Esports encompass a wide variety of games, ranging from popular to niche, across numerous genres. Whether you’re a fan of shooters, battle royales, or sports, there’s a game for you. From the high-octane action of Call of Duty to the strategic depth of Dota 2, the esports world has something for everyone. There are so many options available, and it can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the top esports games of 2024. Whether you’re a newcomer looking to get into competitive gaming or a seasoned veteran looking for your next challenge, this guide has you covered.
Among the vast selection of esports and online games, the Aviator game 1xbet stands out as a unique and exciting option for players looking for something different. While traditional esports games like Call of Duty and Dota 2 focus on intense strategy and action, Aviator offers a thrilling, fast-paced experience where players can test their luck and timing. It’s an ideal choice for both newcomers and seasoned gamers seeking a fresh challenge in the world of online gaming.
How We Chose Our Favorite Esports Games
The games featured in this guide are titles that have been thoroughly reviewed and recommended by PCMag’s staff. Many of these games are also included in our roundup of the best PC games, making them a must-play for any gaming enthusiast.
To be considered for inclusion in this guide, a game must have official tournament support from its publisher. While we appreciate the efforts of smaller, community-backed games, such as the Tecmo Super Bowl, we had to draw the line somewhere to keep the list manageable.
So, if you don’t see your favorite esports game listed below, it’s either because we haven’t reviewed it or it didn’t meet our criteria for inclusion. But fear not; the games listed here are some of the best in the industry and are sure to provide hours of entertainment for both amateurs and professionals alike. Moreover, you can find betting options for these games on online esports bet sites.
Apex Legends
Apex Legends, developed by Respawn Entertainment, is a battle royale game set in the Titanfall universe. Unlike its predecessors, Apex Legends focuses on nimble mercenaries instead of hulking robots, each with their own unique abilities. With its fast-paced gameplay and clever communication tools, Apex Legends is a favorite among both casual and competitive players alike. The game’s ongoing tournaments, such as the Apex Legends Global Series, offer generous prize pools and provide players with the opportunity to showcase their skills on the world stage.
Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0
The original Warzone was a smash hit, and its sequel, Warzone 2.0, looks set to continue that success. Developed by Infinity Ward, Warzone 2.0 features a new map (Building 21) and mode (DMZ), providing players with fresh challenges and opportunities for competitive play.
While the original Warzone is still available, Warzone 2.0 offers a new experience for players looking to test their skills in top tournaments.
Dota 2
Dota 2 ranks among the most popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games globally. Developed by Valve Corporation, Dota 2 features over 100 playable Heroes, each with their own unique abilities and play styles. With its annual tournament, The International, offering massive cash prizes, Dota 2 is a must-watch for any esports fan.
While the game’s complex mechanics may be intimidating to newcomers, the thrill of high-level play and the potential for huge payouts make Dota 2 one of the most exciting esports games on the market.
Fortnite
Fortnite has taken the gaming world by storm since its release, thanks to its approachable gameplay, colorful graphics, and unique construction system. Developed by Epic Games, Fortnite offers a variety of game modes, including the popular battle royale mode, which pits players against each other in a fight to be the last one standing.
Despite some issues with combat and microtransactions, Fortnite remains one of the most popular games in the world, with millions of players across multiple platforms. The game’s inaugural World Cup in 2019 boasted a $30 million prize pool, making it one of the largest esports events in history.
The King of Fighters XV
SNK’s The King of Fighters XV is one of the best competitive fighting games on the market, featuring a creative new combat system, stunning visuals, and a diverse roster of characters. The game was a main event at Evo 2023, showcasing its popularity among competitive gamers.
With its excellent gameplay and support from the SNK Esports Support Program, The King of Fighters XV is sure to be a hit in the esports world for years to come.
<iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/i-R_EQUIRA8?si=KdelzK-JNNlgd2CS” title=”YouTube video player” frameborder=”0″ allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share” referrerpolicy=”strict-origin-when-cross-origin” allowfullscreen></iframe>
League of Legends
League of Legends is one of the most popular MOBA games in the world, offering a unique blend of role-playing, tower defense, and real-time strategy gameplay. Developed by Riot Games, League of Legends features a diverse cast of characters and a deep, strategic gameplay experience that sets it apart from other games in the genre.
