Naturally, every esport is trying to be the best version of itself. Indeed, publishers and event organizers work with the community and competitors to cultivate the best environment possible. Accordingly, in this featured article we’ll be taking a look at the Top 5 Esports Scenes 2022!
With regards to our definition of ‘best’, we’ll be using our observations from the past year together with statistics. Indeed, ‘best’ does not translate to objective performance – growth in the esport is given priority! Also, all viewership statistics are publically available at Esports Charts.
#5 – Rocket League
Accordingly, let’s kick things off with a surprise. Yes, Rocket League esports comes in at number 5 this year. Heading into 2022, the esport was experimenting with a brand new format, hoping to find success.
Indeed, success was found. Accordingly, return to physical venues together with a fantastic level of competition drove the scene upwards. Specifically, we’d like to point out that an increased viewership was observed for every subsequent event this year!
Moreover, all Majors this year saw better viewership than prior years, with the World Championship hitting 350,000 peak viewers. Indeed, take a look for yourself below!
RLCS 2021-22 Fall Split Major – $300,000
- Peak Viewers – 280,226
- Average Viewers – 150,251
RLCS 2021-22 World Championship – $2,085,000
- Peak Viewers – 368,721
- Average Viewers – 154,302
While there’s still some work to be done, the growth scene in 2022 deserves credit.
#4 – Dota 2 – Top 5 Esports Scenes 2022
Moving on, we have a different story – a disappointing one.
Painting as one of the top esports, Dota 2 esports did not reach expectations this year. Failing to return in style after the global situation, viewership struggled a little too with regards to Valve’s Dota Pro Circuit.
In addition, controversy around some DPC decisions doesn’t help.
Regardless of the lacking viewership, the main flop came in the form of The International 2022. Failing to reach half the prize pool of the prior year, and only 70% of the viewership, we can’t help but wonder.
Again, we need to point out that objectively, it was still a good year for Dota 2 esports. However, when compared to the past, this is a potential low-point to bounce back from.
PGL Arlington Major 2022
- Peak Viewership – 707,907
- Average Viewership – 305,286
The International 2022 – $18,930,775
- Peak Viewership – 1,751,086
- Average Viewership – 563,713
#3 – VALORANT
Back to the idea of growth, we have Riot Games’ VALORANT. Indeed, following an impressive opening year, it was time to dial things up a notch for 2022.
Featuring more offline events and fiercer international competition, the competitive and casual community seemed to love VALORANT this year.
In the midst of an evolving competitive scene, the title continues to mature and find its own identity. Under the guise of the experience of Riot Games, an impressive production quality for such a young esport is putting the event on track.
Perhaps, the only hiccup this year was slight inconsistency with viewership, as 2021 events still seemed to edge out some of the 2022 events.
Anyways, VALORANT Champions, the crown jewel of the year, was massively succesful to set a new record for the esport:
VCT 2022: Stage 2 Masters Copenhagen
- Peak Viewership – 783,985
- Average Viewership – 317,604
VALORANT Champions 2022
- Peak Viewership – 1,505,804
- Average Viewership – 525,817
#2 – CounterStrike: Global Offensive – Top 5 Esports Scenes 2022
Moving on, the mention of CS:GO at the top of our list is no surprise.
In comparison to other scenes, 2022 saw a ridiculous amount of competition for CS:GO – the very best schedule in all of esports.
Between multiple Majors, multiple competitive storylines and epic moments, the year was simply epic and reminded everyone about CS:GO’s place in esports.
As you can imagine, it must be difficult to innovate with the competitive title out for so long. However, this year also saw some healthy changes such as Major Qualification adjustments and format changes. There’s honestly not much more to say – CS:GO could have placed first if not for one metric – viewership.
PGL Major Antwerp 2022 – $1,000,000
- Peak Viewership – 2,113,610
- Average Viewership – 586,218
IEM Rio Major 2022 – $1,250,000
- Peak Viewership – 1,428,993
- Average Viewership – 548,100
#1 – League of Legends
Yes, viewership is the main reason why League of Legends is our number one esport from 2022 – a shocking 5,000,000 viewers at World Championship!
However, there’s more to it than that. Thanks to multiple franchised regional leagues, an improvement in regional competition has resulted in international improvements too.
Not changing too much for this year, Riot Games simply finetuned the circuit and let the magic happen naturally. That’s the beauty of this past year for LoL – Riot Games conjure up the best environment possible for competitors, casuals and viewers to enjoy the entire experience.
Take a look at the numbers yourself:
2022 Mid-Season Invitational
- Peak Viewership – 2,194,104
- Average Viewership – 588,187
2022 World Championship
- Peak Viewership – 5,147,701
- Average Viewership – 987,437
Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below! We can’t wait for 2023!
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