What does it take to truly captivate the audience in the world of esports, and which teams have it? It’s more often than not that a LoL pro play highlight wows you so much that you look into the competitive scene. Thus, viewership is widely regarded as a measure of influence and skill.
A lot of pro teams successfully turn crowds into regular fans that subscribe to every match and watch every stream on different platforms. Some just do it better, though, becoming top five of the most watched esports teams in 2024.
Quick List: Top Five Most Watched Esports Teams in 2024
This year, these five teams have truly emerged as audience magnets, gaining huge following and growing their fanbase in social platforms larger.
- #1 – Team Liquid (864 million Hours Watched)
- #2 – T1 (789 million Hours Watched)
- #3 – G2 Esports (786 million Hours Watched)
- #4 – Fnatic (588 million Hours Watched)
- #5 – Natus Vincere/NAVI (571 million Hours Watched)
Team Liquid
Team Liquid, the global powerhouse of an esports organization tops this list unsurprisingly. Their presence across multiple game titles and across multiple regions contribute to their position among the most watched esports teams in 2024.
They have teams for over 20 games, and have rosters in North America, Europe, and Asia. And the numbers aren’t the only thing to account for the massive viewership too. Their recent The International 2024 (DOTA 2) victory and Intel Grand Slam Season 2 (Counter-Strike) title show that it’s excellence that draws the fans and audience in.
T1
T1’s specialization has been, for years, League of Legends. They have dominated the scene as the most decorated LoL esports team in history. Being five-time Worlds champions, there’s no questioning the huge influence that has built a massive following and even viewership outside the fanbase.
In addition, T1’ LoL team has gotten several partnerships and collaborations as well as endorsements that have increased their exposure. Thus, it comes as no surprise that 88% of their viewership comes from their LoL roster. Beyond League, they have also ventured into Valorant and are slowly gaining prominence in the scene as well.
G2 Esports
G2 Esports, undeniably are forces to be reckoned with even across multiple games. Yet, they have seemed to master another aspect that boosts their viewership. Despite being a younger organization, G2 Esports have been killing it on social media, with their unique approach easily bringing them closer to fans.
A quick look at their X (formerly Twitter) official account will already tell you how they keep audiences engaged with witty interactions and humorous posts. They’re on top of the esports marketing game, knowing how to stay true to their brand.
Fnatic and Natus Vincere (NAVI)
To end the list, we have the European giants Fnatic and NAVI in top 4 and 5. Fnatic has been consistently popular in the Counter Strike and League of Legends scenes with its respective rosters. With significant achievements and increased viewership, it makes sense that their prominence have landed them among the most watched esports teams.
NAVI, standing as the most popular organization in Eastern Europe, have brought in fans especially from their Counter Strike brilliance. Their slow exploration of other game titles may also boost their viewership and rankings in the future.
What Makes a Team Watchable?
The transformation from amateurs to the most watched esports teams did not happen overnight. In fact, their reputation and support base took years to grow and maintain. The huge viewership numbers for these teams can be achieved with:
- expanding global reach
- competing in multiple game titles
- making engaging social media content
- marketing players’ personalities beside their skills
Nowadays, a lot of emerging teams across different games have also paid lots of attention to these things on top of winning. Saudi Arabia and Southeast Asia in particular are producing more talents and making them well known through these strategies. Teams like Twisted Minds and Team Falcons are expanding their rosters, while Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) teams are gaining significant traction.
Conclusion
The human side of esports is hard to miss, especially with fans and viewers producing data like these. More than just winning, there’s also great value placed in relatability and personalities. Along with players’ skills and achievements, their viewers come back to streams and matches for the teamwork and passion poured into games.
These most viewed esports teams of the year have ticked most if not all of the boxes, deserving the massive viewership and constant support pouring in. Ultimately, it shows that they’ve created an experience that keeps people coming back for more.