When most people think of Esports they immediately think about League of Legends, Counter Strike: Global Offensive, and even the fast-growing Dota 2. However, there are many more niches within the world of Esports that have their own thriving communities of gamers and enthusiasts.
Below, we’ve decided to give five minutes of fame to some of the subsectors within Esports that don’t always get the media spotlight. Read on to get your hands on five Esports titles with niche but sizeable followings both on- and offline.
GeoGuessr
GeoGuessr is one of the most unlikely casual games to become an Esports pastime. It’s a simple, real-world game, requiring players to guess where in the world a randomly selected Google Street View location is on a map. The principle is simple – the closer your guess to the real-world location, the bigger your points total.
With single and multiplayer game modes, GeoGuessr has gone on to become a popular Esports title. The Reddit platform has helped encourage the formation of a string of multiplayer GeoGuessr tournaments. The game has also developed a loyal band of followers watching live GeoGuessr events on the Twitch portal.
Poker
It’s fair to say this entry might raise some eyebrows given that poker is one of the world’s most popular card games. However, there has been considerable deliberation in the poker community as to whether it’s an Esport or not. The consensus is that online poker is an Esport, considering the definition of any sport is an activity requiring elements of skill and/or physical activity. In that case, poker makes the cut in this list.
A recent study from Zion Market Research discovered the global online game will be worth $237.5 billion by the turn of the next decade. This is due largely to the rapid proliferation of smartphones and other mobile devices worldwide. The advancement of 4G and 5G connectivity has also made online poker rooms more accessible and some rooms have embraced alternative payment methods like e-wallets and even cryptocurrencies to make deposits and withdrawals more convenient for players.
Zwift
Zwift is an indoor cycling and virtual running training application. Developed and launched in 2014, Zwift empowers cyclists and runners to record and beat their own times, while competing with others worldwide. The Zwift app has always been popular among sportspeople seeking social interaction, hosting a vibrant community within the app.
It’s perhaps no surprise, then, to see Zwift transfer seamlessly into the Esports domain, given the physical nature of the game. The UCI Cycling Esports World Championships are one of the biggest Zwift Esports events. Each championship consists of races hosted in a different city. In 2022, New York City was the home of the competition, with a brace of 50km virtual races across the “Big Apple”. This year’s championship will be staged across virtual Glasgow, the biggest city in Scotland.
Age of Empires
Age of Empires has been around since 1997 and has been a faithful PC game among real-time strategy fiends. There’s been a string of 21st century revamps of the game, encouraging players to build their own civilizations from scratch. It’s fair to say the civilization building concept has always had the potential to become more competitive, with Age of Empires Esports events tasking players with building their new cities faster and stronger than the rest to win cash prizes.
Red Bull Wololo has long been the undisputed gatekeeper of the biggest Age of Empires Esports event online. The one-v-one competition pits casual players and professional players head-to-head in fast-paced battles, culminating in a LAN final staged in Heidelberg Castle, Germany. It doesn’t get more epic than that.
Dead By Daylight
The multiplayer gem Dead by Daylight has also evolved into a niche Esports title. The four-v-one game sees players assume the role of either the killer or one of four victims. The nature of the game’s plot has encouraged Dead By Daylight to become a competitive pastime, with tournaments now regularly marketed through Discord and other gaming communities, including live streams on Twitch.
Today, Dead By Daylight boasts professional leagues – as well as popular amateur leagues – with cash prize pools up for grabs.
Smite
Developed by Hi-Rez Studios, Smite puts a mythological twist on the traditional multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) formula. Players take on the roles of gods and mythological figures, engaging in battles inspired by ancient legends. With a third-person perspective and diverse game modes, Smite stands out as a refreshing alternative in the MOBA genre. The game’s unique approach and dedication to mythological accuracy have garnered a passionate player base and a growing esports community.
Paladins
Paladins, created by Hi-Rez Studios, draws comparisons to Overwatch due to its hero-based shooter mechanics. However, Paladins distinguishes itself with a unique fantasy aesthetic and a card system that allows players to customize their characters’ abilities. The combination of team-based gameplay, customization options, and engaging battles has earned Paladins a dedicated player base and a thriving competitive scene.
Brawlhalla
Developed by Blue Mammoth Games, Brawlhalla brings the excitement of platform fighting games to the esports stage. Similar in concept to Super Smash Bros., Brawlhalla features a diverse roster of characters engaging in fast-paced battles across various stages. The game’s accessible mechanics, frequent updates, and regular esports tournaments have contributed to its growing popularity in the competitive gaming community.
Artifact
Artifact, developed by Valve, is a digital collectible card game that takes inspiration from the MOBA genre. While its initial release faced challenges, the game’s strategic depth, complex mechanics, and connection to the Dota 2 universe have attracted a niche audience of competitive players. With ongoing updates and a dedicated player base, Artifact remains a unique addition to the esports landscape.
When you consider the diversity which exists in niche Esports titles, aside from mainstream Esports, competitive gaming is in a very good place to build for the future.