What types of esports are there? Many of you might have questions like, “I want to find a game genre that suits me!”

Esports has become a competitive field recognized worldwide, encompassing a wide range of genres from FPS to MOBA, and fighting games.

This article will thoroughly explain the types of esports, categorized by genre, platform, and competition format. We will provide detailed insights into the characteristics of each game genre, representative titles, and necessary skills, enabling even beginners to find the field that best suits them.

Types of esports [By Genre]

Esports can be broadly classified into ten genres. Each possesses unique charms and characteristics, leading to a diverse range of games. Let’s check the details of each genre in the following list.

FPS

FPS (First-Person Shooter) is a shooting game where players see the world from the character’s perspective. The screen only shows the character’s hands and weapons, creating an immersive feeling that one is truly in that location.

Some representative FPS titles include:

• VALORANT: A team-based shooter with 5v5 battles.
• Apex Legends: A battle royale format aiming for the last surviving team on a vast map.
• Call of Duty: A classic series themed around warfare.

In FPS, accuracy in aiming (the action of aligning sights) and the speed to make decisions when spotting enemies are essential.

TPS

TPS (Third-Person Shooter) is a shooting game where players control characters from a third-person perspective. This viewpoint allows the entire character to be seen on the screen, generating different strategic possibilities compared to FPS.

The advantages of a TPS perspective include:

• Easy to understand the character’s position and movement
• A broader view of the surrounding situation
• Ease of employing strategies that utilize cover

Since TPS expands the scope of gameplay compared to FPS, it is popular among players who want to strategically advance in their games. Players can monitor their character and the environment simultaneously, making it easier to spot enemy hideouts and judge the timing for attacks or safe movement.

RTS

RTS (Real-Time Strategy) is a strategic game where multiple units (troops) are commanded simultaneously to engage in combat against enemies. It requires multi-faceted thinking, including resource management, troop composition, and tactical planning.

The appeal of RTS lies in the following points:

• Real-time strategic decision-making
• Simultaneous control of multiple units
• Efficient resource management
• Tactical deployments based on anticipating opponents’ movements

Representative titles include “Clash Royale” and “Warcraft III,” captivating players with the tension of real-time situational changes and high strategic depth. This genre is perfect for those who enjoy formulating strategies.

If you want to learn more about the basic overview and history of esports, please refer to the article below.

>>What is esports? A clear explanation of its mechanisms, history, and popular events.

MOBA

MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) is a strategic battle game typically played in 5v5 team battles. Each player assumes different characters and roles, working together as a team to destroy the enemy’s base.

To win in MOBA, the following elements are crucial:

• Collaboration with team members
• Understanding and executing one’s role
• Overall awareness of the map’s situation
• Coordinating team fights at the right moment

The world championship “The International” for “Dota 2” boasts a prize pool exceeding 3 billion yen, making it one of the largest events in the esports scene. It is a deep genre that highlights the importance of teamwork.

Fighting Games

Fighting games are typically one-on-one matchups where success hinges on how accurately a character is controlled and the ability to anticipate the opponent’s actions.

Beyond punches and kicks, the precision of combos and the mind games involved in predicting the opponent’s next move are attractions of this genre.

Fighting games offer the following intriguing aspects:

• Exhilirating feeling of stylish special moves and combos
• Intense tension of one-on-one battles
• Precise attacks and defenses measured in frames
• Individual skill is directly reflected

The “Tekken” series, beloved for over 30 years, is a popular franchise that hosts tournaments like “TEKKEN World Tour,” drawing players from around the world.

Sports

Sports games recreate real sports competitions in digital space. From ball games like soccer and baseball to speed-focused games like basketball and racing, various events can be enjoyed as games.

While players are not physically moving, directing team movements and controlling players allow them to relish the same excitement found in real matches.

Some representative sports games include:

• eFootball™: A staple soccer game that allows players to control athletes and influence the match.
• Pawapuro Pro Baseball: A friendly graphics game that lets players enjoy Japanese baseball.
• NBA 2K: A basketball game that convincingly replicates the movements of professional players.

As sports games are designed based on real-world rules, those familiar with soccer or baseball play intuitively.

Puzzle

Puzzle games involve moving pieces or blocks on the screen to solve problems, requiring logical thinking and quick decision-making.

