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🎮 Top Esports Teams and Players to Watch in 2025
By iSamuel • Updated June 2025
Hey there, fellow esports fanatic! 👋
Let’s be real — esports in 2025 is on a whole new level. With prize pools crossing millions, stadiums filled with roaring fans, and players becoming legit celebrities, this isn’t just gaming anymore — it’s a full-blown sport.
So today, I want to share my personal picks of the top esports teams and players to keep your eyes glued on in 2025. This isn’t just a boring list of names — I’ll walk you through why each team or player matters, what they’ve done recently, and what you should watch for next.
🏆 Top Esports Teams of 2025
1. 💥 Team Liquid (Valorant & Dota 2)
Team Liquid is back and stronger than ever in 2025. Their Valorant roster especially has been crushing it with a combination of EU and NA talents. Led by in-game leader Jamppi, their clean executes and ice-cold clutches have pushed them into every grand final this season.
- 🥇 Won VCT Masters Shanghai 2025
- 🔥 Consistently Top 3 in every major Valorant event
- 🎯 Dota 2 team is rebuilding with a solid performance in ESL Pro Tour
2. 🔫 FaZe Clan (CS2 & Call of Duty)
FaZe is still a powerhouse in the shooter scene. Their CS2 roster is a mix of old and new — veterans like broky and young aim gods like n0rb3r7 — and their synergy is electric. In COD, they’re dominating NA events like they own the map.
- 💣 Won CS2 Major: Paris 2025
- 📈 COD League Champions 2025 Spring
- 💬 Known for content, culture, and competitive fire
3. 🌍 G2 Esports (League of Legends & CS2)
If there’s one team that always brings flair and fire, it’s G2. Their League of Legends roster with Caps and BrokenBlade has been steamrolling EU, and internationally they’ve finally cracked the LCK/LPL armor.
- 🏅 MSI 2025 Runner-up
- ⚔️ Entering Worlds as LEC favorites
- 🕹️ Also revamping their CS2 lineup for future titles
4. 🐉 T1 (League of Legends & Valorant KR)
Let’s be honest — as long as Faker is playing, T1 will always be on this list. But even beyond him, the T1 org has diversified into Valorant and their KR roster is looking deadly. Their LoL team is young, hungry, and ready for revenge after Worlds 2024.
- 🥈 LCK Spring 2025 Finalists
- 🧠 Faker still playing with peak form
- 🎮 T1 Valorant reached VCT Pacific playoffs
5. 📱 Nova Esports (Mobile Legends & PUBG Mobile)
If you're watching mobile esports in 2025, Nova is the boss. These guys have been dominating PUBG Mobile Global Championship and their Mobile Legends team has been causing nightmares for SEA opponents.
- 🏆 PMGC Champions 2025
- 📲 Fast, disciplined, and unpredictable strategies
- 🌏 Leading mobile esports on a global scale
👑 Top Esports Players to Watch in 2025
Now that we’ve covered the teams shaking up the scene, let’s talk about the real stars of the show — the players. These legends and rising stars are dominating leaderboards, winning MVPs, and making headlines in every tournament.
1. 🎩 Faker (Lee Sang-hyeok) – League of Legends
Yep, he’s still here — and still GOATed. Faker is basically the Lionel Messi of LoL. Even after all these years, he’s mentoring young guns while still clutching games himself. If you think 2025 is his farewell tour, think again — this man’s legacy is still building.
- 🔥 3x World Champion
- 📚 Mentoring new LCK talents
- 🏆 Top 5 midlaner in 2025 based on international stats
2. 🐺 Derke (Nikita Sirmitev) – Valorant
When it comes to popping heads in Valorant, Derke from Team Fnatic is still the scariest name on the scoreboard. His Chamber and Jett plays are straight-up illegal. Reflexes like a hawk and nerves of steel — a one-man highlight reel.
- 💣 VCT MVP 2025 Europe
- 🎯 300+ ACS average in recent tournaments
- ⚔️ Watch his Operator rounds. You’ll get goosebumps.
3. 💀 s1mple (Oleksandr Kostyliev) – CS2
s1mple is the Michael Jordan of Counter-Strike. Even in CS2’s revamped environment, he’s still carrying NaVi and setting aim standards no one else can meet. Every flick, every peek, every clutch — a masterclass in FPS control.
- 🔫 Highest-rated CS2 player in HLTV April 2025
- 🧠 Incredible IGL and clutch performances
- 💬 “You don’t peek s1mple unless you want to lose.”
4. 🔥 Scumpii (Seth Abner) – Call of Duty (Retired to Creator, Still Huge)
Technically, Scump retired from competitive COD, but let’s be honest — he’s still part of the 2025 scene in a big way. As a creator, caster, and community pillar, his influence on the next-gen COD players is huge. If you're into Call of Duty, you're still hearing his name every week.
- 📺 1M+ live viewers on Major COD events he co-hosts
- 🎮 Mentors OpTic’s 2025 roster
- 💡 Made the transition from pro to creator look easy
5. 🎮 MobaZane (Michael Cosgun) – Mobile Legends
Representing North America in Mobile Legends, MobaZane is one of the most respected junglers globally. His plays aren’t just smart — they’re surgical. 2025 is shaping up to be his breakout year internationally with BloodThirstyKings back in full swing.
