Ever thought about leveling up your gaming experience? Not just unlocking a new tier or a special weapon but truly diving deep and discovering the thrilling universe that lies just beneath the surface of casual gaming?
Competitive gaming is that universe. If you have a passion for video games, why not consider venturing into the competitive scene? Even if it’s just for a trial, this transformative journey can reshape the way you view gaming.
Let’s explore some areas of competitive gaming and unveil the adrenaline, tactics, and unmatched excitement they offer.
Competitive Fighting Games
Fighting games have gained immense popularity in the world of esports due to their unique blend of strategy, skill, and intensity. These games demand quick reflexes, precise execution of combos, and a deep understanding of character matchups. The competitive nature of fighting games creates an adrenaline-fueled atmosphere, captivating both players and spectators alike.
With a rich history and iconic titles like Street Fighter and Tekken, fighting games have become a staple in the esports scene. The thrill of outsmarting opponents, the excitement of high-stakes matches, and the constant pursuit of mastering complex mechanics make fighting games a favorite among esports enthusiasts.
Game Highlight: Street Fighter VI
As a series that has been with us for decades, Street Fighter continues to dominate the fighting game scene. Players memorize combos, perfect their timings, and anticipate opponents’ moves to come out on top.
YouTube Recommendation: Maximilian Dood – A great channel for understanding the mechanics, updates, and competitive techniques.
Game Highlight: Tekken 7
With its rich history and iconic characters, Tekken remains a staple in the 3D fighting game domain. From juggling mechanics to the intricate rage arts, players immerse themselves in the depth of combat, studying each fighter’s unique moveset and style. Intense matches, tactical counter-plays, and heart-stopping final round moments define the Tekken experience.
YouTube Recommendation: Avoiding The Puddle – Aris dives deep into Tekken gameplays, guides, and analyses, making his channel essential for enthusiasts looking to improve their game.
Game Highlight: Super Smash Bros. Melee
A game that refuses to fade despite newer iterations, Super Smash Bros. Melee holds a special place in the fighting game community. With its fast-paced gameplay, diverse character roster, and deep mechanics, players continuously push the boundaries of what’s possible in this GameCube classic. Edge guarding, wave dashing, and pinpoint aerials are just a few intricacies of this enduring title.
YouTube Recommendation: SSBM Tutorials – For those looking to master the world of Melee, this channel offers character guides, advanced techniques, and insights into competitive play.
Competitive MOBAs (Multiplayer Online Battle Arenas)
MOBAs, or Multiplayer Online Battle Arenas, are incredibly fun due to their dynamic nature and strategic gameplay. These games offer a unique mix of teamwork, individual skill, and intense competition. Whether it’s coordinating with teammates to execute elaborate strategies or making split-second decisions to outplay opponents, every match is a thrilling experience.
The diverse roster of heroes or champions with distinct abilities adds depth and replayability, allowing players to find their preferred playstyle. Additionally, the constantly evolving metagame and updates ensure that the experience remains fresh and engaging. Overall, the combination of strategy, teamwork, and the satisfaction of outsmarting opponents is what makes MOBAs such an enjoyable and addictive genre.
Game Highlight: League of Legends
LoL isn’t just a game; it’s a cultural phenomenon. Two teams, each with their own base, strive to destroy the opponent’s nexus, all while battling it out in strategic and frenetic clashes.
YouTube Recommendation: LoL Esports – Directly from Riot Games, this channel provides insights into pro matches, player strategies, and more.
Game Highlight: DOTA 2
DOTA 2 is more than a mere digital contest; it’s a symphony of strategy and skill. Two teams, each guarding their ancient, engage in an epic tussle to obliterate the opposing side’s sacred monument. The game thrives on teamwork, complex decision-making, and mastering a diverse roster of heroes.
YouTube Recommendation: PurgeGamers – Known for his comprehensive guides and game analyses, Purge breaks down DOTA 2 strategies, mechanics, and meta shifts, making it an invaluable resource for both newbies and veterans. For a humorous angle, SirActionSlacks remains a fan-favorite, offering a comedic twist on DOTA 2’s happenings.
