As we approach the end of the year, it’s time to reflect on the most popular sport of 2021. While traditional sports like football, basketball, and soccer continue to dominate the global sports scene, there’s no denying that esports has emerged as a major player in the industry.
Esports, or competitive video gaming, has been steadily growing in popularity over the past few years, but the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated its rise. With traditional sports leagues and events cancelled or postponed, esports has filled the void, providing fans with a new way to engage with their favorite teams and players.
One of the most popular esports games this year is undoubtedly League of Legends. Developed by Riot Games, this multiplayer online battle arena game has a massive following, with millions of players and fans around the world. The game’s annual World Championship, which took place in Iceland this year, drew in over 45 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched esports events of all time.
Another popular esports game is Fortnite, a battle royale game developed by Epic Games. While the game’s popularity has waned slightly in recent years, it still has a dedicated fanbase and continues to attract new players. The game’s developer has also been investing heavily in esports, with the Fortnite World Cup offering a prize pool of $30 million in 2019.
But it’s not just these two games that are driving the growth of esports. Games like Dota 2, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, and Overwatch also have large and dedicated fanbases, with their own professional leagues and tournaments.
Esports is also attracting major investments from traditional sports teams and organizations. NBA teams like the Golden State Warriors and Philadelphia 76ers have invested in esports teams, while soccer clubs like Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City have also entered the space.
In conclusion, while traditional sports will always have a place in our hearts, there’s no denying that esports is the most popular sport of the year. With its massive and growing fanbase, dedicated professional leagues, and major investments from traditional sports organizations, esports is here to stay.
