Esports Tier List 2022 Q4 – A Conclusive Look at the Year

As is tradition at esportsguide, we love working on an Esports Tier List every now and then. Indeed, following the conclusion of some of the largest esports events ever, now is the best time ever. Accordingly, feel free to read on for an updated list for Esports Tier List 2022 Q4!

Indeed, as always, we’ll fill you in on the same criteria we’ve always used to dictate our tier lists:

  • Event Proportions – Size of prize pools, number of participants, third and first party organizers, environment and arena capacities
  • Event frequency – is the year bursting with competition or solely reliant on infrequent first-party organizers
  • Competitiveness – the level of competition in an esports scene is related to its livelihood
  • State of the community – health of the lower tier sectors and general condition of the esport as a dynamic entity
Credits: Garena

Accordingly, with that taken care of, always remember that these lists are subject to our opinion too. Otherwise, we’ll be listing the top viewership from the time period, although it’s not the only factor considered. We’re not looking at growth – just where they stand.

Tier 1 – Welcoming VALORANT and Free Fire – Esports Tier List 2022

  • LoL – 2022 World Championship – Peak Viewers 5,147,701
  • CS:GO – PGL Major Antwerp 2022 – Peak Viewers 2,113,610
  • Dota 2 – The International 2022 – Peak Viewers 1,751,086
  • VALORANT – VALORANT Champions 2022 – Peak Viewers 1,505,804
  • Free Fire – Free Fire World Series 2022 Sentosa – Peak Viewers 1,477,545
Heroic BLAST
Credits: BLAST

So, let’s talk about the changes involved here. Firstly, since our last Esports Tier List, we’ve decided to promote VALORANT to Tier 1 after an incredible second season, breaking the million peak viewer mark.

In addition, we’ve decided to demote PUBG Mobile from Tier 1 to Tier 2 due to a quieter year, failing to reach the same level of viewership. In contrast, Free Fire managed to grow in the past year and have earned a spot as the top Mobile Esport in the world.

Otherwise, LoL and CS:GO retain their spots as the two very best esports in the world, each having incredible years. Although still worthy of Tier 1, Dota had a rough year and will look to improve next year.

Tier 2 – Multiple Promotions and Demotions

  • PUBG Mobile – 31st Southeast Asian Games PUBG Mobile – Peak Viewers 903,011
  • AoG – Arena of Glory Winter 2022 – Peak Viewers 644,383
  • Rocket League – RLCS 21-22 World Championship – Peak Viewers 368,721
  • Overwatch League – OWL 2022 Playoffs – Peak Viewers 397,868
  • CoD – CDL 2022 Playoffs – Peak Viewers 275,244
Screenshot   e
Credits: Psyonix

While Tier 1 has remained somewhat the same, Tier 2 has seen multiple changes since last year.

Perhaps the most impressive climber is the likes of Rocket League – after an impressive year with constant improvement in viewership, the esport is kicking up very well. They’re climb to Tier 2 from Tier 3 is joined by AoG which has remained consistent over the past two years.

Also, Overwatch has made the jump thanks to a much needed improvement of viewership from last year. In fact, it was doubled this year thanks to the excitement behind Overwatch 2.

As we explained prior, for now we’ve had to demote PUBG Mobile to Tier 2 as they’ve failed to be consistent this past year. Let’s see if things improve next year.

Tier 3 – Halo Infinite Making a Mark

  • Halo World Championship 2022 – Peak Viewers 143,585
  • FIFA – FIFA eWorld Cup 2022 – Peak Viewers 149,465
  • PUBG – PUBG Nations Cup – Peak Viewers 239,112
  • Rainbow Six Siege – Six Invitational 2022 – Peak Viewers 262,714
Overwatch 2
Credits: Blizzard

Here in Tier 3, the likes of Halo and FIFA are newcomers. With Halo restarting esports operations this year, it joins an improving FIFA scene which returned with offline events this year.

Meanwhile, we’ve decided to demote PUBG and Rainbow Six Siege as they both seem to be lacking growth. Bearing this in mind, both esports are making big changes for 2023 in search of success.

Tier 4 – Wild Rift Experiment Failing?

