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 Q3 2021!
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
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.
Tier 1 – CS:GO, Dota 2 and LoL Cementing Themselves
- CS:GO – PGL Major Stockholm – Peak Viewers 2,748,434
- LoL – 2021 Worlds Championship – Peak Viewers 4,018,728
- Dota 2 – The International 10 – Peak Viewers 2,741,514
- PUBG Mobile – PUBG Mobile World Invitational – Peak Viewers 1,051,608
Earlier this year, we welcomed PUBG Mobile to tier Tier 1 thanks to an incredible performance at PMCO. Accordingly, we’re happy to see them retain their spot here with the other heavyweights in the world.
Yes, the other three remain the top 3 esports in the world following their seasonal events. All three of which were simply astronomical and reminded the world of the massive potential behind the esports scene.
Tier 2 – Welcoming VALORANT and Free Fire – Esports Tier List Q3
- Free Fire – World Series 2021 Singapore – Peak Viewers 5,415,990
- Call of Duty – CoD Championship 2021 – Peak Viewers 238,794
- VALORANT – Stage 3 Masters Berlin – Peak Viewers 811,370
- PUBG – PUBG Continental Series 5 Asia – Peak Viewers 891,727
- Rainbow Six – Six Sweden Major 2021 (ongoing) – Peak Viewers 100,214
Moving into Tier 2, we have some more exciting changes to discuss.
Specifically, we’d like to welcome both Free Fire and VALORANT to this level.
Starting with VALORANT, we’ve been carefully monitoring its growth. Accordingly, although events have smaller prize pools due to its infancy, the event is yielding a tonne of attention and is constantly growing. Accordingly, we can’t wait to see what VCT Champions brings to the table.
Otherwise, Free Fire has also been waiting to climb on our list. Although still in need of more consistent regional events, the recent Singapore event set a new record for esports viewership and we couldn’t hold the esport off any longer.
Otherwise, we’re happy with how Call of Duty and PUBG are faring, although concerned somewhat with Rainbow Six and its plateu. Ever since Q1, we moved it to Tier 2 and it looks to stay until it manages to compare to Tier 1 esports.
Also, you’ll notice that we’ve moved Overwatch to Tier 3, and we have reasons why.
Tier 3 – AoV On the Brink of Promotion
- Rocket League – RLCS Season X European Championship – Peak Viewers 178,272
- Kings of Glory/Arena of Valor – Arena of Valor World Cup – Peak Viewers – 550,057
- Fortnite – FNCS All-Star Showdown Europe – Peak Viewers 227,175
- Overwatch – OWL 2021 Playoffs – Peak Viewers 134,320
With regards to Overwatch, it’s a combination of factors – the lower viewership and unexcited state of the community have lowered the prospects for this esport. We’ll be expecting more from the esport in the upcoming season.
Furthermore, we’ve temporarily moved Rocket League down a Tier as the season didn’t end too well, with the final regional events failing to attract too much attention with the cancellation of Worlds.
One final point – AoV is doing very well right now, and will likely see a promotion next tier list as the esport continues to dominate mobile esports MOBAs.
Tier 4 – Hearthstone Staying
- StarCraft II – DH SC2 Masters Winter Europe 2021 – Peak Viewers 31,132
- StarCraft – KCM Race Survival 2021 Season 2 – Peak Viewers 4,067
- FIFA – FIFA 22 Challenge – Peak Viewers 174,089
- Hearthstone – Masters Tour Silvermoon 2021 – Peak Viewers 15,278
Meanwhile in Tier 4, there isn’t much to say. All four of these esports are struggling – take FIFA’s event with a pinch of salt as it isn’t necessarily a competitive event.
Conclusion and Prospects – Esports Tier List Q3
Prospective changes for Q4:
- Moving Rainbow Six From Tier 2 Down to Tier 3 – looking at the numbers, they simply don’t match with other Tier 2 Esports. Although they have regular events and regional leagues, the numbers are struggling.
- Promoting AoV from Tier 3 to Tier 2 – especially with the AIC 2021 On the Way, viewership numbers may continue climbing.
- Rocket League earning their spot back in Tier 2
We hope you enjoyed the read – let us know your opinion below.
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