It is easy to dismiss mobile games as casual time-fillers for commutes or downtime—but that mindset is quickly becoming outdated. In recent years, smartphones and tablets have evolved into powerful gaming devices capable of delivering high-quality, competitive experiences. While traditional esports fans may still gravitate towards PC and console titles, the mobile esports scene has quietly exploded into a multi-billion-dollar industry with packed arenas, massive viewership, and serious prize pools.
Mobile esports is no longer a niche—it’s a major player. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about betting on mobile esports, from top games and tournaments to markets and tips.
What games are mobile esports?
It’s easy to assume esports begins and ends with the core triumvirate of Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2 and League of Legends. These three games have dominated the competitive and professional gaming scene for the better part of a decade and are arguably the main reasons behind the investment and success of the esports industry today.
However, we’re seeing more new games than ever before follow an “esports-ready” template, where the core gameplay mechanics and multiplayer component encourage future organised, competitive play with the hopes of a massive fan base to launch a proper league. Overwatch’s recent success can be attributed to this new framework.
Mobile would be the last platform any gamer would expect to play games with an esports-ready template implemented, yet here we are with games like PUBG Mobile, Honor Of Kings and Call of Duty.
- Mobile Legends: Bang Bang
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) has become one of the world’s leading mobile esports titles, especially dominant in South-east Asia. Developed by Moonton, the game’s professional scene is built around the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League (MPL), with regional circuits in countries like Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia. The MLBB World Championship (M-Series) draws millions of viewers and features top teams from around the globe. With consistent developer support, strong regional rivalries, and massive fan engagement, MLBB has solidified its position as a cornerstone of the mobile esports ecosystem and a cultural phenomenon in key gaming markets.
- PUBG Mobile
PUBG Mobile Esports has grown into a global powerhouse, with major leagues across Asia, the Middle East, and South America. Flagship events like the PUBG Mobile Global Championship (PMGC) feature million-dollar prize pools and attract top-tier teams from around the world. Backed by Tencent, the circuit boasts structured regional qualifiers, international LAN events, and strong viewership across platforms like YouTube. With mobile gaming surging in popularity, PUBG Mobile remains a cornerstone of the mobile esports ecosystem, especially in countries like China, India, and Brazil. - Honor Of Kings
Honor of Kings has become a dominant force in mobile esports, particularly in China, where it commands massive audiences and prize pools. Developed by Tencent, the game’s competitive scene is anchored by the King Pro League (KPL), one of the most prestigious mobile esports leagues globally. With expanding international reach and recent global versions released, Honor of Kings is rapidly growing outside of China. Its polished gameplay, regular updates, and strong developer support have made it a staple of mobile esports, drawing millions of viewers and establishing itself as a key title in the mobile competitive gaming landscape. - Call of Duty Mobile
Call of Duty: Mobile esports has steadily gained momentum since its 2019 launch, offering a competitive FPS experience tailored for smartphones. Backed by Activision, the scene is anchored by the annual COD Mobile World Championship, which features regional qualifiers and a global finals with a six-figure prize pool. The game has built strong followings in regions like North America, Latin America, South Asia, and South-east Asia. With support from major esports organisations and regular in-game esports events, COD Mobile continues to establish itself as a key player in the mobile esports arena, bridging traditional shooter fans and mobile-first audiences.
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Mobile esports in 2025: The Numbers
Esports has continued its meteoric rise, with the industry projected to generate $1.79 billion in global revenue by the end of 2025, according to SQ Magazine. While sponsorships and media rights still form the backbone of this figure—making up nearly 65% of the total revenue—what’s often overlooked is the staggering influence of mobile gaming on this boom.
In one of its latest reports, NewZoo and other data sources confirm that mobile gaming now accounts for nearly 49% of the entire global gaming market, reinforcing the sector’s dominance. In 2024 alone, mobile game revenue reached $92.6 billion, a number driven largely by spending in emerging markets such as India, Mexico, Turkey, and Thailand. Mobile’s share of the market is expected to push past the halfway mark as smartphone penetration continues to rise.
Two of the most influential players in the mobile esports ecosystem remain Tencent and NetEase, who continue to lead the charge from China. In 2024, Tencent raked in around $24.99 billion from its gaming division—buoyed by titles like Honor of Kings and PUBG Mobile. NetEase wasn’t far behind, generating approximately $11.5 billion, with mobile games making up the bulk of its revenue.
These figures reflect the broader evolution of esports, which once revolved primarily around PC and console titles. The massive global base of smartphone users—estimated to exceed 3.5 billion in 2025—has reshaped the competitive gaming landscape. Mobile titles now offer not only casual entertainment but also structured tournaments, professional teams, and millions in prize pools.
As mobile technology improves and cloud gaming expands, mobile esports is set to become an even more integral pillar of the industry’s future. The question no longer is whether mobile belongs in esports, but rather how long it will be before traditional powerhouses like Valve fully commit to it.
Why mobile esports are growing in popularity
Traditional esports fans and hardcore gamers often underestimate just how far mobile technology has evolved—and how significantly it has shaped the modern gaming landscape. In 2025, smartphones and tablets are more powerful than ever, supporting complex, high-fidelity games that rival the quality once reserved for PC and console titles. This leap in hardware has powered the rise of mobile esports, which continues to surge in both popularity and revenue.
- Smartphones are everywhere
With over 3.5 billion active smartphone users worldwide, the mobile gaming audience has become the largest segment of the global games market. It’s no surprise that developers—from indie studios to esports heavyweights like Riot Games and Tencent—are doubling down on mobile-first titles. The barrier to entry is virtually nonexistent: fans can follow tournaments or play ranked matches from anywhere, without the need for expