Esports has exploded in popularity, and with it, a whole ecosystem of professional teams has emerged. These teams compete in various games, from League of Legends and Dota 2 to Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Overwatch, battling for championships and millions of dollars in prize money. If you're looking to dive into the world of esports, knowing which teams are at the top of their game is a great place to start. This article will give you a rundown of some of the best esports teams to watch, highlighting their achievements, star players, and the games they dominate.

The Rise of Esports Teams

The journey of esports teams from small groups of friends competing online to multi-million dollar organizations is nothing short of remarkable. Early esports events were often grassroots affairs, with players bringing their own computers and competing in local venues. As the internet became more accessible and gaming technology advanced, esports began to attract larger audiences and more significant investments. This led to the formation of professional teams, complete with sponsorships, coaches, and dedicated training facilities. Today, these teams operate like traditional sports franchises, with fans, merchandise, and even player trades.

One of the key factors driving the growth of esports teams is the increasing viewership of esports tournaments. Platforms like Twitch and YouTube have made it easy for fans to watch live competitions and follow their favorite teams. Major tournaments, such as the League of Legends World Championship and The International for Dota 2, attract millions of viewers, rivaling the audiences of traditional sporting events. This massive viewership has attracted major sponsors, including Coca-Cola, Red Bull, and Intel, who invest heavily in esports teams and tournaments.

The rise of esports teams has also been fueled by the increasing professionalization of the industry. Teams now employ coaches, analysts, and even sports psychologists to help their players perform at their best. Training regimens are rigorous, often involving hours of practice each day, as well as physical conditioning and mental preparation. This level of dedication and professionalism has helped to elevate the level of competition in esports and attract even more talented players.

Moreover, the structure and management of esports teams have evolved significantly. Teams are now often owned by larger organizations, such as traditional sports teams or esports companies, which provide the resources and expertise needed to succeed. These organizations invest in player development, marketing, and fan engagement, helping to build the brand and following of their teams. This has created a more stable and sustainable environment for esports teams, allowing them to focus on competing and growing their fan base. As esports continues to grow, we can expect to see even more professionalization and investment in teams, further solidifying their place in the world of competitive gaming.

Top Esports Teams to Watch

Identifying the top esports teams requires a look at their performance across major tournaments, consistency, and the overall strength of their rosters. Here are some teams that consistently make headlines:

1. T1 (League of Legends)

When discussing the top esports teams, it's impossible not to mention T1, formerly known as SK Telecom T1. This South Korean powerhouse has dominated the League of Legends scene for years, amassing an unparalleled record of championships. T1's legacy is built on the shoulders of legendary players and a culture of excellence that permeates the entire organization. Their impact on the game and the esports industry as a whole is undeniable.

T1's League of Legends team has won the World Championship a record three times (2013, 2015, and 2016), establishing themselves as the gold standard in the esport. They have also secured multiple League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK) titles, solidifying their dominance in the highly competitive Korean region. Their success is not just a matter of luck; it's the result of meticulous preparation, strategic gameplay, and exceptional teamwork.

The team's success can be attributed to its ability to adapt to the ever-changing meta of League of Legends. The game is constantly evolving with new champions, items, and strategies, and T1 has consistently been at the forefront of these changes. They are known for their innovative playstyles and their ability to identify and exploit weaknesses in their opponents' strategies. This adaptability has allowed them to stay ahead of the competition and maintain their position as one of the best esports teams in the world.

Furthermore, T1 has been home to some of the most iconic players in League of Legends history. Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok, widely regarded as the greatest League of Legends player of all time, has been the face of T1 for many years. His exceptional mechanical skill, game knowledge, and leadership have been instrumental in the team's success. Other notable players who have donned the T1 jersey include Bae "Bengi" Seong-woong, Lee "Wolf" Jae-wan, and Lee "Duke" Ho-seong, all of whom have contributed to the team's legacy.

Looking ahead, T1 remains a force to be reckoned with in the League of Legends scene. While the roster may change over time, the team's commitment to excellence and its culture of winning remain constant. They continue to attract top talent and invest in player development, ensuring that they remain competitive for years to come. For fans of League of Legends, T1 is more than just a team; it's a symbol of greatness and a testament to the power of teamwork and dedication.

2. Natus Vincere (Counter-Strike: Global Offensive)

Natus Vincere, often abbreviated as Na'Vi, is a Ukrainian esports organization with a storied history in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO). Known for their strategic prowess and clutch performances, Na'Vi has consistently been one of the top esports teams in the CS:GO scene. Their victories in major tournaments and the development of star players have cemented their place as a fan favorite and a formidable competitor.

