Some of you may feel, “I want to start eSports, but I don’t know which one to choose,” “Are there competitions that can be enjoyed on smartphones or Switch?” or “I want to know the criteria adopted in tournaments.”

eSports allows you to choose a game that suits you by organizing genres and required skills.

This article explains a list of eSports games categorized by genres such as FPS and MOBA, titles that are adopted in world championships and for professional licensing, and tips on choosing games for different consoles and beginners.

Furthermore, we will introduce recommended games based on characteristics such as reflex-based and strategic thinking.

By reading to the end, you will acquire the criteria to find an eSport that you can enjoy for a long time as a competitive activity, allowing you to discover the optimal title and start your challenge in eSports.

List of eSports Games by Genre

eSports refers to the field of games that has established itself as a competition where victory and defeat are contested under clear rules, differing from typical entertainment-based games.

The competitiveness and required skills vary by game title, and the experience and direction for improvement can change significantly depending on the genre chosen.

In this section, we will introduce the main 10 genres used in eSports and representative games.

1. FPS
2. TPS
3. RTS
4. MOBA
5. Fighting Games
6. Sports Games
7. DCG
8. Racing Games
9. Music Games
10. Puzzle Games

Let’s look into the differences among each genre and their characteristics as competitions.

For more detailed explanations about eSports, check out other articles available.

» What is eSports? An easy-to-understand explanation of its structure, history, and popular events.

FPS

FPS stands for a game genre where players control characters from a first-person perspective and compete using firearms and other weapons.

Since the view displayed on the screen is from the player’s viewpoint, the accuracy of aiming and situational judgment directly affects victory or defeat.

FPS establishes itself as a competitive field under clear rules and is characterized by the requirement of both individual skill and team coordination.

Some representative FPS titles are as follows:

• Rainbow Six Siege: A tactical combat game where players are divided into attacking and defending sides, fought within buildings.
• Apex Legends: A battle game where three-player teams move across a vast map aiming to survive to the end.
• Counter-Strike: Global Offensive: A round-based battle game where two teams of five fight with the aim of planting and defusing bombs.

FPS can be regarded as a genre suitable for those who seek high competitiveness due to its demand for precision in operation and judgment.

TPS

TPS refers to a game genre where players control characters from a third-person perspective.

Since the entire character is displayed on screen, the ability to position and understand the surroundings is a notable feature.

The competitive rules are well-structured, and judgment and movement significantly influence the outcomes.

Some representative TPS titles are as follows:

• Fortnite: A battle game where players utilize building elements to be the last one standing.
• The “Splatoon” series: Team battle games where players compete by covering areas with ink and achieving set rules.
• PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS: A realistic battle game where players gather equipment across a vast map aiming for survival.

TPS is a genre suitable for players who value situational judgment, as it demands strategic gameplay taking advantage of a wide field of view.

RTS

RTS stands for a game genre where players manage resources and command units without pausing the game.

This genre requires quick decision-making and long-term strategic planning, leading to a direct impact on outcomes.

The ability to design the overall flow of the match significantly influences results.

Some representative RTS titles are:

• StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void: A battle game where players gather resources to build armies and aim to dominate the opponent’s base.
• Clash Royale: A real-time battle game where units are deployed instantly, and strategies are competed within short match durations.
• Clash of Clans: A strategic game where players grow their base and organize troops, competing in attack and defense planning.

The RTS genre requires foresight and accuracy in judgment, making it suitable for players who prioritize strategic depth.

MOBA

MOBA stands for a game genre where multiple players form teams and aim for victory through role division and cooperation.

This genre involves capturing and defending positions on a predetermined map, where situational judgment and teamwork directly lead to results.

It emphasizes not only individual skills but also tactical understanding and collective actions.

Some representative MOBA titles include:

• League of Legends: A 5v5 battle game where players push lanes aiming to destroy the opponents’ base.
• DOTA 2: A team battle game where players control heroes with diverse abilities and engage in tactical combat.
• Legendary Duel – Arena of Valor: A 5v5 smartphone battle game competing for base destruction in short matches.

MOBA requires cooperation and judgment, making it a recommended genre for players who enjoy team-based competitions.

Fighting Games

Fighting games are games where players control characters in a 1v1 or team format, battling to reduce each other’s health.

Accuracy and reaction speed in controls are crucial, and the mind games and tactics heavily influence match outcomes.

The high competitiveness of fighting games is characterized by the fact that a single misjudgment can lead to defeat.

Some representative fighting game titles are:

• Street Fighter 6: A battle game focusing on executing techniques and managing distance, recognized in global tournaments.
• Tekken 8: A battle game utilizing three-dimensional movements and combos, mainly centered around close-range combat.
• GUILTY GEAR –STRIVE-: A battle game characterized by stylish visuals and a unique system, focusing on the pace of offense and defense.