Players must decide “which shape to place where” within a short time, creating chains or combos, making it a challenging yet fast-paced genre that exercises the brain.

Puzzle games incorporate competitive elements such as:

• Ability to find optimal placements within a limited time
• Skills for creating large chains or combos
• Anticipating the opponent’s board to aim for interference
• Calmness and mental control to avoid rushing while operating

“Puyo Puyo Champions” is known as a puzzle game created for esports, showcasing professional players’ skills in creating impressive chains with simple rules.

Racing

Racing games involve controlling vehicles like cars or bikes to compete on designated courses for the fastest time.

Since the shape of the course and surface differences affect driving techniques, players can enjoy a broad range of titles from realistic driving simulators to more casual arcade-style games emphasizing speed.

In racing games, the following skills are vital:

• Techniques for accurate racing lines and cornering
• Knowledge of vehicle setup
• Reaction speed and judgment for avoiding or overtaking other vehicles
• Strategies for overtaking or exploiting gaps during a race

The enjoyment of using specialized steering controllers, pedals, and racing seats to simulate a real driving experience adds a layer of engagement, making the preference for equipment directly influence the depth of the play experience.

Music

Music games are genres where players press buttons at designated timings according to flowing notes or markers to compete for scores.

Players need to be aware of both the screen movements and the tempo of the music simultaneously, enhancing rhythm sense and reaction speed—characteristics that characterize this genre.

The competitiveness of music games includes:

• Accurate input synchronized with the rhythm of the song and on-screen notes
• Technical ability to navigate high-difficulty charts
• Stamina to maintain concentration over long tracks
• The enjoyment of watching the combination of music and visuals

The fluidity of the players’ finger movements while pressing buttons accurately, along with smooth operation that matches the chart, is so captivating that it turns play itself into a form of performance.

DCG

DCG (Digital Card Game) is a genre where cards are used for duels in digital environments like smartphones and computers.

Players create their own decks and battle opponents with them, significantly impacting the fighting style based on the chosen cards.

In DCG, the following elements affect the outcome:

• Ability to construct decks tailored to the battle environment
• Anticipating what cards the opponent will play next
• Judging which card is most effective from one’s hand
• A sense of balance that incorporates whether fortunate draws yield strong cards

The strategic element of combining card effects to create a winning path, along with the drama of luck-based outcomes, adds depth that never gets stale, no matter how many times one plays.

The tournament scene is also thriving, and those wanting to dive deeper into DCG should check out the tournament information.

>>Experience New Thrills at Tokyo eSports Festa 2026!

Types of esports [By Platform]

Next, we will look at the different types based on the devices (platforms) used to play. Platforms such as PCs, consoles, smartphones, tablets, and Nintendo Switch have their own strengths in game genres. Use this as a reference to choose what fits your environment and play style.

PC and Console Games

PCs and consoles like PlayStation and Xbox are popular platforms often used in esports. They can handle fast-paced games without significant lag, accurately reflecting intricate controls.

Some popular esports titles for PC and consoles include:

• VALORANT: A shooting game with 5-person teams battling it out.
• Apex Legends: A battle royale game where teams fight until the last one standing.
• League of Legends: A game where five players collaborate to destroy the opposing base.
• Dota 2: A team-based game utilizing a plethora of characters and skills.
• Tekken Series: A fighting game where players face off one-on-one.

On PC or consoles, you can choose equipment that suits your preferences, such as mice, keyboards, arcade sticks, or specialized controllers.

Mobile and Tablet Games

Mobile devices and tablets stand out for their convenience, allowing players to jump in and start playing immediately, and the number of esports titles on these platforms is steadily increasing.

Some esports titles available for mobile and tablet include:

• Pokémon Unite (MOBA): A team battle where players cooperate to capture points.
• Shadowverse (DCG): A competitive card game where players combine cards to battle.
• PUBG MOBILE (Battle Royale): A survival game targeting the last person standing on a broad map.
• Knives Out (Battle Royale): A combat game specifically tailored for smartphones.

Since anyone with a device can start playing, it’s popular among those looking to try esports for the first time or enjoy games during school or work breaks.

Nintendo Switch and Home Console Games

Home consoles like the Nintendo Switch provide a variety of titles that are easy for players of all ages to participate in esports.

