Millions of people around the world watch eSports. But when it comes to the best eSports team, winning just one tournament isn’t enough. A true champion team is one that wins repeatedly, keeps millions of viewers glued to their screens, and takes home millions in prize money.
The eSports industry is projected to surpass $4.3 billion in 2026. In this context, we’ve developed a custom ESI Score System that combines three factors for ranking:
- Prize Earnings (40%) – Total prize money
- Tournament Wins & Consistency (35%) – Win ratio and performance at major events
- Viewership & Fan Base (25%) – Hours Watched and peak concurrent viewers
This is the formula that makes this list different from the rest.
What Criteria Define the Best eSports Team?
Many people think that the team with the most tournament wins is the best. But this isn’t the whole picture.
To be a truly great eSports team, you need to have these five things:
- Consistent Performance – Not just one big event, but top-tier performance year-round. Don’t rely on any one patch or meta.
- Prize Earnings – It’s not just about money. Big prize money means winning major tournaments, which demonstrates competitive dominance.
- Viewership & Fan Engagement – Millions of viewers only watch if a team has something special. T1’s 228 million Hours Watched didn’t come for nothing.
- Team Management & Roster Depth – Players change, but organizational culture doesn’t. Teams with good coaches and management remain long-term dominant.
- Multi-Title Presence – It’s risky to be limited to one game. Large organizations like Team Liquid and Team Falcons play in multiple titles.
Top 10 Best eSports Teams in the World (2026)
| Position | Team | ESI Score | Primary Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 1 | T1 | 97/100 | Viewership + LoL dominance |
| 🥈 2 | Team Liquid | 94/100 | Prize earnings + multi-game success |
| 🥉 3 | Team Falcons | 90/100 | Fastest growing + EWC titles |
| 4 | Team Vitality | 87/100 | CS2 era-defining performance |
| 5 | NAVI | 84/100 | Legacy + CS2 all-time earnings |
| 6 | G2 Esports | 81/100 | Brand + VALORANT excellence |
| 7 | OG | 79/100 | Dota 2 legacy + prize pool dominance |
| 8 | FaZe Clan | 77/100 | Brand + comeback potential |
| 9 | Team Spirit | 75/100 | Rising force, young talent |
| 10 | Virtus.pro | 71/100 | Regional fortress, Dota / CS2 strength |
1. T1 – ESI Score: 97/100
Headquartered: Seoul, South Korea
Primary Games: League of Legends, VALORANT, TFT
Valuation: $48M+
All-Time Prize Earnings: $32M+
2025 Annual Viewership: 228 Million Hours Watched
If there’s one eSports team that’s followed like no other sport worldwide, it’s T1.
In November 2025, T1 achieved the unthinkable. They won their third consecutive League of Legends World Championship, a feat never before seen in eSports history. The thrilling 3-2 “Telecom War” against KT Rolster became the biggest eSports moment of that year.
“It’s not only about having a super team. It’s about having a fandom once you win.” – Joe Marsh, CEO, T1 Entertainment & Sports
T1’s strength isn’t just Faker, though he’s under contract until 2029 and remains the world’s most recognizable eSports player. The 2025 Worlds MVP was Gumayusi, who delivered a clutch performance in front of 6.7 million peak viewers (source).
T1’s Dominance in Viewership:
T1’s League of Legends roster alone generated 196 million Hours Watched 86% of the organization’s total viewership. This number is miles ahead of any competitor.
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Prize Money | 38 / 40 |
| Tournament Wins | 34 / 35 |
| Viewership | 25 / 25 |
When Worlds 2026 takes place in the United States, T1’s western merchandise sales are projected to exceed their prize money. This team is not just an esports team, but a global cultural brand.
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2. Team Liquid – ESI Score: 94/100
Headquartered: Los Angeles, USA (Founded: Netherlands, 2000)
Primary Games: Dota 2, CS2, VALORANT, Apex Legends, StarCraft II
Valuation: $56M+ (eSports में सबसे ज्यादा)
All-Time Prize Earnings: $54.5M+ (दुनिया में #1)
Active Rosters: 10+ titles में
Team Liquid is the organization that ranks number one in the world in prize money. Having participated in nearly 3,000 tournaments, this team is competitive in every genre, with a presence in Dota 2, CS2, VALORANT, StarCraft II, and Apex Legends.
“Team Liquid achieved its 2024 goal of being EBITDA positive. We want to be a leader in competitive gaming and build a global and multigenerational sports team.” – Steve Arhancet, Co-CEO, Team Liquid
The International 2017 victory is still resonating in the Dota 2 community. But Team Liquid’s true strength lies in their consistency. While another team is sinking in one game, Liquid is winning another title.
Why the Multi-Game Model Works:
Where many teams are devastated by a single meta or patch change, Liquid’s diversified approach keeps them relevant. A $56M valuation isn’t for nothing. It’s the result of a strategic business model.