Fighting games are a competitive genre where individual skills influence the outcomes, making performance disparities quite evident.

Sports Games

Sports games are games based on real-life sports where players compete using tactics and controls.

As they are based on actual rules, competitive experience and knowledge significantly affect the results.

Sports games emphasize tactical understanding and situational judgment, characterized by their high replicability as competitive events.

Some representative sports game titles include:

• eFootball: A football-themed game where players compete for match control through precision in operation and tactics.
• The “FIFA” series: Football games where players control real-life athletes and clubs aiming for victory through match strategies.
• The “eBASEBALL Powerful Pro Baseball” series: A game that simplifies offensive and defensive baseball operations for competitive play.

Sports games allow for easy application of competitive experience and are understandable for spectators, making them a suitable genre.

DCG

DCG stands for a game genre where players use cards to formulate strategies and determine outcomes through mind games against opponents.

This genre is not just influenced by luck; deck building and situational judgment directly relate to the results.

DCGs have a competitive nature enhanced by both pre-match preparation and choices made during the match, emphasizing mental acuity.

Some representative DCG titles include:

• Shadowverse: A battle game where players combine different cards by class and aim to reduce each other’s health.
• Hearthstone: A battle game where players utilize hero abilities and card effects to compete for dominance on the board.
• TEPPEN: A battle game incorporating action elements where players deploy cards in real-time.

DCGs demand critical thinking and accurate judgment, making them suitable for players who focus on strategy.

Racing Games

Racing games are genre of games where players control real or fictional vehicles, competing for ranks through driving skills and judgment.

Precision in controls and course management directly influence the outcomes, where slight mistakes can sway victory or defeat.

Racing games not only require reflexes but also stable operation and concentration.

Some representative racing game titles are:

• Gran Turismo SPORT: A battle game competing for ranks with accurate driving using real vehicles and tracks.
• Zwift: A game that reflects actual riding data, allowing players to compete in online cycling races.
• The Mario Kart series: A competitive racing game where players race on courses using items.

Racing games highlight the importance of honing driving skills, making them an excellent choice for players who excel in stable play.

Music Games

Music games are a genre where players perform actions according to the rhythm and sounds, competing in precision and reaction speed.

Players must instantly judge the synchronization between the display and sound, where concentration and precision are crucial for victory or defeat.

Music games tend to showcase individual skill rather than competitive elements.

Some representative music game titles are:

• Taiko no Tatsujin Nintendo Switch Version: A performance-based game where players hit to the rhythm of songs to compete for scores.
• beatmania IIDX: A music game where players perform songs through multiple button controls, focusing on accuracy.
• Dance Dance Revolution: A physical game where players move to match rhythms at their feet and compete for scores.

Music games allow for visible improvement through repeated practice and are suited for players looking to sharpen their skills.

Puzzle Games

Puzzle games are a genre where players use their thinking and judgment within set rules to compete for scores or outcomes.

This genre requires instant judgments and foresight, where analytical skills are more critical than speed of operation.

Puzzle games have minimal luck factors and can clearly demonstrate skill disparities.

Some representative puzzle game titles include:

• The “Puyo Puyo” series: A competitive game where players create chains of the same color to send obstacles to opponents.
• Puzzle & Dragons: A puzzle RPG where players move drops within a time limit, competing based on combos and formations.
• Tetris: A classic puzzle game where players arrange falling blocks, competing based on the number of clears and duration.

Puzzle games emphasize thought power and stable judgment, making them suitable for players who prioritize competitiveness.

List of eSports Games with Professional Licenses

In Japan, the Japan eSports Union selects titles that meet certain standards as certified eSports and issues professional licenses.

Being eligible for a professional license supports player activities and tournament participation in a systematic manner.

The main titles certified by the Japan eSports Union are:

• UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH II Sys:Celes
• eFOOTBALL
• GUILTY GEAR –STRIVE-
• Granblue Fantasy Versus
• Granblue Fantasy Versus -Rising-
• Street Fighter 6
• DNF Duel
• Tekken 8
• Dead or Alive 6
• TEPPEN
• Virtua Fighter esports
• Puzzle & Dragons
• BLAZBLUE CENTRALFICTION
• BLAZBLUE CROSS TAG BATTLE
• Puyo Puyo
• Monster Strike
• Real-time Battle Shogi
• Rainbow Six Siege

Certified titles are easier to establish a competitive environment and are crucial indicators when aspiring to be a professional in Japan.

List of eSports Games Adopted in World Championships

In global gaming competitions, only titles that are evaluated for competitiveness and fairness are adopted.

This section introduces the games adopted in two representative global tournaments.