Na'Vi's CS:GO team achieved legendary status with their victory at the PGL Stockholm Major in 2021. This win marked a significant milestone for the organization and solidified their position as one of the best esports teams in the world. The team's success was built on the foundation of strong teamwork, innovative strategies, and the exceptional individual skill of their players. The victory at the PGL Stockholm Major was not just a win for Na'Vi, but a triumph for the entire CIS region, showcasing the talent and potential of players from Eastern Europe.

One of the key factors in Na'Vi's success has been their ability to adapt to the ever-changing meta of CS:GO. The game is constantly evolving with new maps, weapons, and strategies, and Na'Vi has consistently been at the forefront of these changes. They are known for their tactical gameplay and their ability to read their opponents' strategies. This adaptability has allowed them to stay ahead of the competition and maintain their position as one of the top esports teams in the world.

Na'Vi has been home to some of the most iconic players in CS:GO history. Oleksandr "s1mple" Kostyliev, widely regarded as one of the greatest CS:GO players of all time, has been the face of Na'Vi for many years. His exceptional aim, game sense, and aggressive playstyle have made him a nightmare for opponents. Other notable players who have donned the Na'Vi jersey include Danylo "Zeus" Teslenko, Egor "flamie" Vasilyev, and Denis "electronic" Sharipov, all of whom have contributed to the team's legacy.

Looking ahead, Na'Vi remains a force to be reckoned with in the CS:GO scene. While the roster may change over time, the team's commitment to excellence and its culture of winning remain constant. They continue to attract top talent and invest in player development, ensuring that they remain competitive for years to come. For fans of CS:GO, Na'Vi is more than just a team; it's a symbol of resilience and a testament to the power of teamwork and determination.

3. OG (Dota 2)

OG is a European esports organization that has achieved unparalleled success in Dota 2. Known for their innovative strategies and unwavering teamwork, OG has defied expectations and become one of the top esports teams in the world. Their back-to-back victories at The International have solidified their legacy as one of the greatest Dota 2 teams of all time.

OG's Dota 2 team made history by winning The International in 2018 and 2019, becoming the first team to ever win the tournament twice. Their victories were not just a matter of luck; they were the result of meticulous preparation, strategic gameplay, and exceptional teamwork. OG's ability to overcome adversity and their unwavering belief in themselves have made them an inspiration to fans around the world. Their success has shown that with hard work, dedication, and a strong team spirit, anything is possible.

One of the key factors in OG's success has been their ability to adapt to the ever-changing meta of Dota 2. The game is constantly evolving with new heroes, items, and strategies, and OG has consistently been at the forefront of these changes. They are known for their unconventional drafts and their ability to create innovative strategies that catch their opponents off guard. This adaptability has allowed them to stay ahead of the competition and maintain their position as one of the best esports teams in the world.

OG has been home to some of the most iconic players in Dota 2 history. Johan "N0tail" Sundstein, the team's captain and a veteran of the Dota 2 scene, has been the face of OG for many years. His leadership, game knowledge, and positive attitude have been instrumental in the team's success. Other notable players who have donned the OG jersey include Anathan "ana" Pham, Sébastien "Ceb" Debs, and Jesse "JerAx" Vainikka, all of whom have contributed to the team's legacy.

Looking ahead, OG remains a force to be reckoned with in the Dota 2 scene, even with changes to their roster. The team's commitment to innovation and its culture of winning remain constant. They continue to attract top talent and invest in player development, ensuring that they remain competitive for years to come. For fans of Dota 2, OG is more than just a team; it's a symbol of innovation and a testament to the power of teamwork and belief.

4. DAMWON Gaming (League of Legends)

DAMWON Gaming, now known as Dplus KIA, is a South Korean esports organization that has quickly risen to prominence in the League of Legends scene. Known for their aggressive playstyle and exceptional individual skill, DAMWON has established themselves as one of the top esports teams in the world. Their victory at the 2020 World Championship solidified their place among the elite teams in League of Legends.

DAMWON's League of Legends team achieved global recognition with their victory at the 2020 World Championship. This win marked a significant milestone for the organization and cemented their position as one of the best esports teams in the world. The team's success was built on the foundation of strong teamwork, innovative strategies, and the exceptional individual skill of their players. The victory at the 2020 World Championship was not just a win for DAMWON, but a triumph for the entire LCK region, showcasing the talent and potential of players from South Korea.