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Prize Money | 38 / 40 |
| Tournament Wins | 34 / 35 |
| Viewership | 25 / 25 |
His team is also competing at VALORANT Masters Santiago 2026. After winning The International 2024 in Dota 2, he is once again a title favorite.
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3. Team Falcons – ESI Score: 90/100
Headquartered: Saudi Arabia
Primary Games: CS2, Dota 2, Multiple titles
Valuation: $45M+
All-Time Prize Earnings: $38M+
2025 EWC Club Championship: Defending Champions (2024 & 2025)
eSports has witnessed few success stories as dramatic as Team Falcons’ rise. In 2024, they were 8th in the viewership rankings. By the end of 2025, they were in the top 3, generating 172.7 million Hours Watched, nearly double their previous year.
“Success breeds momentum. Every competitive win builds our credibility, increases our visibility, and draws in new partners, allowing us to invest further in top-tier talent and world-class support systems.” – Nicolas Maurer, CEO, Team Vitality
This growth was a long time coming. Team Falcons competed in 22 different tournaments at the 2025 Esports World Cup, a record in EWC history. And when they signed CS2 superstars like NiKo and m0NESY, the entire esports community took notice.
“Superteam” Strategy:
The Falcons’ model is different from the rest. They don’t buy players, they buy entire competitive ecosystems. And it’s working. Defending the 2025 EWC Club Championship, and then building a superteam in CS2, is the foundation for long-term dominance.
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Prize Money | 36 / 40 |
| Tournament Wins | 30 / 35 |
| Viewership | 24 / 25 |
NiKo + m0NESY duo in CS2 is considered the most lethal FPS duo in the world. If the chemistry works, the Falcons could be on the verge of title contention in 2026.
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4. Team Vitality – ESI Score: 87/100
Headquartered: Paris, France
Primary Game (Primary): CS2
CS2 Prize Earnings: $10M+ milestone (February 2026)
2025 Major Titles: 2 (BLAST.tv Austin Major + StarLadder Budapest Major)
Awards: Esports Team of the Year 2025, Best Esports Team at The Game Awards 2025
Team Vitality was the era-defining team in CS2 in 2025. The French organization didn’t just win back-to-back CS2 Majors in 2025. They proved their dominance throughout the year. Nine titles, a 30-match LAN win streak, and ZywOo’s triple Major MVP all add up to a legacy reminiscent of Astralis’ golden era.
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Prize Money | 35 / 40 |
| Tournament Wins | 33 / 35 |
| Viewership | 19 / 25 |
Vitality defeated FaZe Clan 3-1 at the Budapest Major Final in December 2025. ZywOo’s performance has led many experts to consider him one of CS2’s all-time greatest players.
Vitality’s dominance numbers in 2025:
- Highest among CS2 organizations: 90.3 million hours watched
- $4.57 million+ in combined prize money in 2025
- 20+ S-tier tournament titles overall
He’s on the rise, having been named HLTV Team of the Year 2025, but his victory at PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026 shows he’s not tired yet.
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5. Natus Vincere (NAVI) — ESI Score: 84/100
Headquartered: Kyiv, Ukraine
Primary Games: CS2, Dota 2
CS2 All-Time Earnings: $12.24M (#1 in CS2)
2025 Organization Viewership: 109.4 Million Hours Watched (+35.7% YoY)
The name “Born to Win” captures the team’s character. NAVI has created a legacy in Counter-Strike that will likely never be matched. They still hold the record for winning every CS Major in a single year, dating back to 2010.
NAVI had a mixed year in 2025. After rebuilding their roster, they consistently placed in the top four, but failed to show the same dominance as Vitality. Nevertheless, their viewership grew by 35.7%. This is proof of fan loyalty.
What makes NAVI special:
This organization is considered a symbol of national pride in Ukraine. Despite difficult geopolitical circumstances, its players have not given up on the competition. This mental resilience is not measured by a scoreboard.
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Prize Money | 38 / 40 |
| Tournament Wins | 26 / 35 |
| Viewership | 20 / 25 |
The new roster is being settled. If the chemistry works, they will once again be title contenders.
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6. G2 Esports – ESI Score: 81/100
Headquartered: Berlin, Germany
Primary Games: CS2, VALORANT, LoL
VALORANT: VCT 2025 Americas Champions (both seasons)
Fan Following: Europe’s most followed eSports organization
G2 Esports is known as the “Entertainers of eSports.” They may not win every tournament, but they create a buzz every time they play. Carlos “ocelote” Rodriguez has transformed G2 into a brand that’s just as powerful off the field.
In 2025, G2’s VALORANT squad achieved significant success, winning the VCT 2025 Americas Kickoff and subsequently claiming the championship in both Americas seasons. Their performance in CS2 has been inconsistent, but the depth remains.
