Prominent Figures in Esports to Watch This Season

1. Faker (Lee Sang-hyeok) – League of Legends

Faker, often dubbed as the “God of League of Legends,” remains a cornerstone figure in esports. As a mid-laner for T1, his strategic depth and mechanical skill have earned him three World Championship titles. Following T1’s successful run in 2023, fans eagerly anticipate his performance in the upcoming season. He continues to innovate his gameplay and adapt to the evolving meta, ensuring he remains a central figure in competitive League of Legends. Faker’s impact extends beyond just play; he serves as a mentor to younger players and a brand ambassador for the esports scene.

2. S1mple (Oleksandr Kostyliev) – CS:GO

S1mple is a household name in the Counter-Strike: Global Offensive community. As a premier AWPer for Natus Vincere (Na’Vi), he is widely regarded as one of the best players in CS:GO history. His unrivaled aiming precision and game sense have secured him numerous awards, including the coveted HLTV Player of the Year. He currently leads Na’Vi in dynamic plays and clutch scenarios, and his performances in high-pressure situations make him a player to watch in the upcoming tournament circuits, including ESL Pro League and Major qualifiers.

3. N0tail (Johan Sundstein) – Dota 2

N0tail, co-founder of OG and a two-time International champion, is a pivotal figure in the Dota 2 community. His transition from player to coach showcases his tactical intellect and leadership qualities. Now leading OG in their efforts to reclaim the throne, fans are eager to see how he navigates the squad’s challenges this season. N0tail’s experience, combined with his charismatic personality, keeps him in the public eye, drawing attention not only for gameplay but also for his contributions to the community.

4. Shroud (Michael Grzesiek) – Valorant and FPS Games

Shroud, a former CS:GO professional, has transitioned into streaming Valorant and other first-person shooters. With a massive following on Twitch, Shroud’s gameplay is marked by exceptional aim and calm demeanor. This season, his return to competitive play has been highly anticipated, especially with his recent participation in tournaments. As a widely respected figure in the FPS community, Shroud has the potential to sway fan interests and drive viewership for Valorant.

5. TenZ (Tyson Ngo) – Valorant

TenZ, currently a standout player for Cloud9 and Twitch’s own standout, has made waves in Valorant since moving from CS:GO. Renowned for his mechanical skill and ability to pull off incredible plays, he has rapidly ascended to the top of the competitive scene. As Cloud9 has invested heavily in Valorant, TenZ will be pivotal to their success this season. Fans should watch for his impact in the VCT (Valorant Champions Tour), where his gameplay often shifts the momentum of matches in critical moments.

6. Bugha (Kyle Giersdorf) – Fortnite

Bugha became a household name after winning the Fortnite World Cup in 2019. His exceptional skills and strategic approach to Fortnite have kept him at the forefront of the competitive scene. Focused on solidifying his status this season, he plans to contend vigorously in upcoming tournaments, showcasing intensive training and dedication. His educational streams also contribute to the Fortnite community, as he shares insights on gameplay mechanics and strategies with aspiring players.

7. Hikaru Nakamura – Chess and Chess.com Tournaments

A chess grandmaster and one of the leading figures in the burgeoning world of chess esports, Hikaru Nakamura has gained prominence through online platforms like Chess.com and Twitch. With the recent surge in interest in chess, particularly driven by media like Netflix’s “The Queen’s Gambit,” Nakamura has helped introduce a younger audience to the game’s competitive aspects. In this season’s tournaments, such as the Speed Chess Championship, fans can expect thrilling matches as he faces off against other top players.

8. Doinb (Kim Tae-sang) – League of Legends

Doinb, known for his unique champion pool and unconventional playstyle, made headlines during his stint with FunPlus Phoenix, where he led the team to a Worlds victory in 2019. Currently, he is preparing for the new season with the aim of reclaiming his dominance in the LPL. His adaptability and understanding of macro strategies make him a captivating figure to follow, and his charismatic interviews add to his broad appeal within the community.

9. KuroKy (Kuro Salehi Takhasomi) – Dota 2

KuroKy, captain of Team Nigma, is known for his innovative gameplay and sharp leadership skills. His navigation through various meta shifts and player roster changes has been a testament to his resilience and strategic prowess. As he leads Team Nigma in another competitive season, fans will be eager to observe his in-depth understanding of Dota 2’s evolving landscape and how he employs it to guide his team to victory in major tournaments.

10. Tfue (Turner Tenney) – Fortnite and Battle Royale Games

Tfue is one of the most recognizable streamers and esports athletes in the battle royale genre. Known for his impressive aiming capabilities and sense of game awareness, he remains a force in Fortnite and beyond. His competitive spirit, combined with a loyal fanbase, ensures that his matches are heavily viewed. As he participates in various tournaments this season, his impact on the game and his relevance in the streaming community warrant close attention.

11. Asmongold (Zack) – MMORPG and Variety Games

Asmongold has emerged as a significant figure in the MMORPG community, particularly with his focus on World of Warcraft. Not only does he maintain a massive Twitch following, but he also engages in discussion around game design and the gaming industry as a whole. His candidness about gaming trends has made him a trusted voice among fans. As the MMO genre evolves, his opinions are likely to shape player attitudes, making him a pivotal figure to watch this season.

12. KennyS (Kenny Schrub) – CS:GO and VALORANT

KennyS has long been celebrated as one of the best AWPers in the CS:GO scene. After transitioning to VALORANT, his immense skill set continues to resonate within the competitive landscape. His sharp shooting and awareness have brought him back into the limelight, and with his new roster, there’s a surge of interest in how he will adapt his gameplay to refresh his career. Fans will be keen to see his impact during major tournaments for both CS:GO and VALORANT.

13. G2 Esports Roster – Cross-Game Competitors

The G2 Esports organization has cultivated a strong roster across various games, with players who excel in League of Legends, CS:GO, and Valorant. G2 is known for their charismatic approach to esports and marketing, often tapping into cultural moments to bolster their brand. This season, the potential of their diverse roster is infinite, as different players bring unique styles to the table. Observing their performance in international leagues will underscore G2’s evolution as a leading esports organization.

14. Ninja (Tyler Blevins) – Fortnite and Streaming

Ninja is often the face of esports for many casual gamers. His early adoption of Fortnite propelled him into the streaming stratosphere, and his influence is felt across multiple gaming communities. This season, Ninja plans to continue building his brand in the gaming industry and participating in various competitions. His broad appeal and entertaining streams keep him relevant, making him a player to watch as he navigates both competitive play and content creation.

15. Joey “Puppey” Ostergaard – Dota 2

Puppey, a longtime veteran and captain of Team Secret, is known for his innovative drafting strategies and extensive hero pool. As one of the few remaining players from the early era of Dota 2, his insights on game dynamics lend depth to his leadership. As Team Secret gears up for the new DPC season, eyes will be on how Puppey’s guidance impacts their performance and whether they can reclaim their spot among the elite teams in Dota 2.

16. Kaceytron (Katie) – Variety Streaming and Charity Work

Kaceytron has carved out a niche in the streaming world, gaining popularity for her comedic take on games and her active role in charity work. As she combines entertainment with a social cause, Kaceytron stands out among her peers. This season, her efforts surrounding awareness and fundraising through gaming initiatives make her a player to keep an eye on, especially in terms of community engagement and advocacy within the esports landscape.

Stage presence, competitive ambition, and community engagement intertwine as these prominent figures push forward, each representing their games and communities at large. Whether through gameplay, mentorship, or innovation, each individual serves as a guiding light for the esports ecosystem this season.