Esports industry was riding high during its initial boom cycle. Big money and big names invested into competitive games – yet, as its rise ended, many organizations reduced costs in order to become cashflow positive and remain viable.
Some of the world’s top esports teams have been hit hard by layoffs. Yet some teams have managed to weather this storm successfully and continue earning millions in prize money from competitions.
CS:GO
CS:GO is a first-person shooter that expands upon the team-based gameplay established in 1999 by Counter-Strike. It merges classic maps, characters, weapons and game modes with new content that enhances and extends upon its core experience.
Though CS:GO may appear to be your average run and gun shooter at first glance, its lobby offers much to keep players entertained. Valve’s constant attempts at improving gameplay through map updates and tweaks add additional layers of strategy into this fast-paced title.
Professional CS:GO competition includes leagues, tournaments hosted by third-party organizations and Valve-sponsored Major Championships – these latter events typically boasting large prize pools and high-level action.
Since CS:GO first entered esports competition, numerous teams have held the top spots, including Fnatic, Brazilian team Luminosity Gaming and Astralis – but none has managed to remain there for an extended period of time; teams come and go frequently.
PUBG
PUBG is one of the world’s most beloved battle royale titles, boasting millions of players worldwide. Available for PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
At Erangel, Sanhok and Miramar players must drop onto an island and fight to be the last one standing – there are three maps: Erangel, Sanhok and Miramar.
The game offers multiple gameplay modes and customization options. In addition, realistic weaponry and an expansive map size encourage exploration.
PUBG is one of the most beloved battle royale games currently available, drawing in millions of players each month due to its realistic graphics and engaging game play mechanics.
DOTA 2
Dota 2 is an immensely popular MOBA that has seen significant competition over time.
Dota 2 is a free-to-play online game in which five-person teams compete against one another in an online battle arena (MOBA). Each player controls one hero who can use various skills to defeat enemies or bolster allies – or increase personal strength!
Dota 2’s hero system is unsurprisingly diverse, offering over 100 heroes to players. While other esports titles may limit this number at pro levels, Dota 2 remains balanced; most major tournaments feature all but three or four heroes at any one time.
Competitive scene is flourishing and bustling with incredible amounts of money changing hands every time a tournament or tournament series happens, the highlight being Valve’s The International, featuring an unprecedented prize pool each year and held annually.
MOBA
Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) is an emerging genre and esport that combines elements from Real Time Strategy, FPS and fighting game styles into one, team-based battle. Each pair of players assumes the role of powerful heroes, while simultaneously trying to take down and defend against opposing teams’ bases while protecting their own.
Early 2000s saw MOBAs emerge in mod communities as an extension of Warcraft 3 and StarCraft games. By mid-2000s, however, MOBA had become a prominent form of competitive gaming tournament.
MOBAs, or multiplayer online battle arena games (MOBAs), have emerged as some of the most beloved competitive gaming genres ever since their humble origins. Thanks to international tournaments, large fan bases, and sponsor support; MOBAs have grown into one of the defining genres in competitive gaming.
