Where to start watching or playing Esports - read tips here

Esports, or electronic sports, have grown dramatically in recent years and are attracting more and more new viewers and players. If you're new to the Esports world and wondering which game to start watching or playing, you're in the right place. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the most popular Esports games and give you some tips on how to start your journey. At the same time, you might want to think about what kind of game you've enjoyed in the past - or are you hoping to find a new team or player to root for, or are you looking for some betting information?

League of Legends

League of Legends (LoL) is one of the most popular and followed Esports games in the world. The game pits two teams against each other in a bid to destroy their opponent's base. LoL offers a rich and strategic gaming experience where teamwork is key.

The game is easy to follow as LoL tournaments are held regularly and are well produced. If you like strategy and fast-paced action, League of Legends could be a good choice for you. For some, LoL is too complicated to follow. The game's different characters and their attributes take time to learn, and to progress to a higher level as a player requires both time and a good mentor. However, LoL is also often a destination for betting, so while slots are calling in the casino, these tournaments may also be available on the betting lists. Unfortunately, only Finnish teams are not very high in the world or even European rankings.

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS) is a tactical first-person shooter where two teams, terrorists and counter-terrorists, fight against each other. The game's popularity stems from its simple but profound gameplay mechanics and strategic depth. The game just received a new update and became CS2. This gave all professionals and amateurs alike access to a whole new game, although the game itself remained largely unchanged.

CS tournaments are very popular and attract huge crowds. If you like excitement and precision shooting, CS is a game worth trying. It's also easy to get to grips with, as the game is played with human characters and has two teams: cops and terrorists. CS:GO is the most popular esports game in the world for Finns, and perhaps that's why the very top players have included Finns for practically the entire history of the game. Among the current players, the brightest Finnish star is Navi's in-house game master Aleksis Virolainen.

If you just want to play the game as a hobby, there are several options inside the game:

1. Competitive: in this game format, players compete in 5 vs. 5 matches with the goal of winning 16 rounds. This is the most popular and serious form of the game, offering a ranking system to determine the skill level of the players.
2. Casual: A more relaxed form of the game, with larger teams and less strict rules. This is a good way to practice and get to know the game.
3. Deathmatch: In this game format, players are reborn quickly after death and the goal is to collect as many kills as possible. It is a great way to practice shooting accuracy and reflexes.
4. Wingman: A 2 vs. 2 format where smaller teams compete against each other on smaller maps. This game format offers a more intense and tactical game experience.

Tips for CS:GO beginners

1. Practice Aiming: Good aiming is the key to success in CS:GO. Spend time in the deathmatch game mode or on the shooting ranges to improve your accuracy.
2. Communicate with your team: effective communication is important for teamwork and tactics. Use the in-game voice chat or text messaging.
3. Learn the maps: knowing the maps is vital. Know where enemies can come from and where bomb sites are located.
4. Use equipment: grenades and other equipment can turn the tide of the game. Learn how to use them effectively.
5. Take care of your finances: don't spend money on unnecessary purchases and plan your purchases according to your team's financial situation.

Dota 2.

Dota 2 is a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game in which two teams of five fight against each other in an attempt to destroy the opponent's headquarters. Dota 2 is known for its in-depth strategic play and very high skill level. So Dota 2 is not one of the easiest games to play, but if you want to, you'll find it a fun, entertaining and challenging game to play.

The game's tournaments, especially The International, offer huge prize pools and are very popular with viewers. If you want to delve into an in-depth strategy game, Dota 2 is a great choice. This is the game that brought esports games to the attention of all Finns. In fact, Finnish Dota 2 players were also invited to the President's Castle for the Independence Day celebrations - these millionaires are still involved in playing Dota 2 on the terraces, although many of them have tried to move away from professional gaming only to find themselves rediscovered by the game's elder.

Fortnite

Fortnite is a battle royale game where 100 players battle it out until there is only one winner left. The game combines fast-paced action, building and survival, making it highly entertaining.

Fortnite's tournaments and events are popular, and the game is particularly popular with younger players. If you like fast-paced action and building mechanics, Fortnite is a game to try. Fortnite is also an easy and cheap game to start playing esports, and can indeed be played as a casual player without a team. Whereas the above games require their own team, and if you want to progress to the professional level, Fortnite allows you to succeed on your own, whereas in the previous games you already need your own team. Fortnite, CS:GO and Dota 2 are games where Finns have won both tournaments and cash prizes.

Overwatch

Overwatch is a team-based shooting game where two teams of six fight in different missions. The game features a wide range of characters, each with their own unique abilities and roles.

The Overwatch League is one of the largest Esports leagues and offers regular matches and tournaments. If you like diverse characters and teamwork, Overwatch is a game to consider. However, Overwatch is considered by many to be at the end of its life cycle, so you might want to consider something newer, such as this next one, which is a newcomer to the esports front.

Valorant

Valorant is a tactical first-person shooter that combines fast-paced action with strategic depth. The game pits two teams against each other, with each character having their own unique abilities.

Valorant has quickly gained popularity in the Esports world and offers a wealth of tournaments and events. If you like tactical action and unique characters, Valorant is a great choice.Valorant is a Riot Games game, and Riot also oversees Valorant tournaments. The tournaments are regional and then lead up to a face-off with the world's top players once a year.

Valorant is very much like CS:GO, but brought into the world of the future. Perhaps that's why Valorant has also been a favourite game for Finnish players from the start, and it's been a big winner, with a couple of big Finnish names on Valorant's world rankings.

Tips for getting started

1. Watch tournaments and matches: start by watching tournaments and matches from different games to get an idea of the dynamics of the games and the most popular teams.
2. Choose a game that interests you: choose a game that you find interesting and attractive, as it will motivate you to learn and improve.
3. Join communities: participate in gaming communities on social media or forums to get tips and advice from more experienced players.
4. Practice regularly: practice your chosen game regularly to improve your skills and learn new strategies.
5. Have fun: remember that playing and following Esports should be fun and enjoyable first and foremost.