12BET India – Top Esports & Sports Insights

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Game Guides and Strategies

Best Esports Games to Wager on In 2025

Esports games are the hottest trend in the online gaming industry, and it’s here to stay for long! These games bring people together from every corner of the globe, offering the chance to team up with friends from far and wide. The reach of Esports is so vast, it’s even started having its own tournaments just a regular sports game would!

In our list of the top 10 Esports games of all-time, we’re shining a light on the absolute best that have been rocking the gaming world. Whether you’re a fan of the ever-popular Valorant or you adore the oldie-but-goodie gameplay of Counter-Strike, we’ve got a little something for everyone!

What are Esports Games?

what are esports games

Esports games are also known as “electronic sports”. It’s online gaming turned into a full-blown spectator sport for virtual game lovers. Think of it like tuning into a professional sporting event, but instead of a physical field, you’re watching skilled video gamers go head-to-head in a virtual realm.

Now, if you’re out there wondering why anyone would even watch others play video games, just think about it this way. You, yourself, may enjoy watching your favorite sports athletes. Lebron or Curry on the basketball court, or Messi and Ronaldo over at the European football sector, or whoever.

But just like traditional sports tournaments, fans also gather to watch their favorite top athletes show off their skills in tournaments for Esports games. It’s basically the same joy as watching regular sports, and it’s all about celebrating the mastery of the game!

Top 10 Esports Games for Betting

Here are the top 10 Esports games of all-time:

  1. League of Legends
  2. Counter Strike
  3. Dota 2
  4. Call of Duty
  5. Valorant
  6. Rocket League
  7. Overwatch
  8. Fortnite
  9. PUBG Mobile
  10. Mobile Legends

1. League of Legends

t1 league of legends esports games
T1 is one of the biggest League of Legends teams to participate in tournaments.

League of Legends is Riot Games’ amazing free-to-play, multiplayer online battle arena title. To many, it is hands down, the ultimate MOBA (Multiplayer online battle arena) Esports games out there! 

It’s a game that combines elements of role-playing, tower defense, and real-time strategy into an exciting tapestry of gameplay. It’s a refreshing departure from the standard MOBAs that seem to be everywhere.

What’s really cool about League of Legends is how incredibly accessible it is, but offers depth of complexity you don’t often see in more shoot-and-kill games. If you’re all for skillshots, cooldowns, unique abilities, or strategic equipment choices—League of Legends has it all. It’s currently the friendly face of MOBA gaming, leveling with legends like Dota 2 and Call of Duty, but woven with fantastical elements that keeps players engaged.

League of Legends is one of the top 10 Esports games that’s been making waves in online Esports betting. It has dozens of regional tournaments all across Asia, mostly; but its peak tournament is the League of Legends World Championship. That, and all other regional tournaments, can be betted on over at 12BET Esports!

2. Counter Strike

esports games - navi of counter strike
NAVI (Natus Vincere) is one of the biggest League of Legends teams to participate in tournaments,

Counter Strike is a real classic, and deserves a spot in our top 10 Esports games list! It was made in 1998 and embraced by millions of gamers worldwide. Fast forward to 2012, and the arrival of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) transformed it into the planet’s top competitive shooter (FPS) game. 

CS:GO continues to hold its ground as one of the most beloved Esports games across gaming venues worldwide, with its popularity soaring high—perhaps only second to the vibrant gaming scene in Asia!

It’s one of the best free-to-play multiplayer shooter games where two teams face off in various game modes, aiming to outplay each other within a limited time. Each round in Counter Strike lasts for 1 minute and 55 seconds, and the intensity can go up to 80 rounds in a gaming arena! With its spectacular shooter experience featuring realistic physics, it demands maximum concentration and teamwork from both the individual gamer and the team.

The latest and most popular Counter Strike installment is Counter Strike 2. Similar to Esports games like League of Legends, it also has its own regional tournaments.

3. Dota 2

Dota 2 makes our list on the top 10 esports games for its equally classic vibes to Counter Strike. In Dota 2, players usually split into two teams of five, each embodying either the “light” or “darkness” side. Their goal is to take down the enemy’s main base by navigating through three main passages and various strategic spots on the map.

