April 10, 2025 • 5 min read
The first quarter of 2025 was a defining moment in the ongoing evolution of competitive gaming. With international grandeur and regional brilliance on full display, esports captivated audiences across continents. Millions of viewers tuned in to witness titans clash, legacies take shape, and new stars emerge. Powered by deep insights from the Esports Charts viewership database, we present the most watched games and tournaments of Q1 2025, measured by peak concurrent viewers.
Top Esports Games by Peak Viewership
Source: Official escharts. Edited photo
At the summit stood League of Legends, the MOBA juggernaut that continues to inspire awe and devotion in equal measure. The LCK Cup 2025, South Korea’s revered regional opener, soared past 1.9 million peak viewers — a resounding reaffirmation of the region’s status as a bastion of strategic excellence. Despite the global stage of the inaugural First Stand 2025, it was the LCK that captured the community’s heart and attention.
Cup 2025South Korea, Seoul, LoL PARK
Hanwha Life Esports
Gen.G
Dplus KIAChallenging the throne was Mobile Legends: Bang Bang. The mobile powerhouse lit up screens with the opening weeks of MPL Indonesia Season 15, drawing 1.84 million peak viewers. Though off to a slower start compared to others, its explosive return hinted at greater things to come. With international tournaments on the horizon, MLBB’s ascent is only just beginning.
Outside the MOBA realm, the battle between shooters Valorant and Counter-Strike 2 added another riveting chapter. Valorant edged forward thanks to the VCT 2025: Masters Bangkok grand final — a showdown between Korea’s T1 and North America’s G2 Esports. Yet, despite its intensity, regional engagement gaps persisted, particularly in Brazil and Europe.
Counter-Strike 2, meanwhile, stood tall through volume and history. Although only third-party events populated its Q1 calendar, the legendary IEM Katowice 2025 shattered records with 1.3 million peak viewers — the highest in its storied history. This marked the first Katowice to cross the 1M mark since 2022, reinforcing CS2’s enduring legacy amidst the rise of Valorant.
Rounding out the top five was Arena of Valor, propelled by Vietnam’s Arena of Glory Spring 2025. With Saigon Phantom and Team Flash facing off, Vietnamese fans propelled the game into the spotlight, showcasing the regional circuit’s passionate viewership and making it one of Asia’s elite esports arenas.
Most Watched Esports Tournaments of Q1 2025
Source: Official escharts. Edited photo
Beyond the expected titans, the quarter also saw surprise contenders like the Snapdragon Pro Series Season 6 APAC – Challenge Finals. This MLBB tournament drew over 1 million peak viewers, riding high on fervent support from Indonesian and Filipino audiences. In contrast, League of Legends’ global First Stand 2025 fell short in impact and reach.
Counter-Strike 2 also made a powerful statement with consistency. Hosting nearly 100 tournaments in three months, it offered a wealth of content for fans. Among them, the BLAST Open Spring 2025 led the way with over 850,000 peak viewers, contributing to CS2’s dominant presence despite fewer singular high-water marks.
Open Spring 2025Portugal
Vitality
MOUZ
Team SpiritThough Valorant edged ahead in top individual event viewership, it was the relentless calendar of CS2 that kept fans engaged week after week. The duel between these two titans will reach its next climactic peak when CS2’s Major and Valorant Champions 2025 go head-to-head later this year.
Looking Ahead
Q1 2025 has laid a powerful foundation for a year that promises unforgettable competition and historic milestones. Esports Charts will continue to document and analyze the landscape with upcoming reports—ranging from top streamers and co-streamers to deep dives into regional trends and breakthrough titles.
From legendary matchups to breakout moments, the first quarter reminded the world of esports’ unmatched ability to unite and electrify. As we look to the months ahead, one thing remains clear: the story of 2025 is only just beginning.