Screenshot  e
Credits: Blizzard
  • StarCraft II – IEM Katowice 2022 – Peak Viewers 50,635
  • Fortnite – Fortnite Champions Series 2022 Invitational – Peak Viewers 381,915
  • Hearthstone – Hearthstone World Championship – Peak Viewers 21,786
  • Wild Rift – Icons Global Championship 2022 – Peak Viewers – 54,261

Meanwhile, here in Tier 4 we have the likes of StarCraft II, Fortnite and Wild Rift all in need of some improvement.

In conclusion, we can confidently say that Hearthstone is in a dire spot.

For more esports news, visit: https://www.esportsguide.com/news

Wild Rift Esports 2023 Road Map – Focusing on Asia

Overall, this past year Riot Games invested in developing an inaugural year of Wild Rift esports. Indeed, as their very own mobile esport, we’re excited for the future. Accordingly, we’re excited to present the Wild Rift Esports 2023 road map below!

Wild Rift Esports 2023 Road Map – A Second Year

Credits: Wild Rift Esports Twitter

In the opening season of the official circuit held by Riot Games, there were definitely moments of success. Indeed, it seems that there were also moments of learning which have inspired change for the 2023 season.

In short, here’s what John Needham, President of Esports at Riot Games, had to say:

In 2023, we will centralize the operation and focus of Wild Rift Esports in Asia, the biggest and most active mobile esports market in the world. The new Wild Rift league in Asia will be the first Riot cross-regional professional mobile esports league and will replace the original Wild Rift Esports (WRE) in April of 2023.

Credits: Riot Games Press Release
Credits: Wild Rift Esports Twitter

This new league ecosystem will consist of twelve teams from China’s WRL and eight teams from the other 2022 Asian regions. The season will be structured as two splits each year and will focus on showcasing the best talent from the most competitive regions in our sport.

Credits: Riot Games Press Release

Wild Rift 2023 – Focusing on Asia

Credits: Riot Games

In conclusion, it seems that Riot Games will no longer be supporting any Wild Rift esports leagues for regions outside of Asia.

However, this does open the door for third-party organizers to fill in the schedule ahead of the season starting.

In conclusion, the main goal for 2023 with this title is Riot Games dreaming that this title can contest with the top mobile esports titles out there.

Let’s see if the investment into Asia pays off.

For more esports news, visit: https://www.esportsguide.com/news

Esports Industry 2023 – Taking a Look at Prospective Scenes

Overall, 2022 has been great for the esports industry. Bearing this in mind, we can’t help but look forward to the next year of esports. Indeed, in this featured we’ll be taking the time to preview the prospects for the Esports Industry 2023 – read on to learn more!

Specifically, in this featured discussion, we’ll be previewing two types of esports scenes. Firstly, those which are incredibly young and look to capitalize on another. Secondl;y, new upcoming titles which could really develop the esports industry!

Esports Industry 2023 – Young Scenes Shaping Up

CoD Gentlemen's Agreements
Credits: Call of Duty League

So, let’s start by looking at some esports which have a lot to prove in the coming year.

To begin with, we have established esports scenes with new game titles – as follows:

CoD Esports – Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II

Released by Infinity Ward in October of this year, CoD MWII looks to revolutionize Call of Duty esports on two counts.

In terms of viewership, this title will be the very first since the start of the Call of Duty League which does not involve exclusive YouTube streaming. Bearing this in mind, the first weeks of competition have already broken records for the esport.

CoD League Rostermania Update
Call of Duty League 2020 Season 2020-02-09 / Photo: Robert Paul for Activision Blizzard

Furthermore, this is the first time in roughly 10 years, that a Call of Duty title will be supported for more than 2 years.

For both the competitive and casual scene, Infinity Ward will have to do their best to continuously provide content and also manage the Call of Duty League. Such a change could do wonders for the future of CoD esports.

Overwatch Esports – Overwatch 2

Also supported by Activision Blizzard, Overwatch 2 released earlier this year with hopes to rejuvinate Overwatch.

Since 2016, the title and the Overwatch League hae been on a slow decline and needed a boost of energy. That’s why the release of Overwatch 2 in October of this year is rather exciting.

Overwatch Rostermania Banner
Overwatch League 2020 Season 2020-03-07 / Photo: Joshua Roberts For Activision Blizzard

Although released, the title is still receiving quite a bit of updates and doing its utmost to comply with the community and keep the title up to date. Considering this, this coming year will let us know what the future holds for Overwatch and the Overwatch League.

In conclusion, the likes of CoD and Overwatch esports, established esports, are hoping for a good year with their new titles.