Typically, a Dota 2 match lasts about 45 minutes, though occasionally it can extend to an hour and a half or even two hours. Winning the game depends heavily on strategy, tactics, precise control, and, of course—teamwork.

The International back in 2021 made waves as one of the most popular tournaments for Dota 2. Although there are plenty of LAN tournaments that open up to skilled players, including the EPL World Series and the Games of Future. Esports betting lovers can bet on either tournament and other Esports games live over at 12BET’s Esports section!

4. Call of Duty

atlanta faze call of duty
Atlanta FaZe is one of the biggest Call of Duty teams to participate in tournaments.

Looking for some Esports games that offer both mobile and PC options? Say no more! Call of Duty has got your back with not just a popular PC game, but also a well-revered mobile version that has its own set of tournaments. But most beloved by CoD fans are their Call of Duty Warzone PC games.

Call of Duty Warzone is a free-to-play multiplayer game available on multiple platforms, and it’s all about intense battle royale action. Up to 150 players can jump into the action together on one gigantic map! And in this adventure, players can team up or go solo, facing tough challenges and fierce competition from other players.

As far as Esports games with tournaments go, CoD’s most popular one is the Call of Duty League. It’s currently on its 2025 season, revised from the old Call of Duty World League. It’s currently a hot topic over at 12BET’s Esports betting section, so don’t miss out on the action!

5. Valorant

g2 esports valorant
G2 Esports is one of the biggest Valorant teams to participate in tournaments.

Valorant is one of the exciting, futuristic team-based first-person shooter Esports games! In this journey, you’ll join a team of five players, either on the attacking or defending side, and get to pick from a diverse roster of 20 characters or agents. 

Each agent brings their own special set of skills that you can use strategically, along with a super cool ultimate ability. You’ll charge up your abilities by getting kills, assisting your team, collecting orbs, or completing tasks throughout the game.

Valorant has multiple tournaments due to its growing popularity in Europe and Asia. But its biggest tournament is the VCL or the Valorant Champions Tour. Make sure to check out the regional tournament betting for them over at 12BET Esports!

6. Rocket League

Want a little something different from your usual point-and-shoot games? Rocket League has got your back on that, making it into our top 10 Esports games list!

Rocket League is an exciting video game developed by Psyonix that hit the scene in 2015. It’s like playing soccer, but with a twist—players get to control cars equipped with rocket boosters to kick the ball around.

Just like in other soccer Esports games, the aim is to work with your car team to dribble the ball across the field and score more goals than the other team. Thanks to the rocket-powered cars, players can zoom around at incredible speeds (yep, we’re talking about “boosting”) and even take to the skies for some aerial action.

If you’re looking to watch and bet on its tournaments, make sure to keep an eye out for the ongoing Rocket League Championship Series!

7. Overwatch

Overwatch is one of the top 10 Esports games on our list! It flounced onto the scene in 2016, thanks to the creative minds at Blizzard Entertainment. Riding the wave of its success, they brought Overwatch 2, where players get to dive into the roles of 32 unique heroes, each boasting their own special abilities and flair. 

Whether you’re looking to shield your team as a Tank, deal damage as a Damage hero, or keep everyone on their feet as Support—there’s a role for you in the dynamic six-person team battles. Overwatch also offers a variety of modes to suit every style, including a practice range, AI matches for honing your skills, quick play for fast fun, arcade and competitive play for more of a challenge, and custom games for a personalized touch.

Overwatch is known to be one of the Esports games that’s captured hearts far and wide—especially in Asia—but its community spans across the globe, bringing together players from all walks of life. Its most popular tournament is the Overwatch World Cup.

8. Fortnite

valorant lazarus team
Lazarus is one of the biggest Fortnite teams to participate in tournaments.

At this point, everyone’s heard of Fortnite. This thrilling battle royale game was created by Epic Games back in 2017 and deserves a spot in our top 10 Esports games list. Since then, it’s become super popular worldwide! People just can’t get enough of it, and it’s not hard to see why.

So, in Fortnite, you get dropped onto an island with 99 other players, and the goal is to be the last one standing, either solo or with your team. It’s fun, especially with all the events and collaborations they do with other popular franchises. Keeps things exciting and fresh for new and old players alike!

