The professional esports scene has changed gaming forever. Once little more than a footnote in the gaming and gambling industries, esports has grown to become a huge attraction and multi-million-dollar industry. Today, the most talented and dedicated gamers from across the globe go head-to-head on the most popular games to find the cream of the crop. You’ll find esports leagues and competitions played worldwide with millions watching the play live.
It may be an idea that would’ve been scoffed at just a generation ago, but today, gamers can carve out a lucrative career by playing their favorite titles while aiming for life-changing cash prizes. The leading sports apps cover esports, while the top sportsbooks offer odds, markets, and promotions on the results. Fans can check the upcoming schedule and live stream the play, watching the best go head-to-head on popular sports and strategy games.
Perhaps watching isn’t enough. If you’re a talented gamer who is committed to being the best, consider a career in esports. There are many routes into the industry, including working as a copywriter, officiating, or playing. If you rate your skills, you can join an esports qualifying competition in your area and test yourself against other players. If you’re good enough, a passion for gaming could transform your life and lead you onto a new career path.
Followers of our popular page and readers of our articles will be disheartened to learn Crusader Kings II isn’t yet used on the professional esports circuit. However, there are some strategy games available, and we highlight some of the best in this article. If you love strategy games, these are the titles to practice if you wish to pursue a career in esports.
StarCraft II
StarCraft II is arguably the most iconic strategy game in the history of esports. Building on the success of its predecessor, StarCraft: Brood War, StarCraft II has maintained a vibrant, competitive scene for over a decade, particularly in South Korea, where it has achieved legendary status. The game’s appeal lies in its balanced, fast-paced gameplay, which requires players to manage resources, build armies, and execute precise strategies in real time.
StarCraft II is known for its three distinct factions—Terran, Protoss, and Zerg—each with unique units, strengths, and weaknesses. This diversity ensures a wide variety of strategies and playstyles, keeping the game fresh and exciting even after many years. The game’s competitive scene is bolstered by major tournaments like the Global StarCraft II League (GSL) and the World Championship Series (WCS), which attract top players from around the world.
What makes StarCraft II stand out in esports is its depth and the skill ceiling it offers. The best players in the world must master not only the game’s complex mechanics but also the art of mind games, predicting their opponents’ moves and adapting on the fly. This combination of tactical depth and real-time decision-making makes StarCraft II a quintessential esports strategy game.
Age of Empires II
Age of Empires II has seen a remarkable resurgence in recent years, especially with the release of the Definitive Edition in 2019, which revitalized its competitive scene. This classic RTS game focuses on building civilizations, managing resources, and commanding armies through different historical eras. Players must balance economic development with military expansion, making strategic decisions that can have far-reaching consequences.
The game features a wide array of civilizations, each with unique bonuses and technologies, allowing for diverse strategies and playstyles. Tournaments like Red Bull Wololo, Hidden Cup, and Battle of Africa have supported the competitive scene, bringing together some of the best players in the world.
What sets Age of Empires II apart in the esports landscape is its emphasis on macro and micro-management. Players must manage their economies efficiently while also executing precise military tactics in battles. The game’s depth, combined with its historical context, makes it not only a strategic challenge but also a fascinating game to watch in a competitive setting.
Warcraft III
Warcraft III is another Blizzard title that has had a profound impact on the esports world. Known for its rich lore and deep strategy, Warcraft III introduced heroes and role-playing elements into the RTS genre, making it a unique entry into the world of strategy games. Players control one of four races—Humans, Orcs, Night Elves, or Undead—each with unique units and heroes that can gain experience, level up, and acquire powerful abilities.
The competitive scene for Warcraft III has been strong, particularly in China and South Korea, with tournaments like the World Cyber Games (WCG) and Warcraft Gold League (WGL) drawing in top talent. The game’s blend of tactical battles, hero management, and base-building creates a dynamic and challenging environment for esports competitors.
Warcraft III is also notable for its influence on the broader gaming industry, particularly through its modding community. This community gave birth to the MOBA genre with the creation of Defense of the Ancients (DotA). This legacy, combined with its ongoing competitive scene, solidifies Warcraft III as one of the best strategy games in professional esports.
Total War: Warhammer
While not traditionally considered an esports game, Total War: Warhammer has carved out a niche in competitive strategy gaming, particularly with the rise of community-driven tournaments. This game combines the tactical depth of the Total War series with the rich lore and fantasy elements of the Warhammer universe, offering players a unique blend of real-time tactical battles.
In Total War: Warhammer, players command massive armies in real-time battles while also managing their factions on a strategic campaign map. The game’s competitive scene is focused on multiplayer battles, where players must outmaneuver their opponents, exploit unit synergies, and adapt to the changing tides of battle. Tournaments like the Everchosen Championship have highlighted the game’s competitive potential, attracting skilled players and offering thrilling spectacles for viewers.
The combination of epic scale, tactical depth, and fantasy elements makes Total War: Warhammer a compelling choice for strategy enthusiasts in esports, even if it operates on the fringes of the mainstream esports scene.
Now it’s your move. If you dream of using your love for strategy games to become a world-famous esports player, these are the titles you must work on to stand any chance of success.
