Esports continues to grow in 2025, with millions of fans watching games online and in stadiums. Competitive gaming is now a global industry with major titles drawing record-breaking viewership and offering large prize pools. In this article, we rank the top 5 most popular esports games in 2025. This ranking is based on the following criteria:
- Prize Pool Size – Total prize money distributed in tournaments so far this year.
- Peak Viewership – The highest number of live viewers for a single event.
- Number of Tournaments – Total number of esports tournaments held or ongoing.
- Cross-Platform Popularity – Games that perform well across PC, console, and mobile.
Data is sourced from Esports Charts and reflects activity up to April 2025.
1. Counter-Strike 2 (CS2)
- Platform: PC / Console
- Prize Pool: $7,399,776
- Peak Viewers: 1,299,747
- Tournaments: 115 (7 ongoing)
Counter-Strike 2 tops the list due to its massive prize pool and long tournament calendar. Though its peak viewership is slightly behind some titles, its consistency in esports makes it a dominant force. CS2 is a favorite among FPS fans for its tactical depth and team-based gameplay.
2. League of Legends (LoL)
- Platform: PC / Console
- Prize Pool: $1,525,446
- Peak Viewers: 1,907,634
- Tournaments: 53 (19 ongoing)
League of Legends remains a staple in esports. Its global tournaments, like the LCK and LEC, draw high viewership and offer competitive prize money. The game’s structured esports system and strong fanbase ensure LoL’s position at the top year after year.
3. Valorant
- Platform: PC / Console
- Prize Pool: $1,073,437
- Peak Viewers: 1,319,067
- Tournaments: 65 (14 ongoing)
Valorant, developed by Riot Games, has quickly built a strong esports ecosystem. It combines the precision of a shooter with hero-based gameplay. Its rising prize pool and strong international tournaments make it one of the fastest-growing esports titles.
4. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB)
- Platform: Mobile
- Prize Pool: $541,622
- Peak Viewers: 2,769,107
- Tournaments: 24 (10 ongoing)
Mobile Legends leads the mobile esports scene. It recorded the highest peak viewership this year, showing the strong interest in mobile gaming, especially in Southeast Asia. Though its prize pool is smaller, its community and accessibility help it stay highly popular.
5. PUBG Mobile
- Platform: Mobile
- Prize Pool: $904,606
- Peak Viewers: 697,213
- Tournaments: 35
PUBG Mobile continues to be a major player in mobile esports. With many regional tournaments and a global player base, it keeps fans engaged. It ranks slightly below MLBB due to lower viewership, but offers higher prize money and more events.
Summing Up
So, these are the top 5 most popular esports games in 2025. Whether on PC, console, or mobile, each has carved a niche with unique gameplay and loyal communities. The esports landscape is evolving fast, and these titles are at the heart of it. As technology improves and access expands, expect even more players, fans, and tournaments in the years ahead.
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