Every year, there’s the Fortnite World Cup, where players from all over the globe compete for some seriously impressive prizes. But it’s not just about the big event—there are tons of smaller tournaments happening all the time, giving everyone a chance to show off their skills and have a blast.

9. PUBG

pubg esports games - gen.g team
Gen.G is one of the biggest PUBG teams to participate in tournaments.

We’ve been boasting all about the best PC games, but let’s divert over to popular mobile games that are sweeping the online gaming industry by storm! Take PUBG Mobile, for example—one of the most popular mobile Esports games next to Call of Duty.

In the game, you and up to 99 other players are dropped onto an island all at once (just like Fortnite!). From there, it’s a battle royale to see who comes out on top, either solo or with your squad. It’s seriously intense and fast-paced, which is why it’s such a hit for competitive gaming.

And let us tell you, the Esports scene for PUBG Mobile is blowing up. There are big tournaments and leagues popping up all over the place. Ever heard of the PUBG Mobile World League (PMWL) or the PUBG Nations Cup? They’re huge! 

It’s got massive prize pools, with top-tier teams and the best PUBG players joining in from all corners of the globe. PUBG Mobile is making waves as one of the most exciting and profitable Esports games out there.

10. Mobile Legends

Another mobile Esport game that’s beloved by most players in Asia is the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang. You know it’s truly legendary, because just last year, it received an award for the Esports Mobile Game of the Year at the Esports Awards 2023. It’s why it made it as a fun closer to our top 10 Esports games of all time!

In this game, the ultimate goal is to secure victory by taking down the enemy base or “Nexus” by clearing out their Inhibitor Turret. There are three lanes—the top lane for gold, the bottom lane for experience, and the mid lane. Depending on whether you’re on the blue or red side of the map, the gold and experience lanes switch places.

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang is currently holding their regional tournaments in Indonesia and the Philippines. Expect the 2025 ESL Snapdragon Pro Series: Mobile Masters to be an epic event that you can enjoy at 12BET Esports!

Wrapping Up on the Top 10 Esports Games

In a nutshell, Esports has become the heartbeat of the gaming world, connecting people from all corners of the globe in challenging tournaments that rival traditional sports. From League of Legends to Counter Strike and Fortnite, there’s a game for every taste. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just dipping your toes in, Esports games are an exciting journey that’s here to stay.

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Game Guides and Strategies

Esports Tournaments: The Must-Watch Showdowns

Esports has been around since the 1950’s, and with the new digital age, it’s only gotten bigger with all these new mobile and computer games coming out. And with Esports, of course, comes each trending game’s own Esports tournaments. With these, players vie for the chance of winning major cash prizes and the glory of being titled champion. And in this guide, we’ll be shedding light on some of the best and most popular tournaments in Esports to date.

5 Most Popular Esports Tournaments of All-Time

Whether you’re learning how to win in Esports betting by understanding these tournaments or are just extra keen to know the latest gaming competitions, you’re in for a treat! This year, Esports tournaments from major mobile and computer Esports games are vying to become the best of the best by showcasing their own best of the best in the league.

 With that, here are five of the best Esports Tournaments to watch out for in 2024:

1) League of Legends Worlds Championship

If you’ve heard about the epic battles in the League of Legends Worlds Championship, then you won’t want to miss what’s happening this 2025! When you think of major Esports tournaments, you’ll want to be checking out Worlds from LoL.

 

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All we know right now is that the battlegrounds for this year’s Worlds 2025 will be in China, and Play-In stage is happening around September 2025.

T1 are the reigning champs, and are known for their back-to-back titles. They’ve been sticking with the same killer lineup, including the legendary Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok himself, who also snagged best player for the 2024 Worlds. So, it wouldn’t be a shocker to catch them tearing it up at China once again. But hey, if not T1, there’s always a strong possibility of another Korean powerhouse making waves, or you know the top Chinese squads might be gunning for that Summoner’s Cup (they’re playing AT home, after all).