Wild Rift Esports

On the note of mobile esports, Riot Games’ efforts to grow Wild Rift have been great in 2022. Hosting the Icons Global Championship 2022 with $2,000,000 on the line proved the prospects of this esports.

Wild Rift Esports
Credits; Riot Games

While we know little about the upcoming schedule of the season, we remain hopeful and curious to see how this title pushes the ceiling for mobile esports.

New Esports 2023 – Could Riot Games Surprise?

In addition, we’d like to take about titles which perhaps haven’t established themselves but seem to offer quite the potential.

  • Warzone 2 – together with the release of the main title, Warzone 2 is the hottest new battle royale with a loyal competitive and causal community. Accordingly, should Infinity Ward captivate on this, they could really put together an impressive esport which we’d love to see happen.
Project L Riot Games
Credits: Riot Games
  • Project L – although we’re not sure whether it’ll be released in 2023, Riot Games’ experiment in fighting game esports with ‘Project L’ could be incredible. Considering their history with VALORANT and Wild Rift – we can’t wait to see what esport they build.

We’ll continue to cover esports in 2023 here on esportsguide!

For more esports news, visit: https://www.esportsguide.com/news

How to Watch Icons Global Championship 2022 – teams, format, schedule, streams, predictions

Accordingly, Wild Rift esports is shaping to be one of the top mobile esports in the world. After a strong inaugural season, the final event of the season is almost here. Read on as we preview the largest event ever for the esport – Icons Global Championship 2022 below!

Event Background

Credits: Wild Rift Esports Twitter

Indeed, as an international event, teams from all over ther world have fought to qualify into the competition.

Specifically, organized by Riot Games, the competition is heading to Singapore from 14th June to 9th July. With $2,000,000 of prize, this is officially the largest event ever for Wild Rift esports.

Moreover, we have teams from South East Asia, South Korea, Europe, North America, Brazil, Japan, Thailand, Philippines and Latin America.

Take a look at the competitors listed below:

Group Stage Teams

  • FunPlus Phoenix
  • Team Flash
  • KT Rolster
  • Sengoku Gaming
  • Omegha E-sports
  • Leviatan
  • Immortals
  • Team Queso

Play-In Teams

  • JD Gaming
  • Nova Esports
  • J Team
  • Unsold Stuff Gaming
  • Flash Wolves
  • Rex Regum Qeon
  • Buriram United Esports
  • Sentinels
  • Rix.GG
  • Game-Lord
  • Freecs
  • T1
  • Furious Gaming
  • STMN Esports
  • Keyd Stairs
  • Liberty

Read on for more information regarding the format below!

Format

Credits: Wild Rift Esports Twitter

Regarding format, there are a few stages to this competition.

Firstly, from June 14th to 18th, we have the Play-In stage. Here, 16 teams have been split into four groups of four with each group not having more than one team from the same region.

At the Play-In, we’ll have a double elimination bracket with BO3 matches – only top 2 teams will move on to the Group Stage from each Play-In Group. Here are the Play-In Groups below:

  • A: Flash Wolves, Furious Gaming, Game-Lord, Nova Esports
  • B: Unsold Stuff Gaming, JD Gaming, Rex Regum Qeon, STMN Esports
  • C: J Team, Keyd Stars, Rix.GG, T1
  • D: Buriram United Esports, Freecs, Liberty, Sentinels
Credits: Wild Rift Esports Twitter

After a short break, the Main Event Group Stage will return on June 21st, to take place to 25th June. Once again, a double elimination bracket will take place. After the BO3 matches, only the top 2 from each group will progress to the Knockout Stage.

  • A: Team Flash, Leviatan, TBD, TBD
  • B: Sengoku Gaming, Team Queso, TBD, TBD
  • C: FunPlus Phoenix, Omegha E-sports, TBD, TBD
  • D: KT Rolster, Immortals, TBD, TBD

Once we have our final eight teams, we’ll have our final Knockout Stage from July 1st to July 9th. Accordingly, the single elimination bracket will help decide the winner – quarterfinals and the semifinals will be BO5.

Everything will then be decided in a BO7 Grand Final!

Schedule for the Icons Global Championship 2022

With regards to the event, feel free to view the schedule of the event via the Wild Rift esports page here.

Watch the Icons Global Championship 2022 on esportsguide

You can also watch the Icons Global Championship 2022 live stream via our very own website. Providing an extensive list of the biggest esports together with streams for each esports match live today or upcoming matches.