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Prize Money | 30 / 40 |
| Tournament Wins | 28 / 35 |
| Viewership | 23 / 25 |
G2’s Business Model:
G2 has carved out a unique space by blending content creation and entertainment with eSports. Their social media strategy and celebrity collaborations make them accessible to even the casual fan.
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7. OG – ESI Score: 79/100
Headquartered: Paris, France
Primary Game: Dota 2 (growing in CS2)
All-Time Prize Earnings: $38M+
Historic Achievement: The International 2018 & 2019, First team to win back-to-back
OG stands for “Original Gangsters,” a name they earned in Dota 2. Led by Johan “N0tail” Sundstein, they made history by winning The International in 2018-19. N0tail remains the highest individual earner in eSports history, with over $7M in prize money.
OG’s hallmark is their “Against All Odds” philosophy. They play like underdogs, regardless of their record. And this attitude makes them a fan favorite.
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Prize Money | 39 / 40 |
| Tournament Wins | 23 / 35 |
| Viewership | 17 / 25 |
OG in 2025-26:
He remains relevant in Dota 2, and is slowly finding his footing in CS2. His legacy will forever keep him on this list.
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8. FaZe Clan — ESI Score: 77/100
Headquartered: Los Angeles, USA
Primary Games: CS2, Warzone, multiple FPS
CS2 Notable: 2022 Antwerp Major Champions, Budapest Major 2025 Finalists
Brand Value: The most recognized North American brand of eSports
FaZe Clan could be considered the pre-YouTube influencer culture of esports. This organization mainstreamed content creation and competitive gaming simultaneously. Even today, people instantly recognize FaZe’s jerseys.
The year 2025 was a tough one for FaZe’s CS2 lineup. A rebuild is underway with new players Twistzz and rookie jcobbb. But a memorable run at the Budapest Major, where they came back from Stage 1 elimination to reach the Grand Final, showed that FaZe never dies.
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Prize Money | 33 / 40 |
| Tournament Wins | 25 / 35 |
| Viewership | 19 / 25 |
The magic of “FaZe Bullshit”:
There’s a term in the community for “FaZe bullshit” when the team pulls off victories from near-impossible situations. Budapest 2025 was the perfect example.
If the new roster settles, FaZe will once again be in the top 3. The potential is there, just need consistency.
9. Team Spirit – ESI Score: 75/100
Headquartered: Russia/CIS Region
Primary Games: CS2, Dota 2
Breakout Moment: The International 2021 Dota 2 Champions
CS2 Viewership 2025: Top 5 most-watched CS2 teams
Team Spirit’s story is one of underdogs becoming legends. After winning The International in 2021, the entire eSports world began to take them seriously. They subsequently established a presence in CS2.
Spirit delivered consistently impressive performances in CS2 in 2025. They reached the finals at IEM Cologne 2025, defeating NAVI. With young talent like donk, Team Spirit is a genuinely exciting team.
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Prize Money | 32 / 40 |
| Tournament Wins | 26 / 35 |
| Viewership | 17 / 25 |
Why Spirit Matters:
Being a strong representative of Eastern European eSports is not only competitive but also a source of pride for millions of fans in that region.
10. Virtus.pro (VP) – ESI Score: 71/100
Headquartered: CIS Region
Primary Games: Dota 2, CS2
EWC 2025: Top 5 finish in Club Championship
Strength: Regional fortress in Eastern Europe & Central Asia
Virtus.pro is one of the teams that represents the old guard of eSports. They have been competitive in one form or another since the early days of CS:GO.
VP adopted a smart strategy in 2025, focusing on high-ROI titles like Dota 2 and CS2, and remained a financial powerhouse in the EMEA region. A top-5 finish at the EWC 2025 Club Championship proved that regional strength is a valid long-term strategy.
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Prize Money | 30 / 40 |
| Tournament Wins | 24 / 35 |
| Viewership | 17 / 25 |
VP’s real USP:
Even in global market volatility, their deep roots in Eastern Europe and Central Asia protect them like a shield.
Final Word
Who is the best eSports team in the world? This question isn’t simple. It depends on the angle you’re looking at it from.
- For prize money? Team Liquid.
- For viewership and fan base? T1.
- For dominance in CS2? Team Vitality.
- For future growth? Team Falcons.
But if you were to choose the overall best eSports team in 2026, taking into account every metric, every angle, every criterion the answer is: T1.
Frequently Asked Questions
T1 is the best eSports team in the world in 2026.
Team Liquid is #1 in the world in all-time prize earnings over $54.5 million.
T1 is the most-watched eSports organization in the world. In 2025 alone, they generated 228 million hours watched.
Without a doubt, T1 is the best League of Legends team in the world. They won four consecutive Worlds in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 and have a total of six World Championships.
Yes, and this is a very important point. Prize money is just a portion of revenue.
