There is nothing quite like a good competition to get your heart pumping. If you already enjoy watching players on Twitch, or spend your free time gaming, why not try out eSports?
Competitive gaming has grown in popularity in recent years, with bigger audiences, more tournaments, and larger prize pots. Platforms like Oddschecker now have free offers and promotions that can be used on eSports events, another indication of the industry's growing popularity.
While some eSports can be pretty complicated, there are also many that are easy to pick up. Here are some of our favorite picks.
Sports Video Games
There are many different types of sports video games to choose from, so it can be tough to decide which one to try. However, there are a few that stand out as particularly popular and worth checking out.
First up is FIFA, the football (soccer) simulator from EA Sports. It's been one of the most popular sports titles for years, with an immersive and realistic style combined with arcade-like gameplay that keeps players hooked. If you're a fan of football, or just want to try your hand at a sports game, FIFA is a great choice to start with.
Another top pick is NBA 2K, the basketball sim from 2K Games. This series has also been around for a while and continues to be one of the best in its genre. With detailed graphics, and gameplay that captures the feeling of playing real basketball, it's easy to see why this is a must-play for fans.
Finally, we have Madden, an American football game that simulates the NFL experience. You can play as your favorite team and compete against other players from around the world. It's a fun and challenging option that can be enjoyed by players of all skill levels.
Fighting Video Games
There are many different fighting games available, so there's sure to be one that's right for you. And if you're looking for a competitive scene to get involved in, fighting games have some of the most dedicated and passionate fans around.
Let's start with the cult classic Street Fighter. It is a 1v1 battle where players use a variety of different moves to try and knock out their opponent. Street Fighter is a very strategic game, and players need to be careful about what moves they use and when they use them.
Next, we would highly recommend Super Smash Bros, a fighting game created by Nintendo. The games feature characters from various franchises, including Mario, Metroid, Legend of Zelda, Kirby, and more. It can be challenging to master, but once you get the hang of it, it's extremely fun and addictive.
Last, but certainly not least, Tekken. It pits two players against each other in a battle to the death. The winner is the one who can deplete their opponent's health bar first. For lovers of fast-paced and action-packed eSports, Tekken is definitely the game for you.
Shooter Video Games
Shooter video games have been around for decades and are one of the most popular genres in general. So, from first-person shooters (FPS) to third-person shooters (TPS), there are many options to choose from.
First off, Counter-Strike. A tactical FPS which pits two teams against each other in a battle to complete objectives or eliminate the opposition. The game has a large professional scene, and is also one of the most popular eSports, with millions of viewers tuning in to watch the best players in the world compete.
Next up, Fortnite. This battle royale game has taken the world by storm in recent years. The aim of this third-person shooter video game revolves around being the last one standing out of up to 100 other players within an increasingly shrinking map.
Finally, Overwatch - a team-based shooter where players choose from a roster of unique heroes, each with their own special abilities and playstyles, and work together to achieve objectives on vibrant maps. It is one of the most popular eSports, with professional tournaments being held all over the world.
Conclusion
If you're looking for a new way to get your competitive fix, you should definitely try out eSports. And with so many strategy guides available online, you can certainly find plenty of help along the way. There's never been a better time to jump into the world of competitive gaming. So what are you waiting for? Pick up a controller and start playing.