The eSport Leagues to watch!
While it is interesting to play alone in your room, sharing games in a team is even better. With the video game revolution, it is possible to compete internationally and win big prizes. This is called e-sport, a new discipline that brings together the best leagues in virtual games that are both strategic, defensive and offensive. Find out more about the major leagues offered by esport here.
An overview of esport and its main leagues
Esport highlights the world of video games organised around several tournaments and competitions. It involves players and enthusiasts of virtual games who form various teams for confrontational matches. Conveniently, each clan measures its skills through a slew of leagues. In the arena of esport, the most popular remain the major leagues including:
- Fortnite League;
- League of Legends  League;
- Counter-Strike League;
- Overwatch League;
- Dota 2 League;
- NBA League; etc.
The players are followed by millions of fans who attend these events either live or via streaming. The interest is twofold, as each league offers specific features.
Focus on the CS:GO League
In the esports world, the term CS : GO refers to the computer game Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. The tournament focuses on tactical shooters online and involves the formation of two teams of five players each. Since its launch in 2013, the tournament has been held in Europe and North America with 12 teams per region.
There are several scenarios in CS: GO, but the most played is the bomb defusing with two protagonists.
First you have the "terrorists" who have to plant and defend a bomb site and the "counter-terrorists" who have to fight the terrorists by defusing the mined areas. After a certain number of rounds, the teams reverse roles. In total, they play about 30 rounds and the first team to reach 16 wins the set. In a best-of-3 scenario, the first team with 2 sets wins the match. In a best-of-5 scenario, the first team with 3 sets wins the match and moves on to the next round.
Where can I follow the CS:GO league (ESL PRO League)? pro.eslgaming.com/csgo/proleague/
Focus on the League of Legends
League of Legends, also known as lol, is a strategy game that has been available since 2009. It features two teams competing on a map designed like an arena. Statistically, it is the most played major league on PC with over 100 million active players in 2024. League of Legends is therefore extremely popular internationally and this popularity also extends to the competitive level.
Tournaments are usually played on 5v5 maps. The map is divided into two halves so that each team has a territory with a main structure. The goal of the game is to conquer the opponent's main structure. A game lasts between 15 and 60 minutes. Like the CS:GO league, the set principle is favoured.
Where to follow the LOL league? lolesports.com/
Focus on the Dota 2 league
Dota 2 is a real-time strategy game with a tournament series developed and sponsored by Valve since 2013. For professionals, Dota 2 and League of Legends are very similar in terms of game mechanics. Here, the objective is also to capture the opponent's base. However, due to the abilities of the many playable characters, Dota 2 is much more tactical and less character-centric. Indeed, teams must rely on a hundred heroes to choose from.
The game is played in teams of five. A round lasts about 15 to 60 minutes. The tournament scenario differs depending on the event. In a double elimination system, a team must lose twice to be eliminated.
Where to follow the Dota 2 league (The International)? dota2.com/international/
The NBA 2K League
The NBA 2k League is known as the partner of the NBA. The representative teams of the annual tournament belong to the NBA and form 21 teams of the 2K League.
The league runs over a 15-week season with 3 tournaments enhanced by large prize pools. The 7 best teams meet in a playoff and the top team from the last regular season tournament is the winner.
Where to follow the NBA2kLeague? 2kleague.nba.com/
Focus on the Overwatch World Cup
Activision-Blizzard's Overwatch, one of the industry's newest eSports, continues to be one of the best titles on the scene. But the Overwatch League, a franchise system where 20 teams compete over seasons throughout the year, has lost some of its glory.
In this global tournament, players and teams are based on their country and region of origin. Overwatch offers a unique visual experience. The players are rivals who work together to represent and win for their country.
Where to follow the Overwatch League? overwatchleague.com/en-us/schedule
The list of other major leagues is long, but keep in mind that this top 5 will take you through the nuts and bolts of e-sports.
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