The Biggest Esports Teams A Closer Look at the Powerhouses of Competitive Gaming

Esports, or electronic sports, has risen to become one of the most popular forms of entertainment in recent years. This multi-billion dollar industry is centered around competitive video gaming, with professional players and teams competing for large cash prizes and worldwide recognition. And just like traditional sports, there are powerhouse teams that dominate the scene and set the standard for excellence.

In this article, we will take a deep dive into the biggest esports teams in the world. From their origins and rise to success, to their current standings and achievements, we will explore what makes these teams the best in the business. So grab your controller or keyboard, and let’s take a closer look at the powerhouses of competitive gaming.

1. Team SoloMid (TSM): The Undisputed Kings of North America

Founded in 2011, Team SoloMid (TSM) has established itself as the top esports team in North America. Originally focused on League of Legends, TSM has since expanded to other popular games such as Fortnite and Valorant. Led by founder and former player Andy “Reginald” Dinh, TSM has consistently dominated the competition and has a loyal fan base, making it one of the most recognizable names in the esports scene.

Origins and Rise to Success

TSM was first created as a community website for the game League of Legends by Reginald. He later formed a team with his brother and a group of friends and began competing in local tournaments. In 2011, they were picked up by gaming organization Epik Gamer, and TSM was officially born.

Their big break came in 2013 when they won the North American League Championship Series (LCS) Summer Split and secured a spot in the World Championships. TSM continued to dominate the region, winning six consecutive LCS titles from 2013 to 2017. They have also achieved success in other games, winning the Fortnite Fall Skirmish in 2018 and the Valorant Twitch Rivals tournament in 2020.

Current Standings and Achievements

With a current roster of top players such as Søren “Bjergsen” Bjerg and Yiliang “Doublelift” Peng, TSM is still at the top of the North American esports scene. They have consistently placed top three in major tournaments and have earned over $2 million in prize money.

TSM’s dominance and popularity have also attracted big-name sponsors such as Coca-Cola and Logitech, solidifying their status as one of the biggest esports teams in the world. Their fan base, known as the “TSM Army,” is also one of the most dedicated and vocal in the industry, making TSM a household name in the gaming community.

What Sets Them Apart

Apart from their impressive record and talented players, TSM’s success can also be attributed to their strong team culture and management. Reginald has instilled a winning mentality in his players and has created a supportive and professional environment for them to thrive in. TSM also invests in player development, with coaches and analysts helping the team improve their skills and strategies.

Moreover, TSM has been able to adapt and expand into different games, showcasing their versatility and staying power in the ever-changing esports landscape. They have also been pioneers in creating content and engaging with fans through social media, making them more than just a competitive team but also an entertainment brand.

2. Fnatic: The European Powerhouse

Hailing from Europe, Fnatic is another dominant force in the esports world. Founded in 2004, this organization has teams in multiple games, including League of Legends, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, and Dota 2. With a storied history and multiple championship titles, Fnatic has solidified its place as one of the biggest and most successful esports teams in the world.

Origins and Rise to Success

Fnatic was founded by Sam Mathews, who started the organization by selling Counter-Strike servers to gaming cafes. They eventually formed a team and competed in their first tournament in 2005, where they won first place. From then on, Fnatic became a top contender in various games, including World of Warcraft and League of Legends.

Their biggest breakthrough came in 2011 when they won the inaugural League of Legends World Championship, cementing their position as the best team in Europe. They have since won multiple LCS titles and have been consistently ranked as one of the top teams in the region.

Current Standings and Achievements

With a talented roster of players from around the world, Fnatic continues to be a major force in the European esports scene. They have won over $15 million in prize money and placed top three in multiple international tournaments. Their CS:GO team, in particular, has enjoyed success, winning three Majors and becoming the first team to win three consecutive Intel Grand Slam events.

Fnatic has also expanded into other regions, with teams in North America and Asia. They have also partnered with big brands such as BMW and Levi’s, showcasing their global reach and influence.

