The value of esports is rising, and the business is expanding at a breakneck pace. Over $50 million in prize money was distributed in 2021.
One of the reasons for this rise in popularity is also the spike that esports betting has seen in the past few years. While classics such as Super Bowl and March Madness Betting are still popular, betting on esports tournaments and events has seen a tremendous rise.
This has been mostly because the pandemic shut everything down back in 2020, but also because of increased interest and winnings. The top six esports games in 2021, in order by payments and tournament numbers, are shown below.
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive: CSGO
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive Global Offensive is one of the most popular esports titles on the planet. This title has a worldwide audience and player base, with millions of people playing and watching it.
Even though practically all of this year’s events were contested online, the competition has retained its popularity and sponsors. Not only that, but a slew of new grassroots leagues has sprung up.
In CSGO, approximately 2350 players competed in 274 tournaments for a total prize pool of around $10 million. This ranks it above most other titles that the industry has to offer.
Player Unknown Battlegrounds: PUBG
When it initially came out, Player Unknown: Battlegrounds was a hit on PC. PUBG mobile has established its professional scene as mobile gaming has grown in popularity. With both of these versions of the game gaining traction, it was only a matter of time until they cracked the top rankings.
The prize pool for PUBG and PUBG mobile combined was around $14 million. In total, over 520 players competed in 16 events.
DOTA 2
Every year, Dota 2 hosts The International, the largest esports event in the world. Dota 2 dominates the esports news cycle every time it comes around, thanks to a big crowdfunded prize pool and great production.
This event is very important to the community, and the whole Dota year revolves around it. The prize pool for Dota 2 was $5.5 million. Over 725 players competed in a total of 48 tournaments.
Fortnite
Fortnite exploded in popularity some years ago, attracting a huge player base and a high number of spectators to Fortnite live streams. Live streamers reaped the benefits of a large number of viewers and visibility over a lengthy period.
People of all ages were able to download and play the game since it was free to play. It became an international sensation. It remained so for a long time.
Fortnite competitions with the finest players from across the globe are still taking place. The esports tournament industry seems to be humming along just fine, despite its apparent decline in popularity. Prize money totaled over $6 million for 603 players in 35 tournaments in Fortnite.
League of Legends
League of Legends has been around for nearly a decade and continues to increase in popularity year after year. League of Legends is a game with a constant international audience, having established leagues in Europe, Asia, and North America. Money and sponsors follow with increased viewing.
Many gamers earn a career playing this game, and it doesn’t seem that this trend will change anytime soon. 781 players competed in 37 League of Legends tournaments for a total prize pool of over $2 million.
Rocket League
Rocket League has been steadily increasing in popularity for many years. Thanks to a full league and outstanding production, this frantic and fast-paced game is surprisingly entertaining to watch.
Because it is so simple to learn, fans believe they can compete with the finest players in the world. Fans fall in love with the game and dream of playing professionally as a result of this.
The prize pool for Rocket League was $3,317,697.28, with 633 players competing in 187 tournaments. This is fantastic for a game that exploded onto the scene fairly recently.
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