Top Competitive Esports Games for Aspiring Professional Players
Esports has become more competitive, helping the industry grow and attract more players. According to Esports Charts, some games have gained massive audiences worldwide, making them the most-watched in the industry.
Esports offers many opportunities for players who want to go pro. Whether you enjoy strategy, fast-paced action, or teamwork, there’s a game that suits your skills and interests.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top competitive esports games, why gamers love esports, and the challenges you might face on your journey to becoming a professional player.
Best Competitive Esports Games for Aspiring Pro Players
Some of the top competitive esports games for aspiring professional players are;
1. League of Legends
League of Legends, or LoL, is a primary game on the esports competitive field. And with over 150 champions to choose from, players always have new strategies to try.
LoL has a ranked system where players can become competent over time while climbing ranks with tougher competitors.
The World Championship has a whopping prize pool of at least $2.2 million, making it a really attractive prospect, with over 100 million active players; it retains its position within the list of the biggest and best esports out there.
2. DOTA 2
Dota 2 is yet another enormous title keeping esports game enthusiasts happy through constant updates, hosting a huge number of heroes, over 120.
The complexity of Dota 2 keeps the experience interesting for players, while its community remains highly active.
It also offers one of the largest prize pools in esports, with contributions exceeding $359 million in over 1,900 tournaments.
A perfect game for players looking for the ultimate challenge and the chance to cash in.
3. Fortnite
Fortnite has been at the top of the eSports ladder for quite a few years mostly due to its easy yet addictive battle royale concept.
In Fortnite, 100 players are dropped down onto the island to fight against each other until the last player or team is left standing.
It’s a constantly-changing game with frequent updates and cross-over elements from popular franchises that continue to keep the game fresh and exciting.
One of the most competitive platforms out there, with massive prize pools, makes it most appealing for aspiring pro players.
4. Overwatch
Overwatch is a team first-person shooter that consists of making strategies to win while competing in teams.
The dynamics of teams usually make the game exciting, because each of the players bring a unique set of skills on board.
Teams train themselves to be able to qualify for matches, which builds up an anticipation, leading to exciting fun matches.
The Overwatch League is opening to prize pools that can go up to $5 million, making it a worthy title choice for those looking to become professionals.
5. Apex Legends
Another battle royale game impacting the eSports scene is Apex Legends.
This one sees a plethora of professional teams, making it great for any gamer to go pro.
The established popularity, aided by the presence of personalities like Dr Disrespect and Shroud, has exceeded more than 70 million players in its three years since first introduced in 2018.
6. CS:GO (Counter-Strike: Global Offensive)
CS:GO is pretty much a classic first-person shooter that has remained one of the most competitive eSports games.
It demands teamwork, strategy, and accuracy, aspects that widen its favor among pro players.
The community is quite active and raised over $10 million for charity, which cannot be overlooked.
Also, it has been a big name for eSports betting, with various ways to make the wager, much like in standard sports.
7. PUBG (PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds)
PUBG has been one of the premier battle royale games since its release back in 2017, first rivaling Call of Duty and Fortnite.
It stands out with extreme realism in graphics and engages the gamer in very fierce combat. This game is also one of the most competitive multiplayer games with over 50 million players.
In fact, only the best of the best will win them through great competition and skill in PUBG.
8. Rainbow Six Siege
Rainbow Six Siege is a highly tactical shooter that focuses on teamwork and strategy.
Released in 2015, this game requires players to plan their moves carefully in realistic battle scenarios. It has a strong ranked system, which helps players improve and climb the competitive ladder.
In eSports, there are six major tournaments, with prize pools of over $2 million per event.
9. Hearthstone
Hearthstone is different from the other games on this list because it’s a digital card game rather than a shooter or battle royale.
Players build decks from over 1,000 unique cards and compete using strategy and adaptability. While it looks simple, it requires skill to master.
The Hearthstone Championship Tour is one of its biggest competitions, offering a $1 million prize pool.
10. Street Fighter V
Street Fighter is one of the most famous fighting game series. The latest version, Street Fighter V, came out in 2016 and continues to be a favorite in competitive gaming.
