In 2020, the world faced unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As people were forced to stay indoors and social distancing measures became the norm, many turned to esports as a way to escape the monotony of daily life. The competitive gaming industry not only provided entertainment but also allowed players to connect with each other virtually during these trying times. In this article, we will explore some of the top games, players, and matches that made 2020 bearable for ONE Esports.
- League of Legends
League of Legends (LoL) is one of the most popular competitive games in the world, with over 113 million monthly active users as of October 2020. It’s a multiplayer online battle arena game that combines elements of strategy, teamwork, and action-packed gameplay. LoL has multiple modes, including ranked play, which allows players to climb the ladder and compete against other skilled gamers.
In 2020, LoL saw numerous major tournaments, including the World Championship, which was held in November and December. The event attracted over 96 million unique viewers, making it one of the most-watched esports events of the year. Additionally, LoL’s popularity has led to the creation of professional leagues and teams, giving players the opportunity to earn a living playing the game they love.
- Fortnite
Fortnite is another highly popular competitive game with over 300 million registered users as of October 2020. It’s an action-packed battle royale game that combines elements of building, shooting, and survival. The game has multiple modes, including solo, duo, and squads, which allows players to choose the gameplay style that suits them best.
Fortnite also had several major tournaments in 2020, including the Fortnite World Cup, which was held in July and attracted over 12 million participants. The event had a total prize pool of $10 million, making it one of the biggest esports tournaments of the year. Additionally, Fortnite’s popularity has led to the creation of professional leagues and events, giving players the opportunity to compete against other skilled gamers.
- Dota 2
Dota 2 is a highly strategic multiplayer online battle arena game that was released in 2013. It’s considered one of the most complex and challenging competitive games, requiring a high level of skill and strategy to excel at. Dota 2 has multiple game modes, including ranked play, which allows players to compete against other skilled gamers and climb the leaderboards.
In 2020, Dota 2 saw several major tournaments, including the International, which was held in August and attracted over 10 million unique viewers. The event had a total prize pool of $18 million, making it one of the biggest esports tournaments of the year. Additionally, Dota 2’s popularity has led to the creation of professional leagues and teams, giving players the opportunity to earn a living playing the game they love.
- Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CSGO) is a first-person shooter game that was released in 2012. It’s considered one of the most popular competitive games, with over 63 million monthly active users as of October 2020. CSGO has multiple game modes, including ranked play, which allows players to compete against other skilled gamers and climb the leaderboards.
In 2020, CSGO saw several major tournaments, including the Major Championships, which were held throughout the year. The events attracted over 1 million unique viewers, making them one of the most-watched esports events of the year. Additionally, CSGO’s popularity has led to the creation of professional leagues and teams, giving players the opportunity to earn a living playing the game they love.
- Valorant
Valorant is a new competitive first-person shooter game that was released in June 2020. It combines elements of traditional first-person shooters with strategic gameplay and unique abilities, making it a highly engaging and challenging game to play. Valorant has multiple game modes, including ranked play, which allows players to compete against other skilled gamers and climb the leaderboards.
In 2020, Valorant saw several major tournaments, including the Champions Tour, which was held throughout the year. The events attracted over 1 million unique viewers, making them one of the most-watched esports events of the year. Additionally, Valorant’s popularity has led to the creation of professional leagues and teams, giving players the opportunity to earn a living playing the game they love.
- FIFA World Cup
While not traditionally classified as an esport, the FIFA World Cup is a highly competitive event that attracts millions of viewers worldwide. In 2020, the tournament was held in November and December and attracted over 100 million unique viewers, making it one of the most-watched esports events of the year.
The FIFA World Cup is a global soccer tournament that brings together the best players from around the world to compete for the coveted title of champions. The tournament has been held every four years since 1930 and is considered one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world.
In conclusion, 2020 was a challenging year for everyone, but esports provided an escape from reality and brought people together virtually. The games, players, and matches we’ve discussed above not only provided entertainment but also allowed players to connect with each other and compete against other skilled gamers. As the competitive gaming industry continues to grow, we can expect to see even more exciting events and tournaments in the future.