Esports has taken the world by storm, becoming a billion-dollar industry and drawing millions of fans across the globe. From PC and console titles to competitive mobile games, the industry has grown larger than ever before in 2025. Prize pools are skyrocketing, viewership is breaking records, and new tournaments are popping up every season. With so many competitive titles out there, only a few manage to dominate the esports scene consistently.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the Top 10 Most Popular Esports Games of 2025. The list is based on prize pools, peak viewership, and overall impact on the esports world.
10. Free Fire
Free Fire continues to be one of the Most Popular Esports Games of 2025, especially in regions like Southeast Asia, India, and Latin America. Its mobile-first approach allows millions of players to experience battle royale gameplay without needing expensive devices, making it a fan-favorite. The fast-paced matches and compact maps ensure that the action never slows down, which is why its esports tournaments attract huge audiences.
In 2025, Free Fire has maintained its position as a global powerhouse, with developers consistently introducing new characters, maps, and esports-friendly modes. Garena’s dedication to organizing large-scale tournaments and partnering with sponsors has further boosted the scene. With millions of active players, Free Fire is proof that mobile esports are here to stay, making it a true gem among the Most Popular Esports Games of 2025.
| Type | Prize Pool | Peak Viewers |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile | $2,469,953 | 555,966 |
9. Honor of Kings
Honor of Kings is a mobile MOBA that has grown into one of the Most Popular Esports Games of 2025, especially in China. Known for its strategic depth and competitive balance, it has become the leading title in the Chinese mobile esports market. The game’s popularity is reflected in its massive tournaments, where peak viewers cross hundreds of thousands, proving its dominance in the esports industry.
What makes Honor of Kings stand out is its commitment to professional esports leagues and consistent developer support. International events are growing each year, and Tencent is pushing hard to expand the game’s presence globally. As one of the Most Popular Esports Games of 2025, Honor of Kings is a shining example of how mobile games can compete with PC and console titles in the esports arena.
| Type | Prize Pool | Peak Viewers |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile | $6,321,621 | 653,309 |
8. Fortnite
Fortnite may have started as a casual battle royale, but in 2025, it remains among the Most Popular Esports Games of 2025. Epic Games continues to invest heavily in competitive tournaments, offering prize pools worth millions and creating events that blend gaming and entertainment like no other title. The game’s creative modes and unique building mechanics give it a distinct identity that keeps fans engaged.
Despite facing challenges from other battle royales, Fortnite has carved a loyal esports community. Its tournaments bring together elite players and massive audiences, making every competition a global spectacle. With a prize pool of over $8 million and nearly 700,000 peak viewers, Fortnite’s competitive scene is stronger than ever, cementing its status as one of the Most Popular Esports Games of 2025.
| Type | Prize Pool | Peak Viewers |
|---|---|---|
| PC / Console | $8,116,813 | 660,074 |
7. PUBG: Battlegrounds
PUBG: Battlegrounds, the game that started the modern battle royale trend, is still one of the Most Popular Esports Games of 2025. Known for its realistic graphics, strategic gameplay, and intense firefights, it remains a crowd favorite in esports. With multiple regional leagues and global championships, PUBG maintains a strong presence despite newer games entering the battle royale scene.
The developers’ focus on esports infrastructure, including well-structured leagues and partnerships, has helped PUBG thrive. Its tournaments still draw hundreds of thousands of fans, showcasing that its legacy is alive and well. The combination of tactical gameplay and high stakes makes PUBG a thrilling experience for both players and viewers, keeping it firmly on the list of the Most Popular Esports Games of 2025.
| Type | Prize Pool | Peak Viewers |
|---|---|---|
| PC / Console | $4,464,566 | 818,020 |
6. Arena of Valor
Arena of Valor is another mobile MOBA that has made a strong case for being one of the Most Popular Esports Games of 2025. Popular in Southeast Asia and China, this game continues to attract millions of players and esports fans. Its streamlined gameplay, hero variety, and tactical depth have helped it maintain relevance in an ever-competitive market.
