In the rapidly evolving landscape of eSports, mobile gaming has emerged as a powerhouse, attracting millions of viewers worldwide. From intense strategy games to fast-paced shooters, mobile eSports offers a diverse array of competitive experiences.
Rank | Game | Genre | Developer | Publisher | Platforms | Release date | Peak viewers |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Mobile Legends: Bang Bang | Multiplayer online battle arena | Moonton | Moonton | Android, iOS | July 14, 2016 | 2 225 961 |
2 | Arena of Valor | Multiplayer Online Battle Arena | TiMi Studio Group | Level Infinite, Garena | Android, iOS, iPadOS, Nintendo Switch | October 12, 2016 | 656 556 |
3 | PUBG Mobile | Battle royale | LightSpeed & Quantum Studio, PUBG Studios | Level Infinite | Android, iOS | March 18, 2018 | 513 680 |
4 | Free Fire | Battle Royale | Garena, 111 Dots Studio | Garena | Android, iOS, iPadOS | December 8, 2017 | 340 521 |
5 | Battlegrounds Mobile India | Battle Royale | Krafton | Krafton | Android, iOS, iPadOS | July 2, 2021 | 210 795 |
6 | Brawl Stars | Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) / Hero Shooter | Supercell | Supercell | Android, iOS, iPadOS | December 12, 2018 | 130 561 |
7 | Identity V | Survival horror | NetEase Games | NetEase Games | Windows, Android, iOS | April 2, 2018 | 61 238 |
8 | Honor of Kings | Multiplayer Online Battle Arena | TiMi Studio Group | Level Infinite | Android, iOS | November 26, 2015 | 46 736 |
9 | Clash Royale | Real-time strategy | Supercell | Supercell | iOS, iPadOS, Android | March 2, 2016 | 45 692 |
10 | Standoff 2 | First-Person Shooter | Axlebolt | Axlebolt | Android, iOS, HarmonyOS | April 17, 2017 | 16 127 |
This article ranks the best mobile eSports games based on viewership, highlighting the titles that have captured the most attention and engagement from the global audience. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or new to the scene, discover which mobile games are dominating the eSports world and why they command such a large following.
Top-10 Mobile eSports Games
1. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang
Genre: MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena)
Release Date: July 14, 2016
Developer: Moonton
Peak Viewers: 2 225 961
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) is notable for its massive global player base and its significant impact on the mobile eSports scene. The game has become a cultural phenomenon, particularly in Southeast Asia, where it enjoys immense popularity and has a dedicated following. It is a staple in major eSports tournaments, attracting millions of viewers and offering substantial prize pools. MLBB has broad reach and engagement. The game’s success is driven by its accessibility on mobile devices, regular content updates, and strong community support. Its integration of in-game events and collaborations with various brands makes it an ideal platform for marketing campaigns. Additionally, MLBB’s ability to retain a large and active player base provides ample opportunities for brand exposure and audience engagement through sponsorships, in-game advertising, and event partnerships.
2. Arena of Valor
Genre: MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena)
Release Date: October 12, 2016
Developer: TiMi Studio Group
Peak Viewers: 656 556
Arena of Valor (AoV) is notable for its global reach and popularity, particularly in Asia. It has been tailored to appeal to Western markets as well, offering a comprehensive MOBA experience on mobile devices. The game features a variety of heroes, strategic gameplay, and regular updates, which keep the player base engaged. AoV represents a prime opportunity due to its high viewership in eSports events and its strong player engagement. The game has a significant presence in competitive gaming, with tournaments that draw large audiences both online and offline. Its association with major gaming and eSports organizations enhances its credibility and reach. The ability to integrate in-game advertising, sponsorships, and collaborations with popular gaming personalities makes AoV an attractive platform for marketing campaigns. The game’s success in various regions highlights its versatility and effectiveness as a medium for reaching diverse demographics.