Predictions

Credits: T1 Twitter

Considering this is the first international event of this calibre for Wild Rift esports, nobody is too sure how the international competition stacks.

Naturally though, it’s likely that one of the 8 Group Stage Teams (main event) will take home the international victory considering they’re the best from their regions. Regardless, we’re very excited for this event.

For more esports news, visit: https://www.esportsguide.com/news

Wild Rift Global Championship Icons Venue – Moving to Singapore

Despite being young, competitive Wild Rift is quickly climbing. Accordingly, the Wild Rift Global Championship Icons venue has been a question for a while. However, in a recent press release, Riot Games revealed more details regarding the event. Read on to learn more about the event below!

Wild Rift Global Championship Icons Venue – Almost Here

Credits: Riot Games

For those uanware, this looks to be one of the top events of the season for this mobile esport. Taking place from the June 14th to July 9th, it’s a global celebration of competitive Wild Rift.

However, initially, the event was set for a Europe venue, however, things have definitely changed for the $2 million Major. Let’s take a look at what Riot Games Esports Staff have revealed:

When first announced, Icons was originally set to take place in Europe. Due to the global pandemic complicating visa application timelines and re-entry dates for many regional teams, Riot Games made the decision to move the competition to Singapore.

This decision will not only ensure that teams have the best chance of attending Icons, but that they also have a great experience at their first Icons championship.

Credits: Riot Games

Celebrating 24 teams from the entire globe, this event looks to be insane. We’ll be sure to keep looking out for any further updates.

For more esports news, visit: https://www.esportsguide.com/news

Wild Rift Global Championship Icons – Major Headed to Madrid

2022 has been an incredible year for Wild Rift. Indeed, with many firsts, the community cannot wait for the Wild Rift Global Championship Icons event! Read on as we discuss released details concerning the venue, we’re headed to Madrid!

Wild Rift Global Championship Icons – Excitement Building

Credits: Wild Rift Esports Twitter

Accordingly, the update actually talks about more than the venue.

Firstly, we have a date also. Indeed, the event has been moved closer to take place in Summer rather than the end of the calendar year!

This change in calendar is supported by comments from Leo Faria, the global head of esports for Wild Rift:

That’s something we’re really excited [about] because we can get the team who works on the League of Legends World Championship and have them also work on Icons and on VALORANT Champions.

Credits: Leo Faria, GH of Esports for WR
Credits: Wild Rift Esports Twitter

Indeed, the reason is clear – Riot Games wants to spread out their S-Tier events to even the load.

Furthermore, the following seeds have been confirmed for the following regions:

  • SEA – Four teams
  • Brazil – Three teams
  • Latin America – Three teams
  • EMEA – Three teams
  • Korea – Three teams
  • North America – Two teams
  • Japan – Two teams
  • Wild Rift League – Four teams

With the stage set, we’ll be happy to bring further details for the event looking to take place on June 14th!

For more esports news, visit: https://www.esportsguide.com/news

Wild Rift WNS Championship – First NA LAN Next Month!

Described as the Wild Rift WNS Championship or the North America Series, there’s an awesome event next month. Accordingly, Wild Rift esports is taking off in the region with this essential piece of competition – read on as we preview it!

Wild Rift WNS Championship – Fact Sheet

Wild Rift e
Credits: Riot

As the highest level of competition for Wild Rift esports in North America, here are some details to bear in mind below:

  • Dates: April 29th to May 1st
  • Prize: $80,000
  • Participants: Eight teams from North America
  • Seed: one spot at the Icons Global Championship 2022 for the winner

Also, second place will earn a Play-In spot for the potential spot at the Icons Global Championship 2022. So far, we have confirmed the attendance of Immortals and Sentinels following Major 2.

Screenshot  e
Credits: Riot Games

Indeed, the remaining spots will be decided by Major 3 (4) and the Last Chance Qualifier (2).

Taking place offline, this event looks to push the region forward as it builds towards the largest event of the year, and ever in the esports history.

Accordingly, we can’t wait to dive into the event. We’ll be sure to keep our eyes out following the Major 3 this weekend.

For more esports news, visit: https://www.esportsguide.com/news

LPL Wild Rift League Announced – Over $787,000!