The competitive scene for Arena of Valor has expanded globally, with international tournaments showcasing the game’s growing appeal. With nearly 900,000 peak viewers, its esports presence is impressive for a mobile title. As a staple in the mobile esports ecosystem, Arena of Valor firmly deserves its spot among the Most Popular Esports Games of 2025.
| Type | Prize Pool | Peak Viewers |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile | $1,178,149 | 872,648 |
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5. Valorant
Riot Games’ tactical shooter Valorant has established itself as one of the Most Popular Esports Games of 2025. Combining elements of CS-like gunplay with hero-based abilities, it quickly captured the esports world’s attention. Riot has successfully built a competitive structure with regional leagues, global championships, and long-term support for professional players and teams.
The Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) continues to set new benchmarks for esports, pulling in huge numbers of fans worldwide. With prize pools exceeding $5 million and over 1.3 million peak viewers, Valorant has firmly cemented its place in the upper tier of competitive gaming. Its unique gameplay ensures it stands out, making it one of the most exciting and Most Popular Esports Games of 2025.
| Type | Prize Pool | Peak Viewers |
|---|---|---|
| PC / Console | $5,154,331 | 1,319,067 |
4. PUBG Mobile
PUBG Mobile is a sensation in the mobile esports industry and remains one of the Most Popular Esports Games of 2025. With its massive player base across Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America, it continues to dominate charts. The game’s tournaments regularly attract millions of viewers, thanks to its fast-paced action and competitive balance.
Tencent has done an excellent job in building a global competitive structure for PUBG Mobile, making it one of the leading titles in esports. Its prize pool of nearly $6 million and peak viewership of over 1.3 million highlight its dominance. PUBG Mobile’s ability to rival PC and console games in popularity makes it a shining star among the Most Popular Esports Games of 2025.
| Type | Prize Pool | Peak Viewers |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile | $5,925,651 | 1,389,269 |
3. Counter-Strike
Counter-Strike has been the backbone of competitive gaming for decades, and in 2025, it remains one of the Most Popular Esports Games of 2025. With the release of updated versions and ongoing developer support, the franchise continues to dominate esports tournaments worldwide. Its tactical gameplay, focus on teamwork, and high skill ceiling make it a staple for both players and fans.
In 2025, Counter-Strike tournaments boast some of the highest prize pools in esports history, exceeding $19 million. Peak viewership also remains impressive, crossing 1.7 million. Few games can match its legacy, and its enduring popularity proves that Counter-Strike will always be one of the Most Popular Esports Games of 2025.
| Type | Prize Pool | Peak Viewers |
|---|---|---|
| PC / Console | $19,303,819 | 1,789,313 |
2. League of Legends
League of Legends is easily one of the Most Popular Esports Games of 2025, and it has been leading the MOBA esports world for over a decade. With the World Championship being one of the biggest annual esports events, LoL continues to set standards for competitive gaming. Its combination of strategy, teamwork, and excitement makes it one of the most-watched games every year.
In 2025, League of Legends tournaments crossed $7.4 million in prize pools, with peak viewership exceeding 3.4 million. The game’s consistent growth, coupled with Riot’s excellent esports infrastructure, ensures that League of Legends remains a global phenomenon. It is without doubt one of the most iconic and Most Popular Esports Games of 2025.
| Type | Prize Pool | Peak Viewers |
|---|---|---|
| PC / Console | $7,448,700 | 3,426,846 |
1. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang
Topping the list is Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, the crown jewel of the Most Popular Esports Games of 2025. Dominating Southeast Asia and expanding globally, MLBB has built an enormous competitive ecosystem. With tournaments like the M-Series World Championship, it consistently breaks viewership records and attracts massive prize pools.
In 2025, MLBB tournaments have drawn over 4.1 million peak viewers and a prize pool of more than $5.2 million. Its ability to engage both casual and hardcore fans has made it a cultural phenomenon. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang is not just a game but a movement, and that’s why it stands tall as the number one among the Most Popular Esports Games of 2025.
| Type | Prize Pool | Peak Viewers |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile | $5,203,231 | 4,132,224 |
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