Which Esports Teams Dominate Competitive Gaming?
The phenomenon of competitive gaming, also known as esports, has revolutionized the way we perceive video games. Far from the days of solitary or small group play, esports takes gaming to a new level, with teams of highly skilled players competing in intricate virtual arenas—often for big prize pools. And over the past decade or so, a few big-name teams have emerged to dominate the esports scene.
Team play allows esports competitors to combine their unique skills and strategies in a way that no single player could accomplish. Much like traditional sports organizations, esports teams provide a structure that facilitates communication, cooperation, and strategic planning. The team structure also provides social and financial support to players, and can help them build their careers, providing a path for individual competitors to achieve even greater fame and fortune.
The top esports teams have fascinating origin stories and an impressive record of accomplishments. So, let's look at some of the most famous esports teams competing today.
Astralis
Astralis, a Danish esports team, has become synonymous with success in the Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) scene. Formed in 2016, Astralis was an independent venture by players departing from Team SoloMid, a move that marked the start of a new era in player-controlled professional gaming.
The team's history is a testament to their consistent dominance in the world of esports. Astralis not only excelled at numerous international competitions but also made history with what's been called a groundbreaking strategic approach to gameplay.
Their first significant success was the victory at the ELEAGUE Major in Atlanta in 2017. Astralis further cemented their name in esports history with back-to-back victories at the Intel Extreme Masters in 2019 and 2020. And the squad's disciplined playstyle and strategic superiority continue to make them a formidable force in the CS:GO landscape.
Evil Geniuses
Established in 1999, the Evil Geniuses esports team is a titan in the competitive gaming sector. Originally centered around the game Quake, they branched out to cover games like Counter-Strike and Defense of the Ancients (DotA), subsequently becoming a multi-gaming organization.
Evil Geniuses made their foray into the League of Legends scene in 2013. Their winning history is filled with notable victories, including triumphs at The International 2015 Dota 2 Championship and the 2018 Call of Duty World League Championship. These achievements earned Evil Geniuses accolades for its ability to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing gaming landscape.
Team Liquid
Team Liquid, an esports team originating in the Netherlands in 2000, started as a StarCraft community. By 2010, they transitioned into an esports team and began expanding their gaming roster to include League of Legends and other games.
Team Liquid's history is replete with noteworthy victories that prove their competitive edge. Their success at The International 2017 Dota 2 Championship, four consecutive LCS titles in League of Legends, and a win at the Intel Grand Slam for CS:GO in 2019 are all testaments to exceptional gaming prowess.
Complexity
Complexity Gaming is one of the longest-standing and most recognized esports organizations in North America, founded in 2003 by Jason Lake. Originally a competitive Counter-Strike team, Complexity has over time expanded its rosters to compete in Dota 2, Call of Duty, Hearthstone, and more. Notable achievements include winning CPL Winter 2004 and having their Dota 2 squad compete in multiple editions of The International, considered the game's premier tournament.
In 2017, Complexity gained yet more recognition when Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys, and real estate mogul John Goff acquired a majority stake in the team—highlighting the fusion of traditional sports with the rapidly evolving world of esports. Complexity also has partnered with Lenovo. We've equipped players with cutting-edge Lenovo hardware and technology solutions, with additional, joint initiatives in the areas of content creation and fan engagement. The 2022 sponsorship announcement even included naming Complexity's Texas headquarters the Lenovo Legion Esports Center.
OG
Founded in 2015, the OG esports team has gained significant acclaim in the Dota 2 competitive scene. Their innovative playstyle and ability to perform under pressure have helped them secure a place among the top teams in the world.
OG's ascent to the pinnacle of Dota 2 was marked by their consecutive victories at The International in 2018 and 2019—a feat that was unprecedented in esports history. Their innovative strategies and unorthodox playstyle have had a major influence on the way Dota 2 is played at the highest levels.
FaZe Clan
FaZe Clan's journey started in 2010 as a YouTube sniping team. However, they quickly diversified into competitive gaming and made a name for themselves in various games, most notably Call of Duty.
FaZe Clan's legacy is highlighted by their victories at several Call of Duty Championship tournaments, including the CWL Pro League 2018 and the CWL Championship 2020. Their accomplishments have extended to CS:GO as well, where they won the ELEAGUE CS:GO Premier in 2017.
SK Telecom T1
South Korea's SK Telecom T1 esports team was founded in 2002 and made their mark in the League of Legends scene. Their calculated approach to gameplay and team coordination led to victories at the League of Legends World Championship in 2013, 2015, and 2016.
In addition to their triumphs in League of Legends, SK Telecom T1 also boasts achievements in other games. Their StarCraft II team won the Global StarCraft II League championship multiple times, which top gaming experts linked to their commitment to nurturing talent and pushing boundaries.
Fnatic
Fnatic, a British esports organization established in 2004, has left an indelible mark on the esports scene. With an extensive history in games such as League of Legends, Fnatic has consistently proven to be a force to be reckoned with.
Among Fnatic's standout accomplishments is their victory at the first-ever League of Legends World Championship in 2011. And their CS:GO team has secured three major championships, further reinforcing their status as one of the most successful esports organizations.
Other notable esports teams
In addition to these titans of the esports world, several other teams have made significant contributions to the esports scene:
- Cloud9: This North American team, founded in 2013, made waves in the League of Legends scene, notably winning the 2018 League Championship Series. In 2023, they achieved a stunning victory at the LCS Spring Finals.
- G2 Esports: Founded in 2014, this European team has likewise had a strong presence in League of Legends, winning numerous EU (European Union) LCS titles. Their most recent triumph was at the 2022 LEC Summer Split.
- Natus Vincere: Recognized for prowess in CS:GO, this Ukrainian team has secured numerous victories since its inception in 2009, including a memorable win at the PGL Major Stockholm in 2022.
- 100 Thieves: Established in 2017, this American team has proven its mettle in multiple games, including Call of Duty and League of Legends. Their Call of Duty team stood victorious at the Call of Duty League 2023 Championship, marking a significant milestone in their history.
- Rogue: Founded in 2016, Rogue has made a name for itself in the eSports scene, particularly in games such as Overwatch and League of Legends. Their Overwatch team took home the crown at the Overwatch League 2022 Grand Finals.
- TSM: This squad, also called Team SoloMid, has been a mainstay in the eSports industry since 2009, excelling in various games including League of Legends and Fortnite. They also clinched first place at the 2023 Fortnite World Cup.
- Team Vitality: This French team, established in 2013, has risen to prominence, too. They made a splash in 2022 by winning the Rocket League Championship Series Season X - Europe.
- Dallas Empire: As part of the Call of Duty League, Dallas Empire has made big strides since their formation in 2020, including a triumph at the Call of Duty League 2022 Championship.
- Invictus Gaming: Invictus Gaming, a prominent Chinese team founded in 2011, has a solid history in multiple games. One recent victory came at the 2023 League of Legends Pro League Spring tournament.
- Virtus.Pro: Founded in 2003, this Russian esports organization has shown big skill in games like Dota 2 and CS:GO. Their Dota 2 team achieved a remarkable victory at the 2023 Dota 2 Major, solidifying their position as one of the top Dota 2 teams worldwide.
Conclusion
Esports, with its blend of competitive gaming and team dynamics, is making indelible marks on the gaming landscape. The best esports teams—like those described here—have elevated the level of gameplay and shaped today's competitive gaming industry.
With their unique origins, team histories, and impressive accomplishments, these top esports squads are inspiring gamers worldwide. They're proving that esports is more than just gaming. It's a global phenomenon that's redefining popular entertainment.