Game Highlight: Mobile Legends: Bang Bang
Mobile Legends has emerged as an emblem of mobile MOBA mastery. Two teams clash in a 5v5 battle, striving to breach defenses and topple the adversary’s base. With a vast array of heroes to choose from and a gameplay design optimized for mobile devices, it has captivated gamers worldwide.
YouTube Recommendation: MLBB Esports – A channel dedicated to broadcasting major Mobile Legends tournaments, offering insights into pro plays, and analyzing game mechanics. For a comedic touch, Gosu General provides entertaining gameplay peppered with hilarious in-game antics.
Competitive RTS (Real-Time Strategy) Games
RTS games: a mesmerizing blend of strategy, resource management, and fast-paced action. With ever-changing battlefields, players must adapt, outsmart opponents, command armies, conquer territories. It’s a captivating genre, immersing players in thrilling complexity, satiating the hunger for challenge.
From massive armies to cunning tactics, RTS games offer strategic depth and intense competition. Engage, conquer, strategize – the allure of the RTS genre remains unyielding, transcending time and captivating gamers with its addictive gameplay.
Game Highlight: StarCraft II
A game of wit, strategy, and quick reflexes, StarCraft II challenges players to amass armies, conquer territories, and outsmart their opponents in intergalactic warfare.
YouTube Recommendation: Day9TV – Known for his in-depth analyses, Day9 helps both newcomers and veterans refine their strategic gameplay.
Game Highlight: Age of Empires II
Spanning across centuries of human civilization, Age of Empires II immerses players in historical battles and expansive empires. With a diverse set of civilizations to choose from, players craft strategies, manage resources, and deploy units, aiming to ascend as the ultimate historical commander.
YouTube Recommendation: T90Official – A leading voice in the AoE2 community, T90 showcases expert-level games, community events, and provides valuable insight for players looking to sharpen their strategic prowess.
Competitive Shooters
Competitive first-person shooter (FPS) games have gained immense popularity for their intense action, strategic gameplay, and adrenaline-fueled battles. Whether you find yourself in the midst of fast-paced skirmishes or collaborating with teammates to outsmart opponents, these games deliver a gripping experience that keeps players on the edge of their seats.
With a focus on split-second decision-making and precision aiming, competitive FPS games offer an immersive and exhilarating journey into the world of high-stakes combat. Join a vibrant community of gamers and test your skills as you dive into the exciting realm of competitive FPS gaming.
Game Highlight: Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO)
Tactics, team dynamics, and precision shooting make CS:GO a competitive gaming titan. Two teams – terrorists and counter-terrorists – strive to, respectively, perpetrate and prevent terrorism.
YouTube Recommendation: WarOwl – Offering tutorials, strategies, and game analyses, WarOwl is a perfect destination for budding CS:GO enthusiasts.
Game Highlight: Apex Legends
In a futuristic battleground known as the Outlands, Apex Legends stands out with its vibrant characters and high-octane gameplay. Teams of Legends, each with their unique abilities, duke it out in fast-paced matches, aiming to be the last squad standing. The blend of team strategy, mobility, and dynamic combat makes it a thrilling experience for both players and viewers.
YouTube Recommendation: Staycation – With his engaging content covering everything from gameplay strategies, character breakdowns, and in-depth tutorials, Staycation is a must-follow for aspiring Apex champions.
Game Highlight: Team Fortress 2
Set against a cartoonish backdrop, Team Fortress 2 offers a delightful mix of humor and competitive shooting. Two teams, RED and BLU, compete across various objectives, from capturing points to escorting payloads. With a diverse roster of nine unique classes, players can explore a range of gameplay styles, ensuring that battles remain endlessly entertaining.
YouTube Recommendation: Uncle Dane – As a go-to source for Engineer mains and more, Uncle Dane’s channel is packed with tips, tricks, and insights that cater to both novices and TF2 veterans alike.