3. PUBG Mobile
Genre: Battle Royale
Release Date: March 18, 2018
Developer: LightSpeed & Quantum Studio, PUBG Studios
Peak Viewers: 513 680
PUBG Mobile is notable for revolutionizing the battle royale genre on mobile platforms and achieving massive global popularity. It offers an immersive gaming experience with high-quality graphics, realistic gameplay mechanics, and frequent updates, keeping the player base engaged and growing. PUBG Mobile has extensive reach and substantial viewership in the eSports domain. The game boasts millions of active players and regularly features in high-profile eSports tournaments with significant prize pools. These events attract large audiences, both online and offline, providing ample opportunities for brand exposure. Additionally, PUBG Mobile’s in-game advertising options, sponsorship opportunities, and partnerships with influencers and content creators make it an attractive platform for marketing campaigns. The game’s ability to engage a diverse and global audience ensures that marketing efforts can reach a wide demographic, enhancing brand visibility and engagement.
4. Free Fire
Genre: Battle Royale
Release Date: December 8, 2017
Developer: Garena, 111 Dots Studio
Peak Viewers: 340 521
Free Fire is notable for its widespread popularity, especially in regions such as Southeast Asia, Latin America, and India. Known for its fast-paced and accessible gameplay, Free Fire has carved out a significant niche in the battle royale genre on mobile platforms. The game features short, intense matches that are well-suited for mobile play, making it highly engaging for players on the go. Free Fire has a massive and active player base. The game frequently hosts large-scale eSports tournaments, attracting millions of viewers and substantial media attention. These tournaments, along with regular in-game events and collaborations with celebrities and brands, offer unique opportunities for marketing and sponsorship. Free Fire’s ability to retain a loyal and engaged community, combined with its innovative in-game advertising options and partnerships, makes it an ideal platform for reaching a diverse and enthusiastic audience. The game’s success and influence in emerging markets also provide marketers with a valuable channel to tap into these growing regions.
5. Battlegrounds Mobile India
Genre: Battle Royale
Release Date: July 2, 2021
Developer: Krafton
Peak Viewers: 210 795
Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) is notable for being the Indian adaptation of the globally popular PUBG Mobile. After PUBG Mobile was banned in India in 2020 due to security concerns, Krafton developed BGMI to comply with local regulations and re-enter the market. This localized version has garnered immense popularity in India, quickly amassing millions of downloads and a large active player base. BGMI has a massive and dedicated audience in one of the world’s largest gaming markets. The game’s success in India offers unique opportunities for brands to engage with a young and tech-savvy demographic. BGMI frequently hosts eSports tournaments and in-game events that attract significant viewership, providing excellent platforms for sponsorships and advertising. Additionally, BGMI’s collaborations with Indian celebrities and influencers enhance its appeal and reach. The game’s integration of local cultural elements and events further strengthens its connection with the Indian audience, making it an effective medium for targeted marketing campaigns.
6. Brawl Stars
Genre: Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) / Hero Shooter
Release Date: December 12, 2018
Developer: Supercell
Peak Viewers: 130 561
Brawl Stars is notable for its unique blend of MOBA and hero shooter gameplay, offering fast-paced and highly engaging matches. Developed by Supercell, the creators of popular games like Clash of Clans and Clash Royale, Brawl Stars has quickly gained a massive following worldwide. The game features a variety of modes and characters, keeping the content fresh and appealing to a broad audience. Brawl Stars has a strong community and extensive eSports presence. The game hosts numerous tournaments and championships, drawing large viewership numbers and significant media coverage. These events provide excellent opportunities for brand exposure through sponsorships and advertising. Brawl Stars’ vibrant in-game ecosystem, characterized by frequent updates, seasonal events, and collaborations with popular franchises, makes it an attractive platform for marketing campaigns. The game’s ability to engage a diverse and global player base ensures that marketing efforts can reach a wide and varied audience.
7. Identity V
Genre: Asymmetrical Survival Horror
Release Date: April 2, 2018
Developer: NetEase Games
Peak Viewers: 61 238
Identity V is notable for its unique gameplay mechanics and captivating gothic art style, which have attracted a dedicated player base worldwide. As an asymmetrical survival horror game, it pits one hunter against four survivors in a thrilling cat-and-mouse chase. The game’s distinctive characters, immersive storylines, and frequent updates keep the content fresh and engaging for players. Identity V has strong community engagement and presence in the eSports scene. The game hosts numerous tournaments and competitive events, drawing substantial viewership and media attention. These events offer prime opportunities for sponsorships and advertising, allowing brands to reach a dedicated and active audience. Identity V’s collaboration with various franchises and brands for in-game events and cross-promotions further enhances its marketing potential. The game’s success in blending horror elements with strategic gameplay makes it an attractive platform for marketing campaigns targeting a diverse demographic of gamers.
