The Best Esports Games Right Now

2023 was an excellent year for the video game industry. Titles such as Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter 6 headlined the year, making great additions to the esports category. Now, with a new year comes new expectations. As gamers participate in various tournaments worldwide, it might be time for new challenges. Out with the old and in with the new, here are the best eSports games for 2024. 

5. Street Fighter 6

Undeniably, Street Fighter 5 initially fell short of expectations, launching with a scarcity of content. However, Capcom performed a remarkable turnaround with the sixth installment of the iconic fighting game series. Street Fighter 6 now stands as the quintessence of the franchise. The game boasts an enriched narrative experience through its expanded story mode, complementing the revamped online and traditional arcade modes.

In addition to its new features, the game retains its essence as a 2D fighter. It also features a diverse roster of 18 characters. What sets it apart is its newfound accessibility, catering to seasoned veterans and newcomers alike. Plus, the modern control scheme offers you the choice between an easy mode and the traditional six-button input system.

Moreover, Street Fighter 6 accommodates all skill levels, solidifying its status as one of the premier esports titles of 2024. But that's not all! With cross-platform play enabled on PC or console, you can dive into the fray, ensuring no player is left out. Ideally, cross-platform play should be a standard feature for any esports title because we are all drivers, but we can't drive all cars. Get my gist?

4. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III

Did you know that there is a professional COD esports league known as the Call of Duty League? Well, now you know. The league has gained significant traction in esports, mirroring the structure and excitement of traditional sports leagues. It provides a platform for top-tier players to showcase their skills in the viral Call of Duty series.

Each season of the league revolves around the latest installment in the franchise, granting you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the latest battlegrounds and challenges. In 2023, players competed in the 2022 Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II. Presumably, players will dive deep into the Modern Warfare III battlegrounds this year.

Moreover, the addition of the zombie mode introduces a thrilling new dimension to the gameplay in an ever-changing, open-world environment. Instead of the usual hunt for the brain-dead to earn cash, you randomly spawn in a new location when you join the game. You get a few allies either from online matchmaking or you can tag your friends. There are plenty of side quests with rewards to upgrade your defensive or offensive skills. 

3. Foamstars

Get ready to dive into the foam-filled frenzy that is Foamstars. This electrifying newcomer is giving Splatoon a run for its money. This game builds upon the foundation laid by Splatoon, trading in ink for foam and introducing exciting new mechanics. In teams of four, players compete in an open environment, using soapy foam to trap and eliminate their opponents. 

The game offers two distinct modes: online multiplayer and online-optical missions. In online multiplayer, two teams of four face off against each other in fast-paced battles. The online optical missions mode presents a tower-defense challenge that can be tackled solo or in cooperative multiplayer. Furthermore, you get a diverse roster of eight characters to choose from. Each character comes with its own unique play style and specialized foam-spewing weapons. Essentially, Foamstars encourages players to find their perfect match and master their chosen character's abilities. For example, the Barisatdor character can carve paths for allies using his Coffee Breaker weapon.

Despite its whimsical and kid-friendly aesthetic, Foamstars is not to be underestimated. It's as serious about strategy as it is about fun. With its kid-friendly tagline and accessible gameplay, it's the perfect game for players of all ages to jump in and experience the excitement of esports like never before.

2. Tekken 8

Step into the arena with Bandai Namco's latest masterpiece, Tekken 8. The legendary franchise continues to redefine the fighting game genre with its eighth canonical release. With a legacy spanning over three decades, Tekken's enduring appeal is a testament to its timeless formula. The game offers players both a nostalgic journey and an exhilarating modern gaming experience.

At the heart of Tekken 8 lies the iconic King of Fist tournament, where fighters clash in intense one-on-one battles for supremacy. Its character movement system sets Tekken apart from its competitors. The system lets you circle your opponents freely in three-dimensional space. Moreover, with its intuitive four-button input method for each limb, Tekken 8 offers accessibility and mastery that make it perfect for casual players and esports pros alike.

But it's not just about mechanics, Tekken 8's diverse roster of characters brings a dynamic fusion of martial arts and quasi-magical abilities. Plus, with the introduction of the integrated replay system in Tekken 8, you can relive your most epic moments and share them with the world. Imagine the thrill of seeing your jaw-dropping takedowns showcased on the big screen at an esports tournament, cementing your place in Tekken history.

1. Fortnite

As much as we'd like to see new games take the lead at esports events, returning games still hold a special place in our hearts. Fortnite is one game that will always have a refreshing appeal, despite launching in 2017. The battle royale game has various layers, amplified by six game modes. 

Fortnite's unique blend of third-person shooting and dynamic building mechanics sets it apart from traditional esports titles. From constructing towering fortresses to engaging in intense firefights, every moment is an adrenaline-fueled thrill ride.

But perhaps the most compelling aspect of Fortnite is its sense of community and camaraderie. Whether you're teaming up with friends or battling it out in solo mode, Fortnite brings players from all walks of life together to share in the excitement and thrill of competition.

So, what's your take on our picks for the Best Esports games for 2024? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.