Some popular esports titles for home consoles include:

• Splatoon 3: An action game where players cover the ground with ink and compete as a team.
• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: A racing game where characters compete for position.
• Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: A competitive action game featuring a multitude of characters.
• Puyo Puyo eSports: A puzzle game where players create chains to attack opponents.

Home consoles allow all players to compete with the same controllers and operating methods, reducing discrepancies in equipment.

If you’re interested in streaming your gameplay, check out the article below for streaming setup tips to enhance your esports experience.

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Types of esports [By Competition Format]

Esports can also be categorized based on the format of competition. The required skills and participation methods vary depending on whether it’s a team match or an individual match, whether it’s a global event or a local one, or whether it’s a major or minor event.

Team Play vs Individual Play

In team play, around 5 members each take on roles, advancing through matches while communicating. Roles are divided among players who engage first, protect allies, and gather information, nurturing a strong team through coordinated movement.

Conversely, individual play is a one-on-one format. It’s employed in fighting games, RTS, and digital card games.

The characteristics of team play versus individual play are as follows:

• Team Play: Requires coordination with allies, role distribution, and timing alignment.
• Individual Play: Controlled skills, situational judgment, and a calm mindset dictate the results.

In both formats, tournaments often create tension that can lead to moments where players can’t perform as expected.

Global Tournaments vs Local Tournaments

Esports includes a variety of events, from international tournaments featuring top players from around the world to smaller local tournaments held in community venues or online. Global tournaments have strict eligibility requirements, allowing only teams that succeed in national qualifiers to participate, resulting in a very high level of competition.

In contrast, local tournaments are often held in local venues or online, making them more accessible for first-time participants. Esports festivals hosted by local municipalities or corporations enable players from the same area to interact and casually experience matches.

If you’re interested in esports, participating in small local tournaments will help you get a feel for the atmosphere, making it easier to find a competition format that suits you.

Major Events vs Minor Events

Esports includes “major events” that boast numerous tournaments worldwide, alongside “minor events” with fewer participants yet supported by dedicated fans.

The following genres host numerous tournaments as major events:

• FPS
• MOBA
• Fighting Games
• Sports Games

On the other hand, while minor events may not have many tournaments, they create a unique excitement as players who love specific genres come together. Some genres that belong to this category include:

• Puzzle Games
• Music Games
• Combat Games Based on RPGs

Esports has appeal in every genre, and the way you enjoy differs greatly depending on the chosen event. Finding a game that captivates you is essential for long-term engagement.

Required Skills by Type of esports

Esports features different characteristics for each genre, leading to various required skills. For instance, some games require quick aiming, while others necessitate teamwork. Knowing your strengths in movement and thinking will help you understand which genres suit you best.

The table below summarizes the necessary skills by representative esports genres and efficient training methods.

Genre	Essential Skills	Training Methods
FPS/TPS	• Accuracy in aiming • Speed of reaction • Situational judgment	• Use aim training software • Continuously adjust sensitivity • Practice collaboration with teammates
RTS/MOBA	• Map management with a broad perspective • Detailed control • Understanding of strategies	• Analyze replays • Study professional plays • Memorize map features
Fighting Games	• Combo precision • Frame data (the speed of moves) • Predictive skills	• Practice combos • Memorize frame data • Gain experience in matches
Sports/Racing	• Operational skills • Understanding of matches and courses • Consistency in racing	• Real-match practice • Research on setups • Practice line-taking
Puzzle/Music Games	• Quick judgment • Pattern recognition • Sense of rhythm	• Short daily practice • Challenge higher difficulties • Training to improve focus
DCG	• Deck-building skills • Understanding of the environment (grasping trends) • Calculating probabilities	• Research the environment • Data analysis • Practice psychological warfare

What’s universally important across all genres is the habit of engaging with games, even briefly, every day.

Conclusion

This article covered the characteristics, representative titles, and necessary skills of esports categorized by genre, platform, and competition format.

Playing styles and required techniques vary significantly across genres such as FPS, MOBA, fighting, and sports games. Use the insights shared in this article to find an event that matches your preferences and perhaps start by watching some matches.

With diverse opportunities, such as world championships and local tournaments, it’s wise to try participating in those that interest you.

If you’d like to stay updated on the latest in esports, refer to the article below.

>>Experience New Thrills at Tokyo eSports Festa 2026!