Electronic Sports, or eSports, is no longer a new sector, and instead, it is thriving in this modern era. The advancement in technologies have aided the industry, but undoubtedly the players’ obsession with gaming that ensured eSports will continue to be one of the most lucrative sporting events in the world.

Of course, games shape the future of eSports, but the economy around the industry is expected to hit $1.65 billion by 2021, and it is fuelled by over 250 million players and a further 307 million fans who watch the events. It is largely following in the footsteps of the success of online gambling, with the most popular of them being roulette; you can learn all about the popularity of roulette apps here. But which games should players be expecting to see at eSports competitions this year?

Call of Duty: Black Ops 4

The latest instalment of the popular Call of Duty franchise was released in October of Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, and Play Station 4. The main addition to the game is the mode called ‘Blackout’. This enables players to partake in the ever-popular battle royale mode. However, it has been recently announced that this mode won’t be competed within the 2019 season, with the designated modes revealed by the Call of Duty World League (CWL) as Search & Destroy Hardpoint, and Control.

There have however been changes to the rules, with the most notable of which being the inclusion of five vs five competitions. While this year will also include the most significant prize pool to date in the CWL; with a massive $6 million up for grabs. Players have also welcomed the removal of region restrictions for LAN events.

Clash Royale

This popular game has been published and developed by Supercell and is popular among the players that prefer strategy gaming. Unlike the previously mentioned game, this has been prominent with mobile players, as it was released on IOS and Android devices in March 2016. The best part of the game is its ability to mesh together multiple genres into the game; ensuring that it appeals to a broader range of fans. The main games include the collectable card game, tower defence, and the only battle arena.

The official eSports league for the developer last year consisted of 40 teams from Europe, Asia, China, and North and Latin America. These teams each consisted of four to six players, with three of these players contesting in the one-on-one and two-on-two games. The best team from each region progressed to the World Finals.

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

There aren’t many games around that can claim to have as much of an impact as Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, or CS: GO for short. The developer’s Hidden Path and Valve launched the game in 2012, and it became an eSport the following year. The latter of the developers also sponsors the Major Championship; in which 24 teams to compete against one another for a prize pot of $1 million. This is also one of the most lucrative markets for gamblers, as CS: GO betting is massively popular with the eSports community.

The Electronic Sports League is planning on making a significant change to the league system before the Katowice Tournament, as they will look to pit teams against opponents with similar rankings, as opposed to players of different levels facing off against each other.