1. Games of the Esports World Cup
2. Games of the Olympic Esports Series

Let’s take a closer look.

Games of the Esports World Cup

The Esports World Cup is a large-scale gaming tournament where the world’s top players gather.

It adopts multiple genres of eSports, and titles that combine competitiveness with global popularity are selected.

In the 2025 tournament, a broad range of titles, from long-standing staples that have supported the eSports scene to recent works expanding their player bases, were adopted.

The main adopted games list is as follows:

• VALORANT
• League of Legends
• PUBG MOBILE
• Street Fighter 6
• EA Sports FC 25
• Teamfight Tactics
• StarCraft II
• Rennsport
• Rocket League
• Chess

The Esports World Cup can be considered a highly focused tournament that adopts games evaluated on a global standard.

Games of the Olympic Esports Series

The Olympic Esports Series is an international tournament centered on competitions that align closely with the values promoted by the Olympics.

In 2023, it was held in Singapore as the “Olympic Esports Week,” featuring titles that emphasized physicality and strategy.

Unlike typical eSports tournaments, it is characterized by suppressing violent expressions and emphasizing connections with actual sports.

The main game titles adopted in the 2023 tournament are as follows:

• Gran Turismo 7
• Zwift
• Chess.com
• WBSC eBaseball™ Powerful Pro Baseball
• Just Dance
• Virtual Regatta
• Tennis Clash
• Virtual Taekwondo
• Tic Tac Bow

The Olympic Esports Series represents an endeavor to demonstrate a new competitive image of eSports.

List of eSports Games by Platform

The competitive environment and ease of participation in eSports tournaments vary depending on the platform used.

This section organizes and introduces games used in eSports by three different platforms.

1. PC
2. Home Consoles
3. Smartphones

Understanding the characteristics of each platform will help you identify competitive titles that are easy to participate in.

PC

PCs are the most widely used hardware in eSports competitions.

With high processing power and flexibility in controls, they are suited for competitions that require quick reactions and precise operations.

Another feature of PC eSports titles is the ease with which tournament management and streaming environments can be prepared.

Some representative eSports game titles for PC include:

• VALORANT
• Counter-Strike 2
• League of Legends
• DOTA 2
• Apex Legends

PCs have a large player base and a high number of tournaments, making them suitable hardware for those who want to engage seriously in eSports.

Home Consoles

Home consoles are hardware that provides a unified control environment, allowing for fair competition.

They are easy to introduce for tournament venues and official events, and their spectator-friendly design and understandable controls are highly regarded.

Titles on home consoles have proven track records as official tournament and certified competition titles.

Some representative eSports game titles for home consoles include:

• Street Fighter 6
• Tekken 8
• The “Splatoon” series
• The “Super Smash Bros.” series
• eFootball
• The “FIFA” series
• Gran Turismo SPORT
• The “eBASEBALL Powerful Pro Baseball” series

Home consoles make it easier to create competitive environments, making them a preferred choice for those looking to participate in eSports tournaments.

Smartphones

Smartphones are hardware that is easy to engage with competitive gaming.

They do not require expensive equipment, and as long as there’s a stable internet connection, players can easily participate in tournaments or online matches.

Many titles on smartphones also host official tournaments and representational qualifiers.

Some main game titles that have solid competitive scenes on smartphones include:

• PUBG MOBILE
• Knives Out
• Clash Royale
• Monster Strike
• Brawl Stars
• Arena of Valor
• Puzzle & Dragons

Smartphones have a low barrier to entry, making them a recommended platform for those looking to start eSports casually.

List of eSports Games for Beginners

For beginners venturing into eSports, titles that have intuitive controls and allow for gradual improvement are recommended.

The rationale is that these games are easy to understand and provide a sense of achievement even with short play sessions.

Since eSports is based on competition, ease of continuation for skill improvement is essential.

With the above in mind, the features of eSports games suited for beginners are summarized as follows:

• Limited basic operations with fewer concepts to memorize.
• Short match times, making it easy to try again after a loss.
• Large player populations, ensuring easy matchmaking.

Specific game titles include the “Splatoon” series, “Rocket League,” and the “Puyo Puyo” series.

Starting with beginner-friendly titles can help you experience the competitive aspects of eSports without pressure.

What Are the Criteria for eSports Games to Be Listed?

There are criteria for games to be continuously adopted in tournaments in eSports.

This section explains the four criteria for games to be listed in eSports.

1. Clear and fair rules for determining victory and defeat.
2. A design that excites spectators.
3. Elements of skill, strategy, and mind games.
4. A large player population and high recognition.

Let’s take a closer look at each criterion.

Clear and Fair Rules for Determining Victory and Defeat

Having clear and fair rules for determining outcomes is an important requirement for games to be listed in eSports.

