Once, sports was all about getting out on a field or court and showing the world what you could do. A generation of sports fans had to tune in on television to watch their heroes and could only dream of taking part in competitions from home.
The new generation has a different outlook on sports, thanks to the rise of esports. The pandemic in 2020 changed an awful lot for the worse, but as we explored in our piece titled Technology Stays Profitable Throughout the Pandemic, there were benefits. One positive was the raised awareness of being able not only to compete in sports at home but also to watch online. Today, esports are thriving, with millions of people tuning in across the world.
You might think of esports as digital versions of real sports, such as football and baseball, and you’d be partly right. Those sports have esports alternatives, but the most watched esports are not as conventional as you might think. We’ve broken down the top esports in 2024 by peak viewership to give you an idea of what people are watching around the world.
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive – 1.86m
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is hugely popular, both as an esport and as one of the top first-person shooters on the market today, which is a surprise, given how long it has been available to play. Launched in 2012 by Valve, it quickly gained popularity within the gaming community and has since become one of the most iconic titles in the esports world. On March 31, 2024, viewership peaked at an eye-watering 1.86 million people.
In CS: GO, players join either the Terrorist or Counter-Terrorist team and engage in intense, tactical battles across various maps. The gameplay revolves around completing objectives such as planting or defusing bombs, rescuing hostages, or eliminating the opposing team. What sets CS: GO apart is its emphasis on teamwork and strategy and the wide array of weapons, equipment, and customization options.
Valorant – 1.68m
Published by Riot Games and released in 2020, Valorant’s viewing figures hit 1.68m in mid-March. Combining elements of traditional shooters with unique character abilities, it offers a fresh take on the genre. Set in a near-future Earth, players assume the roles of Agents, each with distinct abilities, as they battle it out in 5v5 matches. The frenzied gameplay attracts plenty of viewers, who can be left as breathless watching on as they would be watching a ball game.
The gameplay revolves around planting or defusing a bomb (the Spike) or eliminating the opposing team. Strategic teamwork and precise gunplay are essential for success. Valorant’s roster of Agents provides a diverse range of playstyles, from duelists focused on aggressive tactics to controllers adept at manipulating the battlefield. Valorant’s competitive mode features a ranking system that encourages players to improve and climb the ladder. Aside from that, regular updates introduce new content and events, keeping the experience fresh and engaging.
League of Legends – 1.19m
Again published by Riot Games, League of Legends has become a phenomenon over the years. Released in 2009, it has become one of the most popular and enduring titles in the gaming world, not just because of its gameplay. There’s a whole culture sprung up around the game, demonstrated by the depth of the League of Legends betting guide, which explains how players study streams in depth to spot nuances on which they can place wagers. That and online chatter, streams, and even spin-offs with games like Stardew Valley serve to underline its popularity. A good esport is not just about the game but about the wider community, which LoL, as it is now colloquially, has in abundance.
1.19 million players watched on in January as competitors assumed the roles of champions, each with unique abilities. They compete in teams to destroy the opposing team’s Nexus, located within their base. With a vast roster of champions, regular updates, and a thriving esports scene, League of Legends offers endless replayability and strategic depth.
