Esports is a fast-growing industry and 2023 is expected to be another exciting year for the scene. With the rise of streaming platforms like Twitch and Youtube Gaming, and modern mobile devices making advanced games more accessible to people, esports has become more mainstream than ever before. In this article, we’ll take a look at the top 5 esports games that are expected to dominate in 2023.
- Fortnite – With over 350 million registered players and counting, Fortnite is one of the most popular games in the world. The game’s battle royale mode, where up to 100 players fight to be the last one standing, has become a cultural phenomenon, and the competitive scene is growing rapidly. With the recent announcement of the Fortnite World Cup returning in 2023 with a $10 million prize pool, we can expect even more interest and investment in the game.
- Valorant – Riot Games’ tactical first-person shooter, Valorant, has quickly become a fan favorite since its release in 2020. The game’s unique blend of abilities and gunplay has attracted a dedicated player base and a thriving esports scene. It’s been reported that more than 20 million people play the game monthly and in 2023, it is estimated that over 100 eSport tournaments will take place with prize pools ranging from $10,000 to $1,000,000.
- Counter-Strike: Global Offensive – CS:GO has been around for over 10 years, but the game continues to be a staple in the esports scene and is loved by gamers all around the world. Its daily player count ranges from 500,000 to 1,2 million and has continuously seen a growth since its release. As for competitive tournaments, over 6,500 has been held already and 2023 promises to add hundreds more.
- League of Legends – LoL has been the most popular esports game in the world for several years, and that’s not expected to change in 2023. The game’s competitive scene is thriving, with regular tournaments and region-specific leagues attracting millions of viewers. More than 150 million people play the game monthly while Twitch reports reveal that League of Legends has had 160,000 average viewers the past 30 days. This makes it the most watched game on the platform.
- Dota 2 – A MOBA game dating back to 2010, Dota 2 has a dedicated player base and a thriving esports scene. It is famous for its world championship – The International – which has some of the largest prize pools in esports history. The 2021 event offered a stunning $40 million in prizes and in 2023, the tournament will be back again along with a ton of other events; some of which also offer million dollar prize pools.
How Esports Is Changing Streaming, Traditional Sports, Technology, and Betting Markets
As the esports industry continues to grow, it’s not just the gaming sector that is feeling the impact. The growth of esports is also having a significant effect on several adjacent markets.
One such market is the streaming industry, with platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming seeing a surge in viewership as more and more people tune in to watch their favorite esports events and players. This has led to increased investment in streaming infrastructure and technology, as well as a rise in streaming-related sponsorships and partnerships.
Another market being affected by the growth of esports is traditional sports. Many traditional sports teams and organizations have started investing in esports teams and leagues as a way to diversify their offerings and reach a younger audience. This has led to increased crossover between traditional sports and esports, with events like the NBA 2K League and the Formula 1 Esports Series becoming more popular each year.
Esports is also having an impact on the technology industry, with many companies investing in esports-related products and services. This includes everything from gaming hardware and peripherals to software and data analytics tools. As esports continues to grow, we can expect even more innovation and investment in this space.
Furthermore, esports betting is an increasingly popular way for fans to engage with their favorite games and teams. There are many sportsbooks offering odds on esports matches and tournaments these days and as esports continues to grow in popularity, we can expect even more bookmakers to get in on the action.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these five games are expected to dominate the esports scene in 2023, with each game offering a unique experience and a dedicated player base. As the industry continues to grow, we can expect even more investment and innovation in the world of esports, making it an exciting time to be a gamer and a fan of competitive gaming.