Because eSports is fundamentally competitive, a structure is needed to objectively determine who won the match without ambiguity.

If the criteria for judgment are not uniform, it may undermine the reliability of the competition.

Additionally, it is crucial that designs create minimal disparities between players.

Adjustments to the performance differences in character selection or equipment are important so that skills are more easily reflected in results.

By ensuring clear rules and fairness, competitive gaming becomes viable in tournaments.

A Design That Excites Spectators

For a game to be listed in the eSports roster, it is essential to have a game design that allows spectators to intuitively understand the match’s unfolding.

The easier it is for viewers to grasp victory conditions or advantages through visuals, the higher their satisfaction with the viewing experience.

Games with uncomplicated rules and visually represented scores and progress tend to attract attention in tournaments.

Having a structure that excites spectators is an essential criterion for eSports to be widely recognized as a competitive activity.

Elements of Skill, Strategy, and Mind Games

Having elements of skill, strategy, and mind games is another significant standard for games to be included in eSports.

In eSports, not just操作（skill） proficiency, but the ability to make situational judgments and read opponents’ actions affect victory and defeat.

Team competitions demand precision in role assignment and cooperation, and individual skills alone are not enough to secure a win.

The choices and judgments made during matches can change the flow, adding depth to the competition.

Games incorporating these structures are appreciated for their ability to be enjoyable even after repeated viewings.

A Large Player Population and High Recognition

For a game to be listed in eSports, it is critical to have a large global player population and high recognition.

Titles with a larger player base draw in contestants and viewers more easily, leading to stable operations for tournaments.

For example, League of Legends is reported to have around 100 million players monthly, with international competitions held continuously.

Apex Legends boasts tens of millions of users globally, leading to regional leagues and world championships.

Games that balance player populations and recognition tend to be adopted in eSports competitions for extended periods.

Which eSports Is Right for You? Recommended Games by Characteristics

Since eSports requires different abilities and play styles, various games are suited to individuals based on their characteristics.

This section introduces recommended games categorized by four traits to help you find the best eSports for your strengths.

1. Reflex Type
2. Strategic Thinking Type
3. Short Match Type
4. Cooperative Type

Considering the differences by type, let’s check the most compatible competitions.

Reflex Type

If you want to play a game that utilizes your reflexes, FPS, where instant judgment and accuracy directly determine victories, is recommended.

In FPS, the speed of reaction from discovering enemies to aiming and shooting becomes vital, and the ability to react quickly before strategizing shines.

Responses are typically rated higher than in standard games, and practice more evidently reflects results.

Some representative FPS title examples include:

• VALORANT
• Apex Legends
• Counter-Strike 2

Those confident in their reflexes might find success challenging themselves with FPS in tournaments.

Strategic Thinking Type

If you want to play while thinking strategically, MOBA or DCG, where players make repeated judgments throughout the match, are recommended.

Focusing on situational analysis and forward-thinking decisions directly influences victories over split-second actions.

MOBA and DCG, in particular, highlight the importance of role division, resource management, and mind games, making them ideal for those who excel in strategic thinking.

Some representative title examples include:

• League of Legends
• DOTA 2
• Shadowverse

Strategic thinkers may find enjoyment in honing their judgment skills through eSports.

Short Match Type

For those who want quick matches, fighting games where resolutions happen quickly in each match are ideal.

Matches generally resolve within minutes, allowing players to experience many bouts while maintaining focus.

Fighting games instantly reflect precision and mind games in outcomes,让玩家能轻松识别自己的技能, enabling repetitive learning in a short time.

Some representative short match type title examples are:

• Street Fighter 6
• Tekken 8
• GUILTY GEAR –STRIVE-

As you accumulate short matches, the chance to experience improvement facilitates enjoyment of competitive play despite limited time.

Cooperative Type

If you want to achieve victory through teamwork, FPS, TPS, or MOBA where team coordination greatly affects the outcomes is recommended.

Role division and information sharing become essential, making cooperative gameplay more impactful than individual skills.

Some titles emphasizing cooperation are:

• Apex Legends
• VALORANT
• League of Legends

You can relish the essence of team competitions by working together in these titles.

Conclusion

This article has discussed the list of eSports games categorized by genre, platform, and characteristics.

The skills required in eSports can differ significantly among genres such as FPS, MOBA, and fighting games, and standards for world championship adoption and professional licensing also exist.

The emphasis on competitiveness, fairness, and spectator engagement distinguishes eSports from traditional games.

On the other hand, choosing the wrong platform or play style may hinder your sense of improvement.

By selecting titles that match your characteristics and environment based on the content presented in this article, you can enjoy eSports as a long-term competitive activity.

If you are interested in the latest information about eSports, refer to the following article as well.

» Experience new excitement at the Tokyo eSports Festival 2026!