- 🛡️ NA Regional MVP 2025
- 🌍 Leading MLBB NA to international recognition
- 🚀 One of the most skilled and strategic minds in ML
6. 📱 iFerg – COD Mobile & Creator
Let’s talk mobile. iFerg is a beast. Not only is he insanely cracked in CODM, but his influence across the mobile esports community is unmatched. He’s pushing mobile esports forward — and his streams? Top-tier educational content if you’re trying to level up.
- 🎥 Millions of subs and tournament coverage
- ⚔️ Still competes in invitational & creator-based tournaments
- 📈 Drives CODM's popularity with global reach
🚀 Rising Teams & Underdogs You Can’t Ignore
Alright, let’s switch gears a bit. We’ve already talked about the juggernauts — the big dogs. But what about the dark horses of the esports world? The ones that come out of nowhere and shock everyone?
In 2025, there are some serious underdogs making waves. These teams may not be in every final (yet), but when they show up — they show up big. Let’s shine a light on these rising squads and future legends.
1. 🐍 Bleed Esports (Valorant – SEA)
This Singapore-based squad is straight-up terrifying when they’re on their game. With a bold style and cracked aimers, Bleed Esports is putting SEA on the Valorant map. Their fearless entries and triple-duelist comps make every match feel like a highlight reel.
- 💪 Top 4 in VCT Pacific 2025
- 🌍 Qualified for Masters Copenhagen
- ⚔️ Huge fanbase in Southeast Asia
2. 🧊 Team Heretics (CS2 & Valorant EU)
Team Heretics has been silently stacking talent. While they’re not winning every event yet, their tactical precision and evolving chemistry make them a team you just can’t count out. Their mid-round calls are *chef’s kiss*.
- 🔥 Strong EU performances in early 2025
- 🎯 Known for counter-stratting heavy hitters
- 🧠 One of the most tactical teams in EU
3. 🏹 NIP (Ninjas in Pyjamas – Mobile Esports)
Yup, they’re back — and this time, they’ve gone mobile. NIP’s recent investments in mobile titles like Free Fire and Arena of Valor are paying off. Their rosters are filled with young prodigies, and they’re quietly dominating the mobile circuit in LATAM and Asia.
- 📲 Regional champions in Free Fire Brazil League
- 🎮 Entered top 5 in Arena of Valor World Cup 2025
- 🌍 Eyes on a global takeover
4. 🪐 Oxygen Esports (Valorant NA)
This North American squad went from being “just another team” to full-blown contenders. Their aggressive style, insane entry fragger “pl1nt,” and tight comms are turning heads in the VCT.
- ⚡ Upset top teams like NRG and EG
- 🔫 Best utility usage in NA scene
- 📈 Consistent growth every tourney
5. 🦅 RSG (Mobile Legends – Philippines)
The Philippines has always been strong in MLBB, but RSG’s new 2025 roster might be their most dangerous yet. With tight macro play, clutch calls, and one of the best supports in the game, they’re hungry for global trophies.
- 🏆 MPL PH Season 15 Champions
- 📊 Top KDA averages in SEA
- 🎯 Next stop: M6 World Championship
In my opinion, these teams have massive breakout potential. Some may already be on your radar, but a few are just getting started — and I love seeing them push the big names to their limits.
🔮 My Bold Esports Predictions for 2025
Alright, let’s have some fun. I’ve been watching tournaments, analyzing stats, and hanging out in streams for months. So here are my personal, slightly crazy, but highly possible predictions for the rest of 2025:
- 🔥 Team Liquid wins Valorant Champions 2025.
- 🏆 G2 finally takes home Worlds in League of Legends. Yes, you heard me.
- 📱 Mobile Legends becomes a top 3 global esport — more viewers than Dota 2?
- 👑 s1mple retires after one final CS2 Major win — goes out like a legend.
- 🚀 Bleed Esports becomes SEA’s first Valorant world finalist.
Let’s check back in December and see how many of these I got right. Or wrong. 😅
❓ Esports 2025 – FAQ
Which esports team is dominating in 2025?
Team Liquid is one of the most consistent top-tier teams in 2025, especially in Valorant and Dota 2. FaZe and G2 are also dominating their respective scenes.
Who is the best Valorant player in 2025?
Derke from Fnatic is widely considered the best Valorant player of 2025 due to his consistency, mechanics, and game sense.
Are mobile esports growing in 2025?
Absolutely. Titles like Mobile Legends, COD Mobile, and PUBG Mobile have massive international followings and are seeing record-breaking viewership in 2025.
🎤 Final Thoughts from Me
Esports in 2025 is evolving fast. The competition is tougher, the viewership is higher, and the stakes have never been greater. From legendary veterans like Faker and s1mple to breakout stars and hungry underdogs, we’re witnessing an era of global domination — and it's beautiful to watch.
Personally, I’m beyond hyped for what’s next. And whether you’re a fan, a player, a streamer, or just someone who vibes with competitive gaming, I hope this guide gave you something valuable, fun, and worth sharing. 💙
Thanks for reading! 👾
— iSamuel