Meet the Top E-Sports Teams Dominating the Scene
Team Liquid
Team Liquid stands as one of the most versatile e-sports organizations. Founded in 2000, they’ve competed in a range of games such as Dota 2, League of Legends, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO), and StarCraft II. Their Dota 2 team won The International 2017, showcasing their skill on a global stage. Regularly reaching high placements in various tournaments, they exemplify consistency and adaptability.
Fnatic
Established in 2004, Fnatic holds a prominent position in e-sports. Known for dominating the Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and League of Legends scenes, they’ve amassed a vast following. Their CS:GO team made history by winning three major tournaments, while their League of Legends team clinched the first World Championship in 2011. This legacy drives them to remain competitive across multiple genres.
Cloud9
Cloud9 emerged in 2013 and quickly built a reputation for their performance in League of Legends, Hearthstone, and Overwatch. Their League of Legends team consistently ranks among the best in North America. Cloud9’s Overwatch team, winning the first season of the Overwatch League in 2018, set a high bar for excellence. Their adaptability across e-sports titles makes them a formidable force.
T1
T1, formerly known as SK Telecom T1, is synonymous with excellence in League of Legends. Starting in 2012, they’ve won three World Championships, showcasing unparalleled skill and strategy. With a dominant presence in the Korean e-sports scene, T1’s innovation and tactical prowess set them apart as trailblazers in the industry.
OG
Since their founding in 2015, OG has focused extensively on Dota 2. Remarkably, OG won The International in consecutive years, 2018 and 2019, establishing an unprecedented legacy. Their innovative strategies and remarkable team synergy make them exemplary in competitive gaming.
G2 Esports
Founded in 2014, G2 Esports quickly rose to fame with strong performances in League of Legends, CS:GO, and Rainbow Six Siege. Their League of Legends team frequently dominates the European scene, winning multiple LEC championships. In CS:GO, G2 is known for their strategic gameplay and adaptability, making them a top contender in every tournament they enter.
Astralis
Astralis has defined the Counter-Strike: Global Offensive landscape since their establishment in 2016. They hold four major titles, including a three-peat from 2018-2019, demonstrating unmatched consistency and skill. Astralis’s focus on teamwork, mental resilience, and innovative strategies makes them an e-sports titan.
Evil Geniuses
Evil Geniuses, active since 1999, have made their mark in games like Dota 2, CS:GO, and Fighting Games. Their Dota 2 team won The International 2015, showing their ability to succeed at the highest levels. Diverse and experienced, Evil Geniuses continue to be a significant presence in the e-sports world with a broad and varied competitive portfolio.
Team 1: Cloud9
Cloud9 stands out as a major force in the e-sports world. Recognized for its achievements and exceptional roster, this team has made a significant mark in multiple gaming genres.
History and Achievements
Established in 2013, Cloud9 quickly rose to prominence. The team secured its first major victory in 2014, winning the North American League of Legends Championship Series (NA LCS). Over the years, Cloud9 has accumulated numerous titles and accolades, including victories in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO) tournaments and regional championships. Notably, in 2018, Cloud9 became the first North American team to win a CS: GO Major, triumphing at the ELEAGUE Major: Boston.
Key Players
Cloud9’s success is driven by its talented roster. Some key players have made significant contributions:
- Jack “Cloud9” Etienne (Founder and CEO): Steering the team with visionary leadership.
- Tyler “Skadoodle” Latham (CS: GO): Known for his exceptional AWP skills, critical to the 2018 ELEAGUE Major win.
- Zachary “Sneaky” Scuderi (League of Legends): Long-time member and iconic ADC player who played pivotal roles in several championships.
- Ian “motm” Hardy (Valorant): A rising star in Valorant, contributing with strategic prowess and sharp shooting.
Popular Game Titles
Cloud9 competes in several e-sports titles. Key games where they dominate include:
- League of Legends (LoL): Consistent top performer in NA LCS.
- Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO): Historic 2018 ELEAGUE Major champions.
- Valorant: Emerging as strong competitors in the new tactical shooter.
- Super Smash Bros.: Producing top-tier players like Mang0 to compete at the highest levels.
With a storied history, an outstanding roster, and success across popular game titles, Cloud9 remains a pivotal player in the competitive gaming landscape.
Team 2: Team Liquid
Established in 2000, Team Liquid is a powerhouse in the e-sports industry. Known for its versatility and success across multiple titles, it has solidified its place in competitive gaming.
History and Achievements
Team Liquid started as a StarCraft II team before expanding into other games. It’s one of the few teams to win major championships in various genres. The team secured its monumental victory in The International 2017, winning the highest prize in Dota 2 history at the time—over $10 million. Team Liquid also achieved success in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, clinching the Intel Grand Slam by winning four premier events within a calendar year.
