Unexpectedly, a trend in esports—where high-stakes competitions and popular games typically steal the show—has surfaced: lesser-known games are creating strong competitive niches.
Outside of the hegemonic domains of League of Legends and Dota 2, an intriguing subterranean esports community flourishes in the most unlikely places. Various players are drawn to these games, ranging from tranquil virtual farms to traditional tile-matching puzzles, and each participant adds a distinct flavor to the competitive gaming scene.
Rocket League
Rocket League, released in 2015, merges soccer and high-octane, rocket-powered cars. While it’s well-known in the esports world, its underground scene is surprisingly large. According to reports from 2023, the game has more than 90 million downloads globally and regularly surpasses 6 million active players each month. Many of these players participate in grassroots tournaments organized outside the Rocket League Championship Series (RLCS), which has reached viewership peaks of over 426,000 in 2024.
The underground competitive scene is vibrant, particularly due to the game’s accessibility. Smaller local and online tournaments, frequently hosted via platforms like GameBattles and ESL, allow players of varying skill levels to compete. These tournaments are often entry points for players aspiring to join the professional scene
Hearthstone
Since its 2014 release, Hearthstone has cultivated a large competitive following. While it enjoys an official esports presence, the game has also developed an unexpected underground scene. With over 130 million downloads by 2023, it remains a popular choice for strategic card game enthusiasts.
Many independent leagues and unofficial tournaments flourish alongside Blizzard’s sanctioned events, offering unique formats that deviate from the official ladder structure. These underground competitions cater to players seeking less conventional strategies and often have smaller but loyal followings.
Apex Legends
Released in 2019, Apex Legends took the battle royale genre by storm with its innovative squad mechanics and character abilities. While it quickly gained prominence, its underground esports scene is particularly noteworthy. With over 130 million registered players by 2023 and about 10 million monthly active players, Apex Legends has cultivated a thriving competitive environment outside its official tournaments.
The underground Apex Legends scene includes regional competitions and custom tournaments, often focusing on alternative modes or formats. Online sportsbooks cater to these tournaments, and many offer promotions that are valid for their tournaments; fans looking to bet on their tournaments can check the ESPN Bet Promo Code to place their wagers.
Brawlhalla
Launched in 2017, Brawlhalla has carved out a solid place in the esports world despite fierce competition from established platform fighters like Super Smash Bros. While its official tournaments garner decent attention, its underground scene is particularly vibrant. The game has reached over 80 million players globally, primarily driven by community events.
These smaller, often unsanctioned tournaments allow players to experiment with unconventional rule sets and gameplay mechanics, fostering a diverse competitive environment.
The game’s free-to-play model and frequent content updates keep the community engaged, with online and local tournaments frequently popping up across platforms like Discord and Reddit.
Rainbow Six Siege
Rainbow Six Siege, a tactical first-person shooter released by Ubisoft in 2015, has developed a well-established professional esports circuit. However, its underground scene has grown steadily, particularly in Southeast Asia and Latin America. Much of this underground momentum comes from local grassroots events and online community-driven leagues that offer a platform for semi-professional and amateur players.
By 2023, the game had over 70 million registered players, and its competitive environment is beautiful to players who appreciate deep tactical gameplay. The underground tournaments often focus on unconventional maps or modes, emphasizing teamwork and strategy.
Conclusion
These five games showcase how the world of competitive gaming extends far beyond the esports juggernauts we commonly hear about. These titles have fostered thriving underground esports scenes through dedicated communities, grassroots tournaments, and innovative game modes. While they may not always have the massive prize pools of more prominent games, their passionate player bases and competitive events ensure they remain a force in the gaming world.
