Top 10 Esports Games to Start Your Career

The esports industry is vast and varied, offering numerous opportunities for aspiring players to make a name for themselves. Whether you prefer strategic gameplay, fast-paced action, or team-based competition, there's an esports game for you. This blog will explore the top 10 esports games that provide excellent starting points for your career, highlighting their competitive scenes, prize pools, and entry barriers.

1. League of Legends (LoL)

Overview:

"League of Legends" is a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game developed by Riot Games. It's one of the most popular esports titles globally, known for its strategic depth and intense team-based gameplay.

Competitive Scene:

• Major Leagues: League of Legends Championship Series (LCS), League of Legends European Championship (LEC)
• Major Tournaments: World Championship (Worlds), Mid-Season Invitational (MSI)
• Prize Pools: Worlds 2021 had a prize pool of over $2.2 million​ (HAVOC)​​ (HAVOC)​.

Entry Barriers:

The game is free-to-play, but mastering it requires significant time investment and understanding of its complex mechanics.

2. Dota 2

Overview:

"Dota 2," developed by Valve Corporation, is another leading MOBA game. Known for its steep learning curve and strategic complexity, it attracts hardcore strategy enthusiasts.

Competitive Scene:

• Major Tournaments: The International (TI), Dota Pro Circuit (DPC)
• Prize Pools: TI consistently offers the largest prize pools in esports, with TI10 reaching over $40 million​ (HAVOC)​​ (HAVOC)​.

Entry Barriers:

The game is free-to-play, but new players often find its mechanics and strategies challenging to master.

3. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO)

Overview:

"CS:GO" is a first-person shooter (FPS) developed by Valve Corporation. It's renowned for its tactical gameplay and high skill ceiling.

Competitive Scene:

• Major Leagues: ESL Pro League, BLAST Premier
• Major Tournaments: Intel Extreme Masters (IEM), PGL Major
• Prize Pools: The PGL Major Stockholm 2021 had a prize pool of $2 million​ (HAVOC)​ .

Entry Barriers:

The game has a low cost of entry, but players need to invest significant time to develop their aiming and tactical skills.

4. Fortnite

Overview:

Developed by Epic Games, "Fortnite" is a battle royale game known for its building mechanics and vibrant visuals.

Competitive Scene:

• Major Tournaments: Fortnite World Cup, Fortnite Champion Series (FNCS)
• Prize Pools: The Fortnite World Cup 2019 had a prize pool of $30 million .

Entry Barriers:

The game is free-to-play, but mastering its building mechanics and fast-paced gameplay can be challenging.

5. Overwatch

Overview:

"Overwatch," developed by Blizzard Entertainment, is a team-based FPS with a diverse cast of characters, each with unique abilities.

Competitive Scene:

• Major Leagues: Overwatch League (OWL)
• Major Tournaments: Overwatch Contenders, Overwatch World Cup
• Prize Pools: The OWL 2020 Grand Finals had a prize pool of $3.5 million .

Entry Barriers:

The game requires purchasing, and players need to master various heroes and team strategies.

6. Call of Duty

Overview:

The "Call of Duty" franchise, developed by Activision, includes several popular FPS titles, with "Call of Duty: Warzone" being a prominent battle royale.

Competitive Scene:

• Major Leagues: Call of Duty League (CDL)
• Major Tournaments: Call of Duty Championship, Warzone Wednesday
• Prize Pools: The 2020 Call of Duty Championship had a prize pool of $4.6 million .

Entry Barriers:

The games require purchasing, and players need to excel in fast-paced shooting and tactical gameplay.

7. Rocket League

Overview:

"Rocket League," developed by Psyonix, combines soccer with vehicular acrobatics, offering a unique and accessible esports experience.

Competitive Scene:

• Major Leagues: Rocket League Championship Series (RLCS)
• Major Tournaments: RLCS World Championship
• Prize Pools: The RLCS Season X had a prize pool of $1 million .

Entry Barriers:

The game has a moderate cost of entry, and players need to develop precise control and teamwork skills.

8. FIFA

Overview:

The "FIFA" series, developed by EA Sports, is a football simulation game that closely mirrors real-life soccer.

Competitive Scene:

• Major Leagues: FIFA Global Series, eChampions League
• Major Tournaments: FIFA eWorld Cup, FIFA eNations Cup
• Prize Pools: The FIFA eWorld Cup 2021 had a prize pool of $500,000 .

Entry Barriers:

The games require purchasing, and players need to master both strategic and technical aspects of football.

9. Rainbow Six Siege

Overview:

"Rainbow Six Siege," developed by Ubisoft, is a tactical shooter that emphasizes strategy, teamwork, and destructible environments.

Competitive Scene:

• Major Leagues: Rainbow Six Pro League
• Major Tournaments: Six Invitational, Six Major
• Prize Pools: The Six Invitational 2021 had a prize pool of $3 million .

Entry Barriers:

The game requires purchasing, and players need to develop advanced tactical and teamwork skills.

10. Hearthstone

Overview:

"Hearthstone," developed by Blizzard Entertainment, is a digital collectible card game that combines strategy and luck.

Competitive Scene:

• Major Leagues: Hearthstone Grandmasters
• Major Tournaments: Hearthstone World Championship
• Prize Pools: The 2020 Hearthstone World Championship had a prize pool of $500,000 .

Entry Barriers:

The game is free-to-play with in-game purchases, and players need to build competitive decks and master strategic gameplay.

Conclusion

These top 10 esports games offer diverse opportunities for aspiring players to start their careers. Each game has its unique competitive scene, challenges, and rewards. By choosing a game that aligns with your interests and strengths, you can begin your journey towards becoming a professional esports player.

For more insights and detailed information on how to become an esports player, check out our comprehensive guide.