Esports have turned video games into a spectator sport with packed arenas and huge online audiences. This One Gotta Go card puts four big titles on the stage: Counter-Strike 2, League of Legends, Fortnite and Valorant.
Three games stay in the esports world, and one is removed forever. Think about the game you play, the tournaments you watch and the one you do not understand at all. Then make your pick and share your favorite esports moment or player with the group.
Counter-Strike 2 vs League of Legends vs Fortnite vs Valorant
A. Counter-Strike 2
Counter-Strike 2 continues one of the oldest esports series, with tense rounds and a long tournament history. It is a classic. It can be hard for new viewers to follow, which makes it a fair cut for people who are not already fans.
Keep it if: You love tactical shooters, you follow the big tournaments and you know the maps by heart.
B. League of Legends
League of Legends has one of the biggest esports events in the world, the World Championship, with huge crowds and viewership. It is a giant. The game has a steep learning curve, which makes it hard to enjoy watching for newcomers.
Keep it if: You watch Worlds every year, you have a favorite team and you love the strategy of every match.
C. Fortnite
Fortnite made gaming a cultural moment, with dances, concerts in game and a World Cup in 2019 that gave a teenage winner a huge prize. It is fun and colorful. Some see it as more of a casual game than a serious esport, which makes it a candidate to cut.
Keep it if: You love building, the dances and the big live events that turned Fortnite into a pop culture hit.
D. Valorant
Valorant, from the makers of League of Legends, mixes tactical shooting with character abilities. It grew quickly into a major esport. It is also the newest title here, and some fans see it as too similar to Counter-Strike, which makes it a possible cut.
Keep it if: You love the mix of precise aim and special abilities and enjoy watching the pros pull off big plays.
Our take
We would cut Valorant, mostly because it overlaps the most with Counter-Strike, while League and Fortnite each bring something completely different. The most fun debate usually comes down to League of Legends against Fortnite, since one is a deep strategy game and the other is a cultural phenomenon. Ask everyone which game they would want to see in the Olympics, and why. Watching a short highlight video from each game is a fun way to decide together.
How to play this card with friends
- Read the four choices out loud.
- Everyone picks the one they'd eliminate at the same time.
- Explain your pick. This is where the fun starts.
- Use the follow-up questions below to keep it going.
Follow-up questions to keep the debate going
- Which esport has the best case for the Olympics?
- Is watching esports as fun as watching traditional sports?
- Who is the best esports player you have watched?
- What esports title would you add to this card?
Want more debates like this? Get the One Gotta Go card game for game night, family dinners and road trips. Shop the decks.
Esports Titles: quick answers
What is the biggest esports event?
The League of Legends World Championship is one of the biggest esports events, with large live crowds and huge online viewership. Other major events include Counter-Strike Majors, the Valorant Champions tour and various Fortnite competitions. Many of these events stream for free online, so they are easy to watch with friends if you want to see what the excitement is about.
Who won the Fortnite World Cup?
The first Fortnite World Cup solo event in 2019 was won by Kyle Giersdorf, known as Bugha, who was sixteen at the time. He won a top prize of three million dollars, which brought a lot of attention to competitive gaming.