2) Call of Duty League

Esports Tournaments: Call of Duty League 2025
Esports Tournaments: Call of Duty League 2025 Schedule

Nothing screams big Esports tournaments quite like the Call of Duty League (CDL)! By the time we’ve posted this article, Major II has already wrapped up, and the COD team is prepping everything for Major III – including brand new map changes!

In 2024, OpTic Texas did the impossible: they swooped the crown from three-time champs New York Subliners in the CDL Championship. And who was leading that charge to victory? None other than their MVP, Anthony “Shotzzy” Cuevas-Castro. Talk about an underdog story for the ages.

The entire season will be played on only three game modes: Hardpoint, Search and Destroy, and Control. With that, it’s definitely one of the Esports tournaments you just can’t miss out on. So make sure to gear up for the upcoming Major III and hope your favorite teams snag a win or two from the bigger leagues!

3) DOTA 2 DreamLeague

esports tournaments - dota 2 dreamleague

Another one of the most popular Esports tournaments is the DOTA 2 DreamLeague. Organized by ESL Gaming, this is the ultimate DOTA 2 battleground, where a team’s performance here can contribute to the overall EPT rankings. Meaning? Teams have a shot at participating in the annual ESL Pro Tour!

Last year’s DreamLeague Season 24 came as a shocker as Team Falcons dominated the grounds with a remarkable sweep of 3-1 against BetBoom Team. Not to mention, they brought home that whopping $300,000 grand prize.

As of posting this article, the DreamLeague Season 25 finals where Team Spirit and Tundra Esports had been battling it out, is unfortunately postponed. A DDoS or cyber attack during game four later shocked the DOTA 2 fans in the midst of a 2-1 battle with Team Spirit in the lead. But fret not! Things are heating back up on April 3, with game four coming back on live!

4) Valorant Champions Tour

esports tournaments - valorant champions tour

Valorant is one of the games that has the most Esports tournaments, ranging from regional competitions to big-time international stages. But even with all those Valorant tournaments, from the Americas to even Pacific Kick-Offs, the crowning game is the Valorant Champions that’s taking place in Paris this coming September 2025.

As of 2025, we have a full list of the the amazing teams that’s made it through the VCT:

Masters Bangkok 2025 Winner

  • T1

Americas Kickoff 2025 Winner

  • G2 Esports

Pacific Kickoff 2025 Winner

  • DRX

The next VCT showdown is Masters Toronto, happening on June 7 to June 22 with an 8-team Swiss stage. Much and much has yet to happen before these teams taste the sweet glory of stepping onto the Valorant Champions stage – so stay tuned!

5) Fortnite Champion Series

esports tournaments - fortnite champion series

Everybody knows Fortnite and for a good reason. It’s one of the biggest Esports games to grace the digital world and it’s not stopping anytime soon, especially with one of their Esports tournaments—the Champion Series.

It is the last tournament in the FNCS circuit every year, with a whopping $2 million prize money as of 2024. In this esports tournament, 50 of the best duos around the world battle it out for the title of World Champion. And last year, Team Exceed’s Pollo and Peterbot dominated the scene with 985 points in just 12 matches!

There’s still major games to happen at the Fortnight Champion Series, and this year – a 33 trios from around the world will be competing. Everything’s happening in September 2025 at the Lyon-Décines in France, so don’t miss out on the epic match-ups.

Final Words on the Popular Esports Tournaments

So, there you have it—the lowdown on the hottest Esports tournaments! This only scratches the surface of the best out there, but from League of Legends to Call of Duty, DOTA 2 to Valorant, and Fortnite, the gaming scene is on fire.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or newbie looking to understand how the big leagues play or learning about the best tournaments for Esports to bet on over at 12BET, brace yourself for some heart-pounding action, jaw-dropping prizes, and the thrill of victory!

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Game Guides and Strategies

Valorant Tournaments: Guide to the Biggest Showdowns

In the electrifying realm of competitive Valorant tournaments, where split-second decisions and pinpoint accuracy define legends, one grand narrative weaves through every regional skirmish and online qualifier: the Valorant Champions Tour (VCT). Forget fleeting victories; every spike defused, every ultimate unleashed, every tactical masterclass, ultimately channels toward the singular, earth-shattering crescendo of one of the biggest Esports tournaments on earth.

