In the rapidly expanding world of eSports, the competitive realm of video gaming is witnessing unprecedented growth. Fueled by a robust social component, esports has evolved from amateur competitions to a major force in the gaming industry.
The surge in professional participation and spectatorship can be attributed to online streaming platforms such as YouTube and Twitch. As eSports continues to captivate a global audience, game developers are actively designing and funding tournaments, solidifying its status as a cornerstone of the video game landscape.
Which 2023 esports game was most watched?
In the dynamic world of esports, League of Legends solidified its reign as the most-watched discipline in 2023, amassing a staggering 590.93 million hours watched. The Grand Final of Worlds 2023 alone drew a record-breaking 6.4 million concurrent viewers and contributed 146.87 million hours watched.
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang emerged as a force to be reckoned with, securing the second position with 530.16 million hours watched. The mobile gaming sector continued its explosive growth, setting new standards for the industry.
Counter-Strike, the only discipline spanning two separate games, claimed the third spot with 381.22 million hours watched. Despite a drop in viewership, the release of Counter-Strike 2 brought anticipation for revitalization, coupled with Valve’s plans for a major event in China in 2024.
Dota 2 secured the fourth spot with 364.1 million hours watched, demonstrating a growth of over 60 million hours compared to the previous year. Dota 2’s success was attributed to major events, notably the Riyadh Masters 2023, and ESL’s DreamLeague, showcasing the enduring popularity of the beloved MOBA.
In contrast, Valorant, backed by Riot Games, occupied the fifth position with 326.73 million hours watched. While maintaining a stable viewership throughout the year, Valorant faced challenges in peak viewership, particularly during the Valorant Champions 2023 event.
As esports continues to evolve, the landscape reflects the diverse preferences and challenges faced by different titles, setting the stage for an intriguing 2024.
| Ranking | Discipline | Hours Watched | Peak Viewership |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | League of Legends | 590.91M | 6.4M |
| #2 | Mobile Legends: Bang Bang | 530.16M | 5.07M |
| #3 | Counter-Strike | 381.19M | 1.53M |
| #4 | Dota 2 | 363.92M | 1.44M |
| #5 | Valorant | 326.72M | 1.44M |
LoL 2023 World Championship was the most-watched eSports event of all time
The Grand Final of Worlds 2023 in League of Legends made history with a record-breaking 6.4 million concurrent viewers, with Korean fans playing a pivotal role. However, concerns arise as T1, a powerhouse in the League of Legends scene, could be overshadowing the entire discipline.
T1’s absence might have hindered the event’s record-setting success. Similar worries unfolded in Valorant when LOUD’s early exit impacted viewership.
As the top 5 esports disciplines for the year are solidified, League of Legends remains a frontrunner, yet the emergence of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang’s rapid growth hints at a potential shift in 2024, challenging the MOBA giant’s long-standing reign.
Which eSports games do you follow? Tell us in the comments section.