One of the key factors in DAMWON's success has been their ability to adapt to the ever-changing meta of League of Legends. The game is constantly evolving with new champions, items, and strategies, and DAMWON has consistently been at the forefront of these changes. They are known for their aggressive playstyle and their ability to snowball their leads into victories. This adaptability has allowed them to stay ahead of the competition and maintain their position as one of the top esports teams in the world.

DAMWON has been home to some of the most talented players in League of Legends. Heo "ShowMaker" Su, the team's mid laner, is widely regarded as one of the best players in the world. His exceptional mechanical skill, game knowledge, and leadership have been instrumental in the team's success. Other notable players who have donned the DAMWON jersey include Kim "Canyon" Geon-bu, Jang "Nuguri" Ha-gwon, and Cho "BeryL" Geon-hee, all of whom have contributed to the team's legacy.

Looking ahead, DAMWON Gaming remains a force to be reckoned with in the League of Legends scene. While the roster may change over time, the team's commitment to excellence and its culture of winning remain constant. They continue to attract top talent and invest in player development, ensuring that they remain competitive for years to come. For fans of League of Legends, DAMWON is more than just a team; it's a symbol of innovation and a testament to the power of teamwork and skill.

5. Team Liquid (Various Esports)

Team Liquid is a North American esports organization with a presence in multiple games, including League of Legends, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, and Dota 2. Known for their strong infrastructure and player development, Team Liquid has consistently been one of the top esports teams in the world. Their success across multiple titles has made them one of the most recognizable and respected brands in esports.

Team Liquid has achieved success in multiple esports, including League of Legends, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, and Dota 2. Their CS:GO team won the Intel Grand Slam Season 2, a prestigious achievement that solidified their position as one of the best esports teams in the world. Their Dota 2 team finished second at The International 2019, showcasing their ability to compete at the highest level. Team Liquid's success across multiple titles is a testament to their strong infrastructure, player development, and commitment to excellence.

One of the key factors in Team Liquid's success has been their ability to attract and develop top talent. They have a strong scouting network and a dedicated coaching staff that helps players reach their full potential. Team Liquid also provides its players with state-of-the-art facilities and resources, ensuring that they have everything they need to succeed. This commitment to player development has allowed them to build competitive rosters in multiple esports and maintain their position as one of the top esports teams in the world.

Team Liquid has been home to some of the most talented players in esports. In League of Legends, they have featured players like Yiliang "Doublelift" Peng and Nicolaj "Jensen" Jensen. In Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, they have featured players like Jonathan "EliGE" Jablonowski and Russel "Twistzz" Van Dulken. In Dota 2, they have featured players like Kuro "KuroKy" Salehi Takhasomi and Lasse "MATUMBAMAN" Urpalainen. These players have all contributed to Team Liquid's success and have helped to build the organization's legacy.

Looking ahead, Team Liquid remains a force to be reckoned with in the esports scene. They continue to invest in player development and expand their presence in new esports. Their commitment to excellence and their strong infrastructure ensure that they will remain competitive for years to come. For fans of esports, Team Liquid is more than just a team; it's a symbol of professionalism and a testament to the power of infrastructure and player development.

How to Choose a Team to Follow

Choosing an esports team to follow can enhance your enjoyment of watching competitive gaming. Here’s how to pick a team that resonates with you:

• Identify Your Favorite Game: Start by focusing on the game you enjoy watching the most. Whether it's League of Legends, Dota 2, CS:GO, or another esport, following a team in your favorite game will make the experience more engaging.
• Research Team Rosters: Look into the players on different teams. Do you admire a particular player's skill or personality? Following a team with players you like can make the experience more enjoyable.
• Consider Team History and Achievements: Some teams have a long history of success, while others are newer on the scene. Consider whether you prefer to support a well-established team with a proven track record or a rising star with potential.
• Watch Live Matches: Tune into live matches to get a feel for a team's playstyle and teamwork. Do they play aggressively or strategically? Do they communicate well under pressure? Watching live matches can help you decide which team you connect with.
• Engage with the Community: Join online communities and forums to learn more about different teams and their fans. Engaging with the community can help you find like-minded individuals to share your passion for esports.

Conclusion

The world of esports teams is dynamic and exciting, with new teams rising to prominence all the time. The teams highlighted in this article represent some of the top esports teams in their respective games, known for their skill, teamwork, and achievements. Whether you're a long-time esports fan or new to the scene, these teams offer compelling narratives and thrilling matches to follow. Keep an eye on these organizations as they continue to shape the future of competitive gaming.