced Blizzard's reputable title selection, stepping out of their comfort zone in an attempt to ambush the FPS (first-person-shooter) scene. This attempt ultimately proved successful due to the sheer depth of character history, the wide variety of hero abilities, and the uniquely exciting PVP (player versus player) opportunities fans could experience within each match they played.
Through the formation of 20 teams, Overwatch was eventually equipped to tackle the eSports industry, which is now renownedly dubbed the Overwatch League. Competing with numerous other titles, the Overwatch League draws in viewers from across the globe, grasping the attention of these devoted fans to the exceptionally extraordinary team strategies performed throughout matches. Having an extensive prize pool within an eSports league is fairly common, and Blizzard's Overwatch does not shy away from that fact. Totaling in at a colossal 1.5 million dollars establishes reason as to why 400 thousand spectators relish in this competitive title.
3 ESL Pro League - Counter Strike: Global Offensive
With its initial release in 2012, the Counter-Strike: Global Offensive franchise seized a firm grip on the gaming industry, placing itself within the heart of competitive play. This 5v5 FPS not only gave players the chance to customize their weapons but also retained, what the majority of players would argue, a historical selection of maps, each uniquely designed for strategic rushing and calculated defending.
Valve's critically acclaimed title burst onto the eSports scene with the help of ESL's Pro League, forming a highly reputable tournament filled with twists and turns. Brandishing an 800-thousand-dollar prize pool, 24 teams face off against one another, resulting in suspense-filled matches and breathtaking clutches. Despite its contrasting viewership statistics to other leagues, being that of 160 thousand, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive's climactic culture surrounding the title makes up for it.
2 The International - Dota 2
Continuing the theme of Valve titles, Dota 2's lucrative launch chartered its way through the gaming industry with ease, offering its free-to-play title to current and prospective gamers alike. From their insightful hero abilities to their destructive team compositions, Dota 2's implementation within the eSports industry was an addition much sought out for.
Through the rigorous battling of 16 teams, Dota 2'sThe International applies pressure to their adept contestants as it wields one of the largest prize pools eSports has ever seen, 20 million dollars. Distinguishing itself from other leagues, Valve's beloved title generates a gigantic 1.7 million spectators throughout the exciting tournament, solidifying its rights as one the best performing eSports league in history.
1 League Of Legends World Championship - League Of Legends
Riot Games' League Of Legends saw an immensely fruitful launch back in 2009, eventually validating its position as an exceptional MOBA (multiplayer online battle arena) classic within the gaming industry. Fans rapidly developed a passionate bond with the competitive title, showcasing their skills through formidable battles, tactical team strategies, and teamwork.
Held each year from October to November, the League Of Legends World Championship sees talented athletes face off in a bid for the enormous two million dollar prize pool alongside, what some players would argue, ultimate bragging rights. Asides from the astonishing gameplay displayed each match, it is clear why League Of Legends racks in five million viewers, making this title a depiction of the deserved success and recognition eSports has longed for in its demanding journey.