All Roads Lead to Valorant Champions Tour (VCT)

While there are regional tournaments, all Valorant tournaments culminate to the biggest competition of the game: Valorant Champions Tour aka VCT.

Only the best of the best fight for glory. First announced in 2020, the VCT made its explosive debut in 2021 and has since become the pinnacle of competitive Valorant, drawing in top teams and passionate fans from around the world.

Valorant Tournaments: VCT Kickoff

valorant tournaments - vct

VCT Kickoff is where the Valorant Champions Tour begins annually! It’s the beginning of the Valorant tournaments for the year, with teams from different regions—Americas, EMEA, Pacific, and China—fighting to qualify for the first Masters event. In essence, it’s setting the tone for the remainder of the year and informing us which teams are going to dominate.

Since each region has its own strengths, the competition is always unpredictable. Some teams, like G2 Esports in the Americas or DRX in the Pacific, have a reputation for being powerhouses, but anything can happen!

The Kickoff format is meant for fast, high-stakes action, so teams have to come out guns blazing from day one. Fans love it because it’s their first glimpse of new rosters, new tactics, and potential breakout teams. With so much on the line so early, the hype is genuine, and ratings are always gigantic!

This year’s China Kickoff champion is Edward Gaming, clutching a 3-1 win against Trace Esports!

VCT Masters

t1 valorant tournaments
T1 is the champion for Masters Bangkok 2025. | Source: VLO2ASIA

VCT Masters is where the top teams from each region go head-to-head on the international stage! These Valorant tournaments are a mid-season showdown, giving us a look at which regions—and which teams—are the strongest in Valorant.

To make it here, teams have to be among the best in the world of their region’s league, qualifying to play against the cream of the crop. Victory here is not just about prestige—it’s also an opportunity to gain VCT points, which are required for a spot at the largest of them all: VCT Champions. Sentinels and other big guns have established themselves here at Masters by demonstrating they’re among the best.

As of 2025, T1 reigned supreme in this year’s VALORANT Masters Bangkok!

VCT Challengers

vct challengers - valorant tournaments

VCT Challengers is where up-and-coming teams fight it out for a chance at the big stage! These regional Valorant tournaments serve as a stepping stone for teams who wish to break into the top VCT leagues and demonstrate that they possess what it takes to play at the top level.

It’s all about opportunity and growth—teams hone their craft, develop experience, and get to present their talent to the world. Because the best teams advance, there’s no one dominant team in Challengers. Rather, it’s an ongoing battle for the top, so every season is full of surprises and thrills!

For young players and teams, Challengers are where to establish themselves and get noticed by the best orgs. It’s the ground floor of the VCT universe, guaranteeing new talent always has an opportunity to climb up the ranks!

VCT Game Changers

vct game changers - valorant tournaments
Alter Ego Celeste won the VCT Game Changers APAC Open 1 in 2022. | Source: VLO2ASIA

Women in Esports? They’re more likely than you think! It’s not always a boy’s playground.

VCT Game Changers is all about providing opportunities for women and other underrepresented genders in Valorant Esports. These Valorant tournaments provide a specialized competitive environment, so the scene is more inclusive, diverse, and friendly for all.

The program has been expanding rapidly, with increasing teams, players, and levels of competition each season. As more and more talent emerges at the top, the games are becoming even more heated!

Game Changers isn’t merely a tournament series—it’s a movement (literally, game-changing!). It’s shaping a more inclusive esports future while providing players with the recognition they deserve. And with increasing viewership and hype, it’s growing only bigger!

Valorant Champions 2025

And when all roads end at VCT – they travel one final time to the Valorant Champions. All the top VCT teams gather in the biggest finals known to Valorant tournaments. But it’s not just VCT champs – other teams who earned enough points also qualify to try and knock off these top teams’ crowns!

At Valorant Champions, the world champion is determined. Who will take the crown in 2025?

Wrapping Up

And that’s about most of the major Valorant tournaments to date! Everything all boils down to the VCT, and it’s the final battleground for only the best of the best teams in the Valorant esports world. T1 is known for being at the top of their game, constantly winning VCT tournaments at every turn. But as they say in sports: the ball is round, and things could turn around in the blink of an eye.