Speedrunning
Similar to any other racing sport, speedrunning is a single player competitive format where you try to reach your goal as quickly as possible. Due to YouTube and events such as Games Done Quick the speedrunning community has seen a huge surge in the last decade growing to unprecedented sizes.
Why do people speedrun you ask? Put simply, because it’s a hell of a lot of fun. From perfecting your skills to seeing the direct results of your practice with every run, to the heartstopping moments right when you’re about to hit a personal record, there aren’t many activities in gaming that can beat these sensations.
For more Speedrunning YouTubers check out our article on ‘The Top Speedrunning Channels on YouTube‘
Game Highlight: Super Mario 64
Speedrunning involves finishing a game as quickly as possible, often exploiting glitches. Super Mario 64 remains a popular choice with its vibrant worlds and challenging jumps.
YouTube Recommendation: Summoning Salt – Delve into the history and progress of various game speedruns with gripping narratives.
Game Highlight: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Embarking on a quest in the vast province of Skyrim usually promises hours of exploration, dragon slaying, and mastering the Thu’um. However, speedrunners have other plans, striving to complete this epic journey in mere minutes. Using a blend of game knowledge, exploits, and precise movements, Skyrim speedrunners redefine the Dragonborn’s adventure.
YouTube Recommendation: Tomato*nus – This channel provides speedruns with explanations and commentary from top runners in multiple games with a slight focus on Bethesda Titles such as Skyrim and Fallout 3.
Game Highlight: Minecraft
While Minecraft is typically a sandbox game known for its endless creativity, the speedrunning community has crafted its own unique challenge: defeating the Ender Dragon in record time. Starting from scratch, players mine, craft, and fight their way to the End dimension, all while the clock ticks relentlessly.
YouTube Recommendation: Dream – Renowned for his Minecraft speedruns, Dream showcases innovative strategies, impressive gameplay, and also produces intriguing Minecraft-related content that keeps viewers entertained and informed.
For more Minecraft YouTubers check out our article on ‘The most subscribed Minecraft YouTubers‘
Other Esports
Esports embraces diverse niches and unconventional blends. If you enjoy any game, chances are a competitive format exists. From farming simulations to quirky indie titles, competitive scenes emerge, blurring genre lines. Esports thrives on the unexpected, uniting enthusiasts under unexpected banners.
Game Highlight: Tetris
I’m sure everyone here knows Tetris, but did you know that there is also a thriving competitive gaming scene around the classic title for the NES? Competitive Tetris is some of the most adrenalin inducing suspenseful shows of skill in the unorthodox competitve gaming world.
YouTube Recommendation: ClassicTetris – For those intrigued by the world of competitive Tetris, this channel offers tournaments, strategies, and player insights.
Game Highlight: Rocket League
When soccer meets turbo-charged vehicles, you get Rocket League. A unique blend of sports and vehicular mayhem, players in this high-octane arena race, flip, and boost their cars to score goals. The competitive scene is fierce, with players mastering intricate aerial maneuvers and team strategies to outpace and outscore their rivals.
YouTube Recommendation: SunlessKhan – An educator and entertainer in the Rocket League community, SunlessKhan offers a blend of tutorials, comedic sketches, and deep dives into the meta and strategies of the game.
FAQs:
Why should I try competitive gaming?
Competitive gaming enhances your skills, offers a sense of accomplishment, connects you with like-minded gamers, and can even open pathways to professional gaming careers.
How do I start with competitive gaming?
Begin by selecting a game you’re passionate about, join its community, watch tutorials, and participate in online tournaments or local gaming events.
Is there a significant investment required to start competitive gaming?
While certain games might require specific hardware for optimal performance, many gamers start with their existing setup and invest as they progress.
Can I earn through competitive gaming?
Yes, many players earn through tournaments, sponsorships, streaming, and content creation. Consistency and skill development are key.
Competitive gaming isn’t just about vying for a win; it’s about passion, community, growth, and experiencing video games on a dimension you might never have imagined. Dive in, give it a try, and embark on a journey that’s as exhilarating as it is rewarding!
