From MOBA to FPS: The most popular esports games today
The esports industry has rapidly grown, offering thrilling esports matches and showcasing elite esports players in epic, high-stakes battles that captivate fans worldwide. At the heart of this esports trend are two dominant genres: multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games and first-person shooters (FPS). Each offers a distinct gameplay experience and nonstop action that keeps fans engaged and coming back for more.
Discover which FPS and MOBA games are taking the world of esports by storm:
League of Legends: Clash of the ultimate champions
Riot Games’ League of Legends (LoL) is a free-to-play MOBA game. It features a unique blend of gaming styles such as role play, tower defence, and real-time strategy. One of the main reasons behind its popularity is its simple gameplay.
New players can quickly learn the basics, but there’s a lot to master. The game features skillshots, cooldowns, and special skills, creating immersive gameplay. As proof of its success, Riot Games hosts the League of Legends Championship Series, featuring a prize pool that increases each year.
Dota 2: Epic showdowns in the land of ancients
Valve’s Dota 2 is another free-to-play MOBA that offers intense 5v5 matches on a large map. The International (TI), Dota 2’s biggest event offers major prize pools that draw in skilled esports players worldwide.
The game also keeps players engaged with regular updates and a game pass that adds new content. This not only improves Dota 2’s gameplay mechanics but also helps boost the prize pool for The International.
Counter-Strike 2: Tactical warfare at its finest
Counter-Strike 2 (CS2), the latest in Valve’s FPS series, has quickly risen to fame since its launch in 2023. This game builds on a long legacy that started back in 1999, making it a key title in the world of esports.
In CS2, players engage in fast-paced, team-based action. Matches often pit two teams against each other in thrilling rounds, making it a must-watch for esports fans. CS2 has big tournaments such as BLAST Open which attracts huge audiences, with peak viewership hitting over 850,000.
Valorant: Precision and strategy in every shot
Riot’s Valorant is another FPS game released in 2020, featuring 5v5 matches where players choose from a range of Agents, each with unique skills that help their team win. There are different roles to play, adding a layer of strategy to each match.
Despite being relatively new compared to older esports games, Valorant quickly became a big name. For instance, the Masters Bangkok 2025 Championship got over 1.3 million viewers tuning in.
Fortnite: Build, battle, and survive
Fortnite is a leading game in the battle royale genre, launched by Epic Games in 2017. It quickly became a staple in esports, drawing in both new and old players alike.
The game’s appeal lies in its fun gameplay and the chance to earn skins and unique character models through regular updates. Fortnite’s competitive scene is thriving, with events like the Fortnite Championship Series (FNCS) Finals attracting over 2.6 million viewers in 2024.
From clicks to clutch plays, these top games show what makes esports shine. No matter which one you pick, there’s a whole world out there, full of plays worth the watch.
