Esports has grown from a niche hobby into a global phenomenon, with professional gamers competing in tournaments for multi-million-dollar prize pools. For aspiring esports athletes, choosing the right game is a crucial first step. Whether you’re into strategy, first-person shooters, or battle royales, there’s a game tailored to your skills and ambitions. Here’s a guide to some of the best games for those aiming to make their mark in esports.

1. League of Legends (LoL)

The most popular game in the esports scene, League of Legends provides an environment with highly competitive situations for strategy and teamwork players. Its intricate mechanics, large roster of champions, and strategic depth make it the perfect game for people who live off mental challenges.

LoL is a massive competitive play category, with the League of Legends World Championship attracting millions of viewers. Amateur players can start by climbing a ranked ladder and participating in amateur tournaments.

2. CS:GO

CS:GO is an iconic first-person shooter, which has been a staple in the esports scene for over a decade, for players who are into precision and tactical gameplay. It focuses on teamwork, map control, and accuracy, rewarding the players who master its mechanics.

The game has a clear pathway from amateur to professional play, with tournaments such as the CS:GO Majors. Consistent practice and strong communication skills are important for success.

3. Valorant

Riot Games' Valorant is a newer game that integrates the tactical play of CS:GO while bringing hero-based gameplay, kind of like in games such as Overwatch. It quickly garnered support in the world of esports.

Potential athletes can use Valorant's competitive ladder and the high volume of amateur tournaments it has. It's a strategic game that features aim, character abilities, and more, so this game could be a great first stop for hopeful esports professionals.

4. Fortnite

Fortnite changed the battle royale genre with its building mechanics and colorful graphics. The game is perfect for a quick thinker, as the scenarios are constantly changing.

Epic Games regularly holds high-stakes tournaments like the Fortnite World Cup, which have huge prize pools. For budding players, acing ranked modes and qualifying through online qualifiers would be the initial steps.

5. Dota 2

Renowned for its complexity and depth, Dota 2 is a game for players who enjoy strategic thinking and teamwork. The game’s learning curve is steep, but its rewards are significant, with The International consistently offering the largest prize pool in esports.

Aspiring athletes should focus on mastering heroes, understanding game mechanics, and joining community leagues to gain experience.

6. Rocket League

It's soccer combined with vehicular mayhem, making the game of Rocket League a fast-paced and fun game to pick up, though hard to master. The esports scene, spearheaded by the Rocket League Championship Series, or RLCS, has gained steadily.

Mechanical skills, teamwork, ranked play, and community tournaments will help players pursue going pro in CoD.

7. Call of Duty (CoD)

Call of Duty remains one of the mainstays in the world of FPS esports. With Modern Warfare II and Warzone, there's a series where competitive can and does thrive. The Call of Duty League (CDL) gives hopefuls a defined pathway to professional esports.

Conclusion:

There has never been as many opportunities to turn a passion for gaming into a career for aspiring esports athletes. It's about finding the right game that suits your skills and interests and then committing to continuous improvement. Either by grinding ranked ladders, joining amateur leagues, or participating in tournaments, dedication will mark the journey into becoming a professional esports player. The games listed above should be an excellent point for whoever is ready for the challenge.