What Sets Them Apart

One of Fnatic’s standout qualities is their ability to nurture young talent and develop them into top-tier players. Many of their players have gone on to become stars in their own right, such as League of Legends player Martin “Rekkles” Larsson and CS:GO player JW. This not only helps Fnatic maintain a strong roster but also adds to their legacy of producing some of the best players in the industry.

Additionally, Fnatic is known for their innovative strategies and unconventional playstyles, making them unpredictable and difficult to beat. This, coupled with their strong team culture and management, has allowed them to stay competitive and relevant for over 15 years.

3. Natus Vincere (Na’Vi): The Titans of Eastern Europe

Natus Vincere, or Na’Vi, is a Ukrainian esports organization that has been dominating the scene since its formation in 2009. They have teams in multiple games, including Dota 2, CS:GO, and PUBG, but are best known for their success in Counter-Strike. With a dedicated fan base and a long list of achievements, Na’Vi has become one of the biggest and most influential esports teams in the world.

Origins and Rise to Success

Na’Vi was formed by members of the game community “DTS Gaming” who decided to create their own team. They made their debut at the Electronic Sports World Cup (ESWC) in 2009, where they defeated heavy favorites Fnatic and established themselves as a top contender. They continued to dominate in the following years, winning multiple major tournaments and becoming the first team to win three Majors in CS:GO.

However, Na’Vi’s biggest moment came in 2011 when they won The International, the largest and most prestigious Dota 2 tournament. This victory solidified their place as the best team in Eastern Europe and propelled them to international fame.

Current Standings and Achievements

Na’Vi has remained a dominant force in the esports scene, with their CS:GO team consistently ranking in the top ten globally. They have won over $20 million in prize money and have achieved success in various games, including PUBG and World of Tanks.

One of Na’Vi’s notable achievements is their record-breaking undefeated streak of 87 consecutive games in CS:GO, which lasted from August 2010 to October 2011. This feat is still unmatched and showcases the level of dominance this team has achieved in their nearly 12 years of existence.

What Sets Them Apart

Na’Vi is a prime example of a team that has successfully adapted to the ever-changing esports landscape. They have remained competitive and relevant for over a decade, consistently placing high in major tournaments and attracting top talent from around the world.

Their success can also be attributed to their strong support staff, with coaches and managers helping players refine their skills and strategies. Na’Vi also values player welfare and mental health, showing a holistic approach to building a successful team.

4. Astralis: The Danish Powerhouse

Astralis is a Danish esports organization that has become a household name in the CS:GO scene. Founded in 2016, this team has quickly risen to become one of the best in the world, winning multiple Major titles and cementing their position as the top-ranked team in CS:GO for several years.

Origins and Rise to Success

Astralis was created by Danish football club F.C. Copenhagen, who saw the potential in the growing esports industry. The team quickly made a name for itself, winning its first tournament, ELEAGUE Major: Atlanta 2017, just months after its formation. This marked the beginning of Astralis’ domination in CS:GO, with the team winning four Majors and countless other tournaments.

Current Standings and Achievements

Astralis continues to maintain its position as the top-ranked CS:GO team in the world, despite facing tough competition from other top teams. They have won over $8 million in prize money and have consistently placed top three in major tournaments since their formation.

One of their most notable achievements is winning the Intel Grand Slam twice, a feat that no other team has accomplished. This shows their consistency and dominance in the highly competitive CS:GO scene.

What Sets Them Apart

Astralis has set the standard for team performance and excellence in CS:GO. They have a strong focus on teamwork, with players constantly communicating and supporting each other during matches. This has resulted in some of the most innovative and coordinated gameplay the scene has ever seen.

They also prioritize player health and well-being, with a dedicated sports psychologist and training facilities to ensure their players are always in top shape. This has helped maintain their level of consistency and dominance in the industry.

