The Top 10 Most Popular and Lucrative Esports Games of 2024

2024 confirms the leading role of this discipline in the video game industry.

Online and LAN competitions gather millions of passionate fans around the world, breaking audience records every year. Ever more generous cash prizes attract the best teams on the planet and turn professional players into true international stars.

In this booming business, many games are trying to develop to make their mark.

But what are the top esports games this year? Here are the top 10 most popular and lucrative titles at the moment.

1. Valorant, the New King of Competitive FPS

Released in 2020, Valorant quickly established itself as the new phenomenon in first-person shooter games.

Developed by Riot Games, it attracted crowds from its launch thanks to its fast-paced, tactical gameplay. Blending elements of Counter-Strike and Overwatch, Valorant has become a heavyweight in global esports in just a few years.

The competitive Valorant scene is dominated by North American and European teams, and formations like Sentinels, Team Liquid, and Fnatic dominate the rankings.

At the last world championship, the 2024 Valorant Champions Tour, the American team Sentinels were crowned champions after an epic grand final against the Europeans of Team Liquid.

Boosted by world-class players, Valorant has established itself as a real safe bet for esports.

2. League of Legends, the Undethroneable MOBA Reference

Despite the arrival of new competitors, League of Legends remains one of the most popular games on the esports scene.

With its accessible yet deep gameplay, charismatic characters, and enormous community, the MOBA from Riot Games still holds a special place 13 years after its release.

LoL competitions still get the biggest audiences, attracting millions of online viewers and filling entire stadiums.

The longevity of LoL has made it an ultra-profitable business model. The game generates over $1 billion in revenue per year through its microtransaction system. The best teams are valued at several tens of millions of dollars. And the greatest players like prodigy Korean midlaner Faker have international rock star status.

3. Counter-Strike, the Unshakable FPS Monument

While Valorant is the new king of competitive FPS, Counter-Strike remains an institution. Despite being 23 years old, CS:GO continues to attract legions of passionate players. With its ruthlessly efficient gameplay, Valve’s game defies time and still withstands the onslaught of new challengers.

CS:GO competitions still have the richest prize pools in esports. Legendary tournaments like the Majors and Intel Extreme Masters circuit bring together the planet’s top players to compete for record prize pools often exceeding $2 million.

Driven by iconic teams like Natus Vincere, FaZe Clan, and Astralis, the CS:GO scene has never been healthier. The game still attracts huge crowds.

4. Dota 2, the MOBA Mastodon Still at the Top

In the family of Multiplayer Online Battle Arena games, Dota 2 remains one of the genre’s giants. While it doesn’t get as much attention as its archrival League of Legends, Valve’s game endures with a loyal player base and dynamic competitive scene.

Each summer, The International brings together the world’s best teams for a spectacular show. This tournament with its unique atmosphere boasts the highest prize pool in all of esports, with a pool approaching $20 million. Enough to attract crowds and fuel the myth of a game reserved for an elite group of highly competitive players.

5. Rocket League, the Little Guy Who Made It Big

In just a few years, Rocket League has managed to carve out a place in esports fans’ hearts. With its fun, offbeat concept of soccer matches with cars, Psyonix’s game caught the general public’s eye. Its competitive potential and high skill ceiling have also made it a major discipline.

Each year, the Rocket League Championship Series brings together the world’s top teams to battle for the champion title. Spectacular matches with non-stop dribbling, passing, and shots with the most beautiful technical play.

Rocket League also benefits from numerous partnerships to improve its visibility. The game regularly collaborates with giants like Red Bull, Ford, and Formula 1 to organize special tournaments. Events that attract an ever wider audience and showcase the game beyond its traditional fanbase.

A virtuous ecosystem that explains the growing success of Psyonix’s title in the esports landscape.

6. Fortnite, the Still Unavoidable Cultural Phenomenon

Since its launch in 2017, Fortnite has continued to break records. The battle royale game from Epic Games has become a true societal phenomenon, attracting millions of players worldwide. Its accessible format and frequent updates have made it a video game juggernaut.

On the esports side, Fortnite continues to drive engagement. Every year, the Fortnite World Cup brings together the planet’s top players for epic battles.

7. Rainbow Six Siege, the Tactical FPS on the Rise

Released in 2015, Rainbow Six Siege has gradually established itself as one of the premier competitive FPS games. With its gameplay focused on tactics, communication, and teamwork, Ubisoft’s game has conquered a large community of passionate players.

In recent years, the R6S esports scene has seen explosive growth. The game is now present at major tournaments like the Six Invitational and Pro League. Competitions that attract the world’s top teams.

Rainbow Six also relies heavily on regional leagues to develop its ecosystem. National championships have emerged everywhere from France to Japan and the United States. A winning strategy that allows to structure the scene and develop new local talent.

8. Apex Legends, the Up-and-Coming Battle Royale

Launched in 2019 by Respawn Entertainment, Apex Legends quickly made a name for itself in the battle royale gaming scene. With its rich universe, charismatic heroes, and dynamic gameplay, the FPS has distinguished itself from the competition and attracted a large player base.

Since 2022, Apex Legends has gone all-in on esports to cement its popularity. The Apex Legends Global Series brings together the best teams for tournaments with very generous prize pools. In 2024, over $5 million was awarded throughout the year, with a flagship event offering over $1 million to the single winner.

Apex Legends’ strength lies in its ability to regularly refresh its content and gameplay mechanics. Each new season brings its share of brand new heroes, weapons, and original game modes. Constantly keeping players engaged and making each competition a unique event. Respawn’s battle royale still has bright years ahead.

9. Street Fighter 6, the Triumphant Return of the Legendary Fighting Game

Released in 2023, the latest iteration of Street Fighter marks the grand return of Capcom’s iconic franchise to the top of esports. After a lukewarm Street Fighter 5, Street Fighter 6 goes back to the fundamentals while bringing welcome innovations.

Street Fighter 6 also focuses on accessibility to broaden its audience. A simplified control system allows newcomers to quickly grasp combos. Hardcore players are not left out, with a gameplay system as rich and demanding as ever. The successful mix of casual and hardcore is the hallmark of the very best fighting games.

10. Halo Infinite, an Ambitious Upstart

Developed by 343 Industries, Halo Infinite pulled the franchise out of obscurity and reignited the machine in 2024.

After a rocky launch in late 2021, Microsoft’s FPS managed to right the ship by adjusting its economic model and delivering constant content updates. A year and a half later, the game has regained its status as the premier multiplayer shooter.

This upswing is also felt on the competitive scene. Driven by the Halo Championship Series circuit and its generous prize pools, the game’s esports community rises from the ashes. More and more pro teams are betting on Microsoft’s flagship title, including popular outfits like FaZe Clan and Fnatic. The triumphant comeback of an FPS giant.

Halo Infinite also stands out from other games with its atypical approach to esports. In addition to traditional console tournaments, the game focuses on PC and cross-platform competitions to attract new audiences. Unique initiatives in the industry that show 343 Industries is not short on ideas to sustainably develop its ecosystem.

In short, esports has definitely entered a new dimension. Driven by hugely popular games and an ever-wider fanbase, this phenomenon has become a prosperous business and an industry in its own right. In 2024, video game competitions have never been more watched and lucrative, attracting sponsors, media coverage, and investors from around the world. An exciting new era for this booming sector, which seems far from reaching its limits.