8. Honor of Kings
Genre: MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena)
Release Date: November 26, 2015
Developer: TiMi Studio Group (subsidiary of Tencent Games)
Peak Viewers: 46 736
Honor of Kings, known as Arena of Valor in international markets, is one of the most successful and popular MOBA games globally, particularly in China. The game offers a rich and engaging multiplayer experience, with various heroes and strategic gameplay elements that keep players returning for more. Its high-quality graphics and seamless mobile interface have helped it amass a vast player base. Honor of Kings has enormous reach and influence in the mobile gaming market. The game consistently ranks as one of the highest-grossing mobile games worldwide, with millions of active users. It also boasts a thriving eSports scene, featuring numerous high-profile tournaments that draw large audiences and extensive media coverage. The game’s significant player engagement and frequent updates provide excellent opportunities for brand exposure through in-game advertising, sponsorships, and collaborations. Additionally, Honor of Kings’ success in the competitive mobile gaming landscape makes it an ideal platform for reaching a young and tech-savvy demographic, offering substantial potential for marketing campaigns.
9. Clash Royale
Genre: Real-time Strategy
Release Date: March 2, 2016
Developer: Supercell
Peak Viewers: 45 692
Clash Royale stands out as a pioneering mobile game that blends real-time strategy, tower defense, and collectible card game mechanics into a highly addictive and competitive format. Developed by Supercell, the creators of Clash of Clans, Clash Royale quickly became a global phenomenon, amassing millions of players and maintaining a strong presence in the mobile gaming market. Clash Royale has an extensive and active player base, which spans diverse demographics globally. The game’s frequent updates, new card releases, and seasonal events ensure continuous player engagement. Clash Royale also boasts a robust eSports scene, with regular tournaments and championships that attract significant viewership and media coverage. The game’s success is driven by its compelling gameplay and the strong community of players who actively participate in in-game events and online forums. This provides ample opportunities for brand exposure through in-game advertising, sponsorships, and collaborations with popular influencers and content creators. Furthermore, Supercell’s reputation for producing high-quality games enhances the credibility and visibility of marketing campaigns associated with Clash Royale.
10. Standoff 2
Genre: First-Person Shooter (FPS)
Release Date: April 17, 2017
Developer: Axlebolt
Peak Viewers: 16 127
Standoff 2 is notable for its immersive and competitive first-person shooter gameplay, which closely resembles the popular Counter-Strike series. It has gained a significant following due to its high-quality graphics, responsive controls, and engaging multiplayer modes. The game’s focus on tactical gameplay and team coordination has made it a favorite among FPS enthusiasts on mobile platforms. The game frequently hosts in-game events, updates, and tournaments that attract a substantial number of players and viewers. These elements provide excellent opportunities for brand exposure through sponsorships, in-game advertising, and collaborations with gaming influencers. The game’s success in maintaining a dedicated and engaged user base is a testament to its appeal and the potential it offers for marketing campaigns. By tapping into the competitive gaming scene and leveraging the game’s popularity, marketers can reach a highly engaged and targeted audience, enhancing brand visibility and engagement.
The Rising Impact of Mobile eSports
The mobile eSports industry has witnessed unprecedented growth, propelled by a range of compelling games that have captured the interest of players and viewers alike. These games have established themselves as dominant forces in the competitive gaming arena, thanks to their engaging gameplay, frequent updates, and vibrant communities.
For marketers, the rise of mobile eSports presents a unique opportunity to connect with a highly engaged audience. The extensive viewership of mobile eSports tournaments and events offers ideal platforms for brand exposure through various channels such as sponsorships, in-game advertising, and collaborations with popular influencers. By leveraging these opportunities, brands can significantly enhance their visibility and foster loyalty among a tech-savvy demographic.