The esports industry has evolved from being a niche hobby to a global entertainment powerhouse. Millions of viewers now tune in regularly to watch professional players compete at the highest levels. Tournaments fill stadiums, online streams reach audiences larger than many traditional sports broadcasts, and prize pools sometimes exceed tens of millions of dollars.
If you’re looking to dive into esports this year, you’ll want to know which games are capturing the biggest audiences and producing the most exciting moments. Below are the top ten esports titles you absolutely must watch in the coming months. Each one offers its own style of competition, community, and spectacle.
1. League of Legends
Few games have dominated the esports scene like Riot Games’ League of Legends. It has been at the top for over a decade, thanks to its fast-paced strategy, dramatic team fights, and storylines built around superstar players. The annual League of Legends World Championship is one of the most-watched esports events in the world, drawing fans from every continent. This year promises fresh talent, intense rivalries, and new metas shaped by constant updates. If you’re new to esports, this is the perfect entry point.
2. Counter-Strike 2
When Valve announced Counter-Strike 2, it reignited the passion of millions of fans who grew up with the legendary Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. The franchise has always been the gold standard for competitive first-person shooters, and the new version sharpens gameplay while keeping its core intact. Watching elite teams like FaZe Clan or Natus Vincere is a masterclass in precision, reflexes, and teamwork. Expect packed arenas and record-breaking online viewership for CS2 tournaments throughout the year.
3. Dota 2
Another giant in the esports world, Dota 2 is famous for its complexity and its staggering prize pools. The game’s flagship event, The International, consistently raises millions through community contributions, making it the richest tournament in esports history. What makes Dota 2 special is the almost endless variety of strategies and hero combinations, ensuring no two matches are ever the same. This year, the competition looks fiercer than ever, and fans are eager to see if any underdog can dethrone the dominant teams.
4. Valorant
Riot Games entered the tactical shooter space with Valorant, and it quickly became one of the most-watched competitive games. Blending the gunplay of Counter-Strike with the unique abilities of hero shooters, Valorant has carved out a loyal fanbase. Its global competitive circuit features regional leagues and an international championship that brings together the best teams from around the world. The game is still relatively young in esports terms, which makes every season feel like a new chapter filled with surprises.
5. Fortnite
Epic Games’ Fortnite may be best known as a cultural phenomenon, but it also thrives as a competitive esport. Its combination of shooting, building, and survival mechanics creates a spectacle unlike any other game. Major tournaments like the Fortnite World Cup showcase top talent and often feature life-changing prize money for young players. With constant updates, crossovers, and creative events, Fortnite ensures that the competition never grows stale. This year’s competitive scene is set to expand, giving both players and viewers plenty to enjoy.
6. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II and Warzone
The Call of Duty League remains one of the most established esports ecosystems, with city-based franchises competing across the United States and beyond. The fast-paced action of Modern Warfare II offers non-stop excitement, while Warzone tournaments provide a different flavor of competitive play with their large-scale battle royale format. Call of Duty esports thrives on its passionate fanbase and intense rivalries, making it one of the most entertaining scenes to follow this year.
7. Rocket League
Imagine soccer, but with rocket-powered cars flying across the arena. That’s Rocket League, and it has become one of the most accessible and entertaining esports to watch. The simplicity of its premise makes it easy for newcomers to follow, but the skill ceiling is incredibly high, leading to jaw-dropping aerial maneuvers and last-second goals. The Rocket League Championship Series (RLCS) is entering another exciting season, with global teams battling for supremacy. Its blend of spectacle and simplicity ensures it will continue to attract huge audiences.
8. Apex Legends
Respawn Entertainment’s Apex Legends has built a strong competitive scene around its battle royale format. The Apex Legends Global Series (ALGS) brings together top squads from around the world, each vying for dominance with tactical gameplay and fluid movement. Apex stands out for its dynamic pacing—matches can shift from calm looting to chaotic firefights in seconds. With new legends and updates constantly keeping the game fresh, this year’s competitions promise plenty of dramatic finishes.
9. Street Fighter 6
The fighting game community has always been an essential part of esports, and Street Fighter 6 is leading the charge in 2023 and beyond. With smoother gameplay mechanics, balanced characters, and modern graphics, the game has revitalized competitive fighting. Events like EVO put the spotlight on the best players from across the globe, creating some of the most intense one-on-one battles in esports. If you’re looking for pure skill, precision, and passion, Street Fighter 6 is a must-watch title this year.
10. Overwatch 2
Blizzard’s Overwatch 2 is continuing to grow its esports scene through the Overwatch League. Known for its colorful heroes and objective-based gameplay, Overwatch offers a distinct viewing experience compared to other shooters. Matches are filled with clutch plays, intricate strategies, and highlight-worthy moments. While the competitive ecosystem has faced its share of challenges, the talent pool remains stacked, and this year’s competitions could provide some of the most entertaining games yet.
Why These Games Stand Out
What makes these ten titles worth watching isn’t just the gameplay—it’s the stories that unfold around them. Esports thrives on narratives: the underdog team making an unexpected run, the veteran player chasing one more trophy, or the heated rivalry between two organizations with years of history. Viewers aren’t just watching a game; they’re experiencing drama, passion, and emotion that rivals traditional sports.
Another reason to watch is accessibility. Major platforms like Twitch and YouTube stream these tournaments for free, often with professional commentary and production that matches or even exceeds television broadcasts. You don’t need to be a dedicated gamer to enjoy the thrill of a clutch play or the tension of a championship final.
The Future of Esports Viewing
This year is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in esports history. With new titles emerging, established games refining their competitive formats, and viewership numbers continuing to grow, there has never been a better time to get involved. As technology and production improve, esports events are becoming more immersive, engaging, and entertaining.
Whether you’re drawn to the strategic depth of League of Legends, the raw intensity of Counter-Strike, or the sheer creativity of Fortnite, there’s something on this list for everyone. These games are more than just competitions; they’re global events that bring people together, showcase incredible talent, and create unforgettable moments.
Final Thoughts
Esports is no longer just a trend—it’s a cultural phenomenon that continues to expand every year. The ten games listed above represent the very best the scene has to offer, each with its own community, identity, and unforgettable highlights. If you’re planning to follow esports this year, start with these titles. You’ll quickly see why millions of fans worldwide are tuning in, cheering for their favorite players, and celebrating the rise of competitive gaming as one of the most thrilling forms of entertainment today.