As we’ve been observing, Wild Rift esports is making huge waves forward. Accordingly, as one of the top mobile esports right now, the expansion into sister leagues for LoL is a great idea. Indeed, bearing this in mind, the LPL Wild Rift League was just announced – read on as we discuss the details below!

LPL Wild Rift League Announced – More Prize than LPL!

Credits: Riot Games

Specifically, the league is called “League of Legends: Wild Rift League”. Here are some details:

  • Prize: $787,000
  • Dates: Kicking off March 19th
  • Seed: spots for the Global Championship on the line (first ever for Wild Rift)
  • Venue: Shanghai WRL Stadium
  • Participants: 12 teams

Apart from being the top Wild Rift league in the world, there’s more. Accordingly, the community has been stunned by the prize pool – more prize than the LoL league!

Wild Rift Esports
Credits: Riot Games

We can’t wait for the competition to kick off in the coming days. As stated above, this is a chance for teams to seed to the Icons World Championship Group Stage for first place. Also, second to sixth place earn a spot in Qualifiers/Play-In.

This year is going to be huge for Wild Rift, and we’re all for it.

For more esports news, visit: https://www.esportsguide.com/news

Snapdragon Pro Series Announced – $2,000,000 For Mobile Esports

Indeed, as we’ve held strong for the best two years, mobile esports is one of the newest and most exciting sectors in esports. Accordingly, hosting incredible events and pushing the boundaries, we’re always keeping track. Indeed, we’re thrilled with the announced Snapdragon Pro Series – let’s cover it below!

Snapdragon Pro Series Announced – Quick Facts Below

How to get into Mobile Esports?
Credits: PUBG Mobile

Accordingly, here are some points to bear in mind:

  • Organizers: ESL Gaming and Qualcomm Technologies
  • Regions: North America, Europe, Middle-East, China, North Africa and Asia-Pacific
  • Format: multiple multi-genre mobile esports competition, ending in an epic live Masters final event

This is simply incredible. Accordingly, through their press release, more details were made clear.

Indeed, a $2,000,000 prize pool has been announced. Accordingly, this will all be shared on three levels of competition – Open, Challenge and Masters.

Mobile Esports
Credits: AoV

Take a look at the words from the CCO at ESL Gaming:

Our new collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies and its Snapdragon brand will elevate our mobile ecosystem to its fullest potential. We’re excited to transform the future of mobile esports for players and fans around the world, continuing to create a world where everybody can be somebody.”

Credits: Rodrigo Samwell, CCO at ESL Gaming

We can’t wait to hear more details about the promised events! This continues to push the limits for mobile esports and we’re all for it. Naturally, this is a great combination.

We’re hoping that the events will be taking later on this year. Maybe there’ll be live crowds if we’re lucky enough. Accordingly, let’s see what happens next!

For more esports news, visit: https://www.esportsguide.com/news

Tribe Gaming Wild Rift Roster 2022 – A New Name

Indeed, Wild Rift esports is still in its early days. Regardless, at this point in time there are certain teams on top of regions. One example is Tribe Gaming for North America. Bearing this in mind, the recent announcement of the Tribe Gaming Wild Rift Roster 2022 has made headlines – read on to learn more!

Tribe Gaming Wild Rift Roster 2022 – Defending the NA Thrones

For those unaware, Tribe Gaming NA is actually an extension of the organization from a different region.

Credits; Tribe Gaming Twitter

Ever since coming to NA, they’ve been dominating thanks to their roster. Yet, in the off-season of last year the likes of Gabriel “Oldskool” Villamariona left the roster – likely due to the international disappointment.

Anyways, this past week the organization has signed Riley “DNZio” Haghian to complete the otherwise unchanged roster, as listed below:

  • Raul “Chuck” Montano-Chaidez (Baron lane)
  • Ray “ttigers” Han (Jungler)
  • Joshrick “Starting” Ainsley Narag (Mid lane)
  • Riley “DNZio” Haghian (Dragon lane)
  • Daniel “MaxGreen” Choi (Support)
Cloud9 Wild Rift Roster
Credits: Riot Games

The main question for this roster is not their regional dominance, but whether or not they can show up internationally. Indeed, they’ll want to do better than their performance at the Horizon Cup 2021, with many events to look forward to this year:

  • 9-10th @ Horizon Cup 2021
  • 1st @ Summoner Series Finals 2021
  • 1st @ Team Liquid Weekly North America #1

For more esports news, visit: https://www.esportsguide.com/news