E-Sports: The Sport of the Moment

Do You Enjoy Online Games? Ever Thought About Becoming a Pro Player?

All of this happens within the world of online games, which are now offering huge cash prizes in this new era of competitive sports.

First of all, I have to say—I’ve already shared my love for video games here before. I’m a huge gaming fan, but I also love sports. And when you combine the thrill of competition with gaming, the adrenaline is simply unmatched!

Many games feature competitive modes, where the challenge and skill level of players is extremely high. In this environment, you push yourself to improve and reach higher levels of gameplay. I can list several games that have incorporated competitive elements, making them more dynamic and attracting huge gaming communities.

Have you ever played volleyball with friends? Competed in a workplace soccer tournament? Now, imagine an online game that brings all these elements together in an esports setting.

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FIFA (EA Sports)

Of course, I couldn’t start this list without talking about the game that has given me a rollercoaster of emotions!

I’ve been playing FIFA for many years, and with every new release, I make sure to get the latest version to stay updated in the scene. FIFA is essentially soccer in a digital format—in other words, a sports simulation game that has built a massive fanbase, despite its ups and downs.

Just like real soccer, FIFA has unique mechanics and features that keep it exciting and engaging.

Contrary to what some may think, FIFA offers various game modes and styles to cater to different players. Its competitive scene kicks off every weekend, bringing fans together in intense matchups.

Every Weekend League, players compete in 30 matches, carefully assembling their squads to maximize their performance. However, one major complaint from the FIFA community is the pay-to-win mechanics, which can make the game feel unbalanced at times.

Since I started playing, I don’t recall a single version without bugs—a constant frustration for both casual players and pro players alike.

Despite these issues, major soccer clubs have joined the FIFA esports scene, signing professional players to represent their teams in global competitions.

The most recent FIFA esports tournament prize pool reached an impressive $100,000—a massive jackpot for competitive players!

League Of Legends

Who here hasn’t heard of LoLzinho? An indescribable fanbase, reaching staggering numbers over the years, it has completely won over gamers! Its developer, Riot Games, after this massive success, opened doors for other titles. While some people think gaming is a waste of time, the prize pools in the esports scene are insanely high.

The game has a complex premise, but once you start understanding it, everything flows. One map, two teams of five players each, and one common goal: destroy the enemy’s Nexus (a type of energy source).

The game, which follows the MOBA style, awarded the 2019 World Champions with a prize of $2.25 million.

Several Brazilian teams have made a name for themselves in the game, with fans who stop everything to watch and cheer for their favorite squads. Some internationally recognized teams include INTZ, KABUM GAME, FLAMENGO, and many other great competitors.

One day, I’d love to get back into playing, either to relax or stress myself out even more—what about you? 😆

The game’s progression system is based on levels, where each match grants experience points necessary to unlock more competitive game modes. A ranking system determines your placement based on the number of victories and defeats a player accumulates over time.

But be ready—online gaming can be seriously stressful! 🎮🔥

DOTA 2

A classic that I had the pleasure of playing in its first version at a LAN house, this game still holds onto its loyal player base and a massive audience. We’re talking about a game that has been in the gaming market for many years, and its developer, Blizzard, has already made millions from this iconic title.

Just like League of Legends follows the MOBA premise, Dota 2 has a very similar dynamic in many aspects. The game features a wide range of characters, each playing specific roles during matches, with plenty of magic and intense battles.

Currently, strategic gameplay is essential, as matches can last up to an hour. Considered by many as one of the pioneers of the genre, Dota 2 continues to break records in esports prize pools. The International Championship, its biggest tournament, sees multiple teams competing for the title and a record-breaking $30 million prize, setting a new standard in esports winnings.

Lastly, Brazilian teams have gained recognition, and matches are frequently broadcast on streaming platforms like Twitch. Besides the professional esports scene, the game is also a great choice for casual fun—just be prepared for some frustration if you’re playing with friends. Otherwise, don’t even try! 😆

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FORTNITE

A phenomenon among young gamers, especially due to its vibrant visuals and a relatively new game mode in the online gaming world. Fortnite falls under the Battle Royale genre, where only one player or team remains standing.

Beyond that, the game allows group play, where you and your friends drop into a massive map, loot weapons, and eliminate opponents in search of the top spot.

As it captivated more players, Fortnite introduced numerous collaborations, featuring crossovers and unique themes that blurred the lines between gaming and pop culture. I personally think they knew exactly how to capitalize on their momentum, as they managed to consistently deliver fresh, valuable content.

Additionally, Fortnite’s Cross-Platform functionality expanded player interactions, allowing users from different gaming systems to team up and compete together. As the community unified, Fortnite continued to evolve with frequent patches, maintaining its dominance in the genre to this day.

Although its competitive scene took some time to develop, it eventually led to several major tournaments with impressive prize pools. Many professional players chase their Victory Royale, with prizes reaching up to $5 million.

Beyond just gaming, Fortnite also became a streaming sensation, with content creators breaking viewership records across multiple platforms. Even soccer players, basketball stars, actors, and musicians have participated in epic matches and wild in-game builds.

Until recently, I used to play with friends, but as time became scarce, it ended up collecting dust in my digital library. Still, I highly recommend it for fun and for keeping up with the fast-growing scene! 🎮🔥

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

“Fire in the hole…” Sometimes I catch myself thinking about how amazing those LAN house days with my friends were. One of the first games that brought everyone together for hours of fun was CS 1.6. My friends loved making fun of me for being terrible at it, but those late-night gaming sessions were unforgettable!

CS:GO is a game where the competitive scene is incredibly strong, with highly intense tournaments, and Brazil consistently producing top-tier players. The FPS (First-Person Shooter) genre is famous for its iconic catchphrases and legendary weapons.

In summary, the game features two teams:
🎭 Terrorists – Plant the bomb and protect it until it explodes.
🚔 Counter-Terrorists – Prevent the bomb from being planted or defuse it before it detonates.

The game’s success is massive, and even soccer superstar Neymar frequently posts on social media playing CS:GO.

The esports scene for Counter-Strike draws huge viewership numbers, and its prize pools are even more impressive. In Brazil, for example, there have been tournaments with prize money reaching up to 800,000 BRL, proving just how valuable this game remains in the competitive gaming world.

The Pandemic and Gaming

From a certain perspective, the pandemic made us rethink many opinions, including the increased appreciation for video games. In this pandemic-driven reality, we all understood the importance of staying home. And truth be told, games played a huge role in helping people cope with isolation.

Whether you were watching streams, playing games, or cheering for an esports team, one thing became clear—video games are essential and deserve more recognition.

In 2020 alone, gaming tournaments awarded over 422 million BRL in prize money, proving their huge impact and significance. The gaming world offers countless options, catering to all styles of play. No matter what type of gamer you are, one thing is certain—gaming with friends is always a great way to have fun!

If we were to list every game here, we’d be writing and reading for days. But now, it’s your turn!

👉 Tell me—what’s your favorite game and your favorite competition?

Leave your thoughts on E-Sports in the comments!

🎮 Big hug and see you in the next article! 🚀🔥