With its annual tournament, the League of Legends Championship Series, offering a prize pool of over $2 million, League of Legends is a major player in the world of esports.
Mortal Kombat 1
Mortal Kombat 1 brings the famously bloody fighting game franchise into the modern era with updated gameplay mechanics and stunning visuals. Developed by NetherRealm Studios, Mortal Kombat 1 features high-flying air combos, tag-team Kameo fighters, and a variety of single-player modes for players to enjoy.
With its recent inclusion at Evo 2023 and support from the Capcom Pro Tour series, Mortal Kombat 1 is poised to be a major player in the world of competitive fighting games.
Overwatch 2
Blizzard Entertainment’s Overwatch 2 is a sequel to the popular first-person shooter, featuring colorful graphics, multiple game modes, and a diverse cast of characters. With its highly successful esports scene and support from Blizzard, Overwatch 2 is sure to be a hit with competitive gamers.
The game’s ongoing tournaments, including the Overwatch World Cup, offer substantial prize pools and provide players with the opportunity to showcase their skills on the world stage.
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds is an open-world survival game that pits players against each other in a fight to be the last one standing. Developed by PUBG Corporation, PUBG features a variety of gameplay elements, including parachute drops, weapon looting, and a deadly shrinking play area.
Despite some issues with matchmaking and gameplay balance, PUBG remains one of the most popular games in the world, with millions of players across multiple platforms. The game’s tense, fast-paced gameplay, and high-stakes battles make it a favorite among competitive gamers.
Rocket League
<iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/SgSX3gOrj60?si=LSE7BH89qjWNw45S” title=”YouTube video player” frameborder=”0″ allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share” referrerpolicy=”strict-origin-when-cross-origin” allowfullscreen></iframe>
Rocket League is a fast-paced sports game that combines soccer with rocket-powered cars. Developed by Psyonix, Rocket League features explosive gameplay, thrilling aerial maneuvers, and a variety of game modes for players to enjoy.
With its highly successful esports scene and support from the Rocket League Championship Series, Rocket League is a major player in the world of competitive gaming.
Samurai Shodown
SNK’s Samurai Shodown is a reboot of the classic fighting game franchise, featuring updated gameplay mechanics, stunning visuals, and a diverse cast of characters. With its inclusion at Evo 2019 and support from the SNK Esports Support Program, Samurai Shodown is poised to be a major player in the world of competitive fighting games.
The game’s high-flying combat, creative combos, and stunning visuals make it a favorite among competitive gamers.
StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void
StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void is a real-time strategy game that offers best-in-class gameplay and multi-million-dollar cash prizes. Developed by Blizzard Entertainment, StarCraft II features deep, strategic gameplay, stunning visuals, and a variety of game modes for players to enjoy.
With its highly successful esports scene and support from Blizzard, StarCraft II is a major player in the world of competitive gaming.
Street Fighter 6
Capcom’s Street Fighter 6 is the latest entry in the popular fighting game franchise, featuring updated gameplay mechanics, stunning visuals, and a diverse cast of characters. With its highly accessible gameplay and support from Capcom, Street Fighter 6 is sure to be a hit with competitive gamers.
The game’s ongoing tournaments, including the Capcom Pro Tour series, offer substantial prize pools and provide players with the opportunity to showcase their skills on the world stage.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Nintendo’s Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a platform fighter featuring a massive cast of characters and a variety of game modes. Developed by Nintendo, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate offers fast-paced, chaotic gameplay and is a favorite among casual and competitive gamers alike.
While Nintendo has been hesitant to officially support the competitive scene, the game’s grassroots community continues to thrive, with regular tournaments and events taking place around the world.
Tekken 7
Bandai Namco’s Tekken 7 is the latest entry in the popular fighting game franchise, featuring updated gameplay mechanics, stunning visuals, and a diverse cast of characters. With its highly successful esports scene and support from Bandai Namco, Tekken 7 is a major player in the world of competitive fighting games.
<iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/1V-_q3SKh5w?si=K-6RoDWiW7GK2LGo” title=”YouTube video player” frameborder=”0″ allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share” referrerpolicy=”strict-origin-when-cross-origin” allowfullscreen></iframe>