5. Cloud9: The American Trailblazer

Cloud9 (C9) is an American esports organization that has made a name for itself as one of the top teams in multiple games. Founded in 2013, C9 has teams in popular titles such as League of Legends, CS:GO, and Overwatch. With a diverse roster of players from different regions, C9 has become a trailblazer in the American esports scene.

Origins and Rise to Success

C9 was created by Jack Etienne, a former general manager for TSM. Their first breakthrough came in 2014 when they won the League of Legends North American LCS Spring Split, becoming the first non-Korean team to do so. They continued to dominate in the region, winning two more LCS titles in 2015 and 2018.

Their success has since expanded beyond League of Legends, with their Overwatch team winning the inaugural Overwatch League championship in 2018. C9 also acquired the London Spitfire team in 2017, which went on to win the 2018 OWL season.

Current Standings and Achievements

With over $10 million in prize money and multiple championship titles, C9 remains a formidable force in the American esports scene. Their CS:GO team has consistently placed top ten in major tournaments, and their Overwatch teams have achieved success in both the OWL and Contenders league.

C9 has also expanded into mobile gaming, with teams in Clash Royale and Hearthstone. They have also partnered with big brands such as AT&T and Microsoft, showcasing their growing influence and reach in the esports industry.

What Sets Them Apart

C9’s success can be attributed to their risk-taking and innovative approach to team-building. They have been quick to acquire rising talent and form teams in new and emerging games, diversifying their portfolio and staying ahead of the curve. This has resulted in multiple championship titles and a strong presence in the global esports scene.

Their focus on player development and mental health has also helped create a positive team culture, with players striving to perform their best for the organization. C9’s success has also inspired other American teams to invest in the esports industry, paving the way for further growth and recognition in the region.

6. G2 Esports: The European All-Star Team

G2 Esports is a European organization that has teams in multiple games, including League of Legends, Rainbow Six Siege, and Rocket League. Founded in 2013, G2 has quickly risen to become one of the top esports teams in the world, with its League of Legends team winning four straight LEC titles and its CS:GO team becoming the first to win back-to-back Majors.

Origins and Rise to Success

G2 was founded by well-known League of Legends player Carlos “ocelote” Rodríguez Santiago. Their League of Legends team made headlines when it acquired the entire roster of Korean powerhouse roster Samsung Galaxy White in 2015. This move paid off, with G2 winning multiple LEC titles and competing in international tournaments such as the World Championships.

Their CS:GO team has also achieved success, winning multiple Major titles and placing first in global rankings for several months. G2’s Rocket League team is also one of the most dominant in the world, winning RLCS Season 9 and several other major tournaments.

Current Standings and Achievements

G2 has won over $14 million in prize money and is currently one of the top-ranked teams in multiple games. Their League of Legends team remains a top contender in the LEC, and their CS:GO team continues to place top three in major tournaments. Their Rocket League team is also one of the most successful in the world, with multiple championship titles under their belt.

G2’s success has attracted high-profile sponsors such as Red Bull and BMW, showcasing their growing influence and recognition in the industry.

What Sets Them Apart

G2 has been able to create a winning formula by recruiting top players from different regions and forming all-star teams. This has resulted in some of the most talented and diverse rosters in the esports scene, allowing G2 to dominate in multiple games.

The organization also values player personalities and encourages its players to showcase their individuality, making them more relatable and engaging for fans. G2 also invests in content creation, producing entertaining videos and streams that have helped grow its fan base and brand recognition.

Conclusion

Esports continues to grow and evolve, with new teams emerging and dominating the competitive gaming scene each year. The six teams mentioned above are just a few of the biggest powerhouses in the industry, setting the standard for excellence and success in their respective games.

From their origins and rise to success, to their current standings and achievements, it is clear that these teams have what it takes to stay at the top of their game. Their strong team culture, innovative strategies, and dedication to player development have all contributed to their success, making them leaders in the ever-expanding world of esports. As the industry continues to grow, we can expect to see even more powerhouse teams emerge, pushing the boundaries of competitive gaming and solidifying its place as a mainstream form of entertainment.