Esports has exploded in popularity over the past decade, with professional players competing in a variety of games for massive prize pools, sponsorships, and global recognition. Some esports players have risen to the top, dominating global rankings in titles such as Dota 2, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS
), League of Legends, and more. Here’s a look at some of the top esports players across various titles and who’s currently leading the global charts.
1. Dota 2
Dota 2 is one of the most competitive esports titles, with some of the largest prize pools in history, particularly through the annual The International tournament. Here are the top players dominating the scene:
Top Players:
- Johan “N0tail” Sundstein (OG) – Denmark
- Widely regarded as one of the best Dota 2 players, N0tail is the captain of OG, the only team to win The International twice (2018 and 2019). He is the highest-earning esports player, with over $7 million in winnings.
- Jesse “JerAx” Vainikka (OG) – Finland
- A former professional player for OG, JerAx was a key part of the team’s success, especially in their two TI victories. Despite retiring, he remains one of the most revered Dota 2 players.
- Anathan “ana” Pham (OG) – Australia
- Known for his incredible carry plays, ana was part of OG’s TI-winning squad. His versatility and calm under pressure make him a standout player.
2. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS
)
CS
has long been one of the top esports games, with its fast-paced, tactical gameplay drawing millions of fans and some of the best FPS talent worldwide.
Top Players:
- Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev (Natus Vincere) – Ukraine
- Considered by many as the best CS
player in history, s1mple is known for his unbelievable aim, clutch plays, and consistency. He has been a top-ranked player for years and led Na’Vi to victory at major tournaments, including the 2021 PGL Major Stockholm.
- Considered by many as the best CS
- Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut (Team Vitality) – France
- A two-time HLTV Player of the Year (2019, 2020), ZywOo is one of the most skilled CS
players, with an ability to dominate games at will. His rise to the top was meteoric, and he is known for his versatility and composure.
- A two-time HLTV Player of the Year (2019, 2020), ZywOo is one of the most skilled CS
- Nicolai “dev1ce” Reedtz (Astralis/Ninjas in Pyjamas) – Denmark
- A core member of Astralis’ dynasty, dev1ce helped the team secure four Major titles. Known for his incredible AWPing skills, dev1ce has consistently ranked among the world’s best players.
3. League of Legends (LoL)
League of Legends is one of the most popular esports games, with its World Championship being one of the biggest annual esports events. The top players in the game are revered for their strategic thinking, mechanics, and leadership.
Top Players:
- Faker (Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok) (T1) – South Korea
- Faker is widely regarded as the greatest League of Legends player of all time. As a three-time World Champion (2013, 2015, 2016), Faker’s influence on the game and his unmatched mechanical prowess make him a legend in esports.
- Kim “Doinb” Tae-sang (FPX) – South Korea
- Known for his unique playstyle and champion pool, Doinb led FunPlus Phoenix to a World Championship title in 2019. He’s famous for his innovative picks and game-changing plays in the mid-lane.
- Jian “Uzi” Zi-Hao (Retired) – China
- Considered one of the best ADC players in the history of LoL, Uzi was known for his impeccable mechanics and carry potential. Although he never won Worlds, his dominance in domestic and international competitions earned him a legendary status.
4. Fortnite
Fortnite, with its unique blend of building mechanics and fast-paced battle royale gameplay, quickly became an esports sensation. The Fortnite World Cup introduced players to the massive prize pools and personalities that dominate the competitive scene.
Top Players:
- Kyle “Bugha” Giersdorf (Sentinels) – USA
- Bugha made history by winning the solo event at the 2019 Fortnite World Cup, taking home $3 million at just 16 years old. Since then, he has remained a top player and a key figure in the Fortnite competitive community.
- David “Aqua” Wang (Guild Esports) – Austria
- Known for his incredible duo and team play, Aqua won the duo event at the 2019 Fortnite World Cup alongside his partner Nyhrox. He continues to perform at a high level in major Fortnite tournaments.
- Benjy “Benjyfishy” Fish (NRG) – UK
- A standout in both solo and duo competitions, Benjyfishy is known for his strategic gameplay and fast edits, making him one of the most respected and popular Fortnite pros.
5. Valorant
As one of the newer esports titles, Valorant has quickly become a competitive powerhouse with numerous international tournaments. Riot Games’ FPS title has given rise to a new generation of stars.
Top Players:
- Adil “ScreaM” Benrlitom (Team Liquid) – Belgium
- Known for his precise aim and headshot accuracy, ScreaM transitioned from CS
to Valorant and quickly became one of the top players in the scene. His ability to single-handedly change the outcome of rounds has earned him a legendary status in Valorant.
- Known for his precise aim and headshot accuracy, ScreaM transitioned from CS
- Mehmet Yağız “cNed” İpek (NAVI) – Turkey
- cNed is widely regarded as one of the best duelists in Valorant, known for his aggressive playstyle and clutch performances. He played a key role in Acend’s victory at the Valorant Champions 2021, the game’s first world championship.
- Tyson “TenZ” Ngo (Sentinels) – Canada
- A mechanical genius, TenZ rose to fame with his incredible aim and outplays in Valorant. His high-level performance and consistency make him one of the most feared players in the competitive scene.
6. Call of Duty (CoD)
Call of Duty is one of the longest-running esports titles, with a competitive scene that spans decades. The Call of Duty League (CDL) is now the pinnacle of professional CoD, featuring the best teams from around the world.
Top Players:
- Chris “Simp” Lehr (Atlanta FaZe) – USA
- Simp is known for his dominant play and ability to carry his team to victory in crucial moments. With multiple CDL championships under his belt, he’s considered one of the best players in CoD history.
- Ian “Crimsix” Porter (Retired) – USA
- A legend in the Call of Duty scene, Crimsix is the winningest player in CoD history, with three world championships and 37 major titles to his name. His strategic mind and leadership abilities made him a key figure in competitive CoD.
- Seth “Scump” Abner (OpTic Texas) – USA
- Known as the “King of CoD,” Scump has been one of the most consistent and dominant players in Call of Duty for over a decade. His popularity and success have made him one of the biggest names in esports.
Conclusion
The world of esports is filled with exceptional talent, with top players leading their respective games on global charts. Whether it’s Dota 2, CS
, League of Legends, or Valorant, these players have proven themselves as the best in the world, consistently achieving success in international competitions. The esports landscape continues to grow, with new talent emerging and current stars maintaining their dominance in a highly competitive environment.