Players can choose from famous characters like Ryu, Chun-Li, and Ken, using different playstyles and combos.
Regular updates keep the game fresh, adding new characters and features. In eSports, the Capcom Pro Tour offers a $600,000 prize pool for top players.
Reasons Why Many Gamers Prefer Esports
These are some of the reasons why countless gamers are drawn to esports:
1. Excitement with Competitive Play
Esports is exciting in their intense rivalry. Commons tournaments, such as The International for Dota 2 and the League of Legends World Championship, are high-stakes events, not mere matches, watched by millions, awarding hundreds of thousands for victors.
Such competitive gaming is especially compelling when skill and teamwork rival: it’s not just being quick, but at the same time a matter of tactics, quick decisions, and working together to win.
The thrill of landing the perfect play and seeing your favorite team put on a dominant performance keeps players glued.
2. The Possibility of Longer-term Living
Esports is not just a hobby; it can also be a full-time career. Stars in gaming are not just competing for tournament prizes; they are getting sponsorships, streaming for gaming audiences, and even selling branded merchandise.
Gaming platforms such as Twitch and YouTube have been the core centers of gameplay streaming or building fan bases.
Big brands sponsor elite players, and some top competitors peddle merchandise or in-game items that hold tremendous sway among fans.
These avenues for making money make esports a viable full-time career option for accomplished gamers.
3. Skills for the Future
Esports involves more than simply playing; it structures in solid life lessons such as teamwork, communication, and advancing critical thinking.
Players should be quick in their thinking and flexible in terms of game winning strategy coordination among one another. It also teaches these skills outside of pure gaming.
If you deal with pressure during a match, learn where you went wrong this time, or if you coordinate a good teamwork effort, esports might improve confidence, patience, and work spirit-or which is really taken to other productive usages in any profession.
Challenges of Becoming a Pro eSports Player
Some of the biggest challenges you might face in considering eSports as a career are;
1. Skill and Talent
Success in eSports requires players to demonstrate exceptional abilities in their chosen game. You need to achieve complete control of game mechanics alongside strategies and techniques for success.
Success in eSports demands players with fast reactions alongside keen decision-making abilities along with excellent mental concentration.
Greatness requires continuous practice alongside thorough game update learning and complete analysis of personal gameplay and that of competitors.
2. Tough Competition and Pressure
eSports is extremely competitive. Thousands of players compete to succeed in eSports while several of them match your skill level and some surpass it.
The path to tournament qualification requires you to join teams with available sponsors. Playing under stress occurs whether you compete in front of spectators or through online platforms.
Gaming requires careful management between your personal life because burnout remains a significant danger.
3. The Right Equipment
To succeed in eSports you need powerful hardware such as a PC and fast internet as well as a comfortable gaming setup and high-quality gaming equipment.
The necessary software tools for your gameplay include streaming functions as well as recording capabilities and editing features.
Managing your hardware and resolving technical issues and hacker threats along with glitches proves to be an exhausting process.
4. Rules and Regulations
Every eSports organization along with its games establishes mandatory rules for its members.
Playing honestly together with maintaining contracts and following ethical standards represents essential requirements.
Rules violations including cheating or match-fixing activities along with other misconduct result in both bans from participation and possible legal consequences.
5. Earning a Living
eSports earnings derive from prize money, salaries, sponsorships, donations, and streaming.
While income can be quite irregular at times, managing finances, tax duties, and expenditures is something that must be taken into consideration.
Since time is an important factor in determining the rapidity of alterations in the eSports industry, planning for such events in the future and having a backup career is a sensible thing to do.
6. Health and Well-being
Long gaming hours can be detrimental to your health. You should be mindful of your health: protect your vision, use proper posture, eat healthily, and seek physical fitness.
Mental health is just as vital. Stress, isolation, and gaming addiction are indeed causes for concern.
A good balance and seeking support when needed are the keys to.
Please note that the long games that we now categorize as eSports represent exceptional career prospects to several aspiring gamers.
For each game, there is a growing competitive scene, challenges, and rewards. Ultimately, you need to find a game that suits your skills and passion.
With passion, dedication, and strategy, you can take your very first steps up the ladder to being a professional eSports player. You might become the next big thing.
