Fastest Growing Esports Games of 2025
The esports landscape in 2025 showcased remarkable growth, with several titles emerging as dominant forces in viewership and engagement. According to Esports Charts, these are the fastest growing esports games of the year, ranked by the percentage increase in hours watched compared to 2024.
1. Arena of Valor: +136.5% Growth
Tencent’s mobile MOBA, Arena of Valor, led the pack with a staggering 136.5% surge in hours watched, reaching 141.7 million in 2025. The game’s competitive scene thrived, particularly in Asia, with the SEA Games 2025 hitting a milestone of 1 million peak viewers. Key tournaments like the Honor of Kings Invitational Series and Arena of Glory Winter 2025 drove this growth, fueled by Tencent’s strategic investments in Southeast Asia and new seasonal formats. The introduction of franchised leagues and enhanced streaming accessibility further boosted its global appeal.
2. Delta Force: +76.2% Growth
Team Jade’s tactical FPS, Delta Force, solidified its esports potential with a 76.2% increase in hours watched, totaling 25.3 million. Launched in 2025, the game’s global tournament circuit, blending online qualifiers with offline finals, captivated audiences. Its finale event alone garnered 1.4 million views, reflecting strong community engagement. Regular content updates, anti-cheat measures, and a focus on high level competitive play positioned Delta Force as a staple for 2026.
3. The Finals: +65.7% Growth
Embark Studios’ dynamic FPS, The Finals, saw a 65.7% rise in hours watched, reaching 20.1 million. Since its 2025 debut, the game attracted major organizations like Fnatic and TSM, supported by in game items and a partner program. Its expanded 2026 esports ecosystem, including APAC tournaments and grassroots integration via the Regional Fame Index, promises continued growth. The Finals’ innovative gameplay and vibrant competitive scene made it a fan favorite.
4. Honor of Kings: +43.8% Growth
Honor of Kings, another Tencent MOBA, grew by 43.8%, amassing 351.4 million hours watched. Despite a modest 3.8% increase in prize money due to its fixed tournament structure, the game’s massive mobile audience in China and growing international presence drove viewership. The King Pro League Grand Finals 2025 set a Guinness World Record for the largest esports attendance, highlighting its cultural impact.
5. Fortnite: +39.4% Growth
Epic Games’ Fortnite climbed to fourth in prize money rankings with $15.6 million awarded, reflecting a 39.4% growth in hours watched to 104.7 million. Changes to its competitive format, including expanded global events, reinvigorated the battle royale’s esports scene. Fortnite’s consistent updates and cross platform accessibility kept it relevant, with strong performances at events like the Games of the Future 2025.
Key Trends Shaping 2025
Mobile esports continued to dominate, particularly in Asia, with titles like Arena of Valor and Honor of Kings leading viewership. The rise of tactical FPS games like Delta Force and The Finals signaled a shift toward dynamic, skill based shooters.
Additionally, global tournament circuits and grassroots initiatives, as seen in The Finals and Delta Force, deepened talent pools and fan engagement. The Asia-Pacific region, especially China and Southeast Asia, remained the epicenter of esports growth, with India emerging as a fast-growing market.
Since: October 29, 2025
