Esports has surged to new heights in 2024, cementing itself as a cultural and economic powerhouse. The League of Legends World Championship set a record with 6.94 million concurrent viewers (excluding China), showcasing its dominance. Other major PC titles like Dota 2’s The International, Valorant Champions, and Counter-Strike Majors also attracted substantial audiences, reaffirming the global appeal of PC gaming.
Mobile Gaming Esports on the Rise
Mobile esports continue to thrive, especially in Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Latin America, thanks to their accessibility and massive player base. Titles like Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB), PUBG Mobile, Free Fire, and Arena of Valor have captured millions of viewers. For instance, the MLBB M5 World Championship in 2024 peaked at over 5 million viewers, highlighting mobile gaming’s role in making esports more accessible.
Esports Viewership Rankings (Peak Concurrent Viewers)
| Game | Peak Viewers | Event |
|---|---|---|
| League of Legends | 6,941,610 | Worlds 2024 |
| Free Fire | 5,415,990 | Free Fire World Series 2021 Singapore |
| MLBB | 5,067,107 | M5 World Championship |
| PUBG Mobile | 3,801,998 | PMGC Season 0 |
| Counter-Strike 2 | 2,748,434 | PGL Major Stockholm 2021 |
Game Highlights
- League of Legends: A leader in global esports, with structured regional leagues and a massive fanbase. The 2024 World Championship broke records, reflecting its enduring popularity.
- Free Fire: Dominates in emerging markets, thanks to its optimization for low-end devices. However, it faces declining viewership following its ban in India.
- MLBB: A Southeast Asian favorite, consistently breaking records with engaging local events and high production quality.
- PUBG Mobile: Known for its realistic combat mechanics and global appeal, it remains a pillar of mobile esports despite a decline in peak viewership.
- Counter-Strike 2: A tactical shooter icon with a loyal fanbase and one of the longest-running competitive scenes in esports.
The esports ecosystem continues to grow, driven by diverse titles catering to different platforms and regions. Mobile games are democratizing access to competitive gaming, while established PC and console titles push the boundaries of storytelling and production value.