Key Players
Team Liquid boasts some of the best talents in e-sports. Notable players include:
- Kuro “KuroKy” Salehi Takhasomi: Renowned Dota 2 captain, instrumental in their 2017 victory.
- Jonathan “EliGE” Jablonowski: Star player in CS: GO, known for his consistency and performance.
- Yiliang “Doublelift” Peng: Legendary League of Legends player, pivotal in multiple championships.
Popular Game Titles
Team Liquid excels in various popular game titles, such as:
- Dota 2: Their 2017 International win is a historic achievement.
- CS: GO: Dominated the scene with an impressive Intel Grand Slam win.
- League of Legends: Regular contenders in major tournaments, showcasing high-level play.
Team Liquid continues to adapt and thrive in the e-sports scene, proving itself as a versatile and formidable team.
Team 3: Fnatic
Fnatic, founded in 2004, has set benchmarks in the e-sports arena. Known for its versatility, Fnatic has excelled in multiple game titles.
History and Achievements
Fnatic’s history is rich with monumental accomplishments. Starting strong in 2006, they clinched their first major victory at the Cyberathlete Professional League (CPL) World Tour Finals. They’ve continued to shine, securing multiple championships in various games. Their League of Legends team took the inaugural season of the League of Legends World Championship in 2011, adding another feather to their cap.
Key Players
Fnatic has nurtured remarkable talent across different games. Martin “Rekkles” Larsson, known for his strategic gameplay, has been a cornerstone in their League of Legends team. Robin “flusha” Rönnquist’s sharp skills in CS: GO made him a standout player. Hylissang, another notable name, has made significant contributions with his support role in League of Legends.
Popular Game Titles
Fnatic’s prowess spans several popular games. They’ve dominated in League of Legends, consistently performing at high levels in European and global tournaments. Their CS: GO team has been a force to reckon with, winning multiple Major championships. Fnatic has also had a strong presence in games like Dota 2 and Rainbow Six Siege, proving their versatility and strategic depth.
Team 4: TSM
Team SoloMid (TSM) has been a prominent name in the e-sports scene since its establishment. Known for its strategic gameplay and consistent performance, TSM has made a significant impact across various game titles.
History and Achievements
Founded in 2009 by Andy “Reginald” Dinh, TSM started with a focus on League of Legends. The team quickly rose to prominence by winning numerous North American LCS titles. In 2020, TSM secured their seventh LCS Championship, making them one of the most successful teams in North America. Besides League of Legends, TSM found success in competitive titles like Valorant, PUBG, and Apex Legends.
Key Players
Several key players have contributed to TSM’s success. Søren “Bjergsen” Bjerg, who joined in 2013, became one of the most celebrated League of Legends midlaners in North America. Yiliang “Doublelift” Peng, a renowned ADC, helped TSM win multiple LCS titles. In Valorant, Matthew “Wardell” Yu has been a standout player, bringing significant victories to the team. These players’ skills and leadership have been pivotal in maintaining TSM’s competitive edge.
Popular Game Titles
TSM stands out for its versatility in multiple game titles. In League of Legends, TSM is a dominant force within the North American LCS. Their Valorant team has rapidly gained recognition for their strategic brilliance, particularly in the North American VCT circuit.
TSM’s PUBG squad has also achieved significant milestones, winning major tournaments and consistently ranking high in the PUBG Global Championship. Furthermore, the team’s success extends to Apex Legends, where they have secured major titles and established themselves as a top contender.
Team 5: G2 Esports
Operating since 2014, G2 Esports has quickly climbed the ranks to become one of the most successful e-sports organizations in the world. They are known for their captivating performances and strategic gameplay.
History and Achievements
G2 Esports, founded by Carlos “ocelote” Rodriguez, has won multiple championships across various game titles. They have excelled in games like League of Legends, earning several EU LCS titles. In 2019, G2 reached the finals of the League of Legends World Championship. Their CS: GO team has also claimed numerous titles, affirming their position in the competitive scene.
Key Players
G2 Esports boasts several key players who have driven their success. In League of Legends, Rasmus “Caps” Winther and Martin “Wunder” Hansen have delivered outstanding performances. The CS: GO team includes names like Kenny “kennyS” Schrub and Nemanja “nexa” Isaković, who have been crucial in securing victories.
Popular Game Titles
G2 Esports has a strong presence in multiple game titles. They are recognized in League of Legends and CS: GO, but their dominance extends to games like Valorant and Rainbow Six Siege. Their Valorant team, led by Oscar “mixwell” Cañellas Colocho, has achieved significant milestones, further cementing G2’s reputation across different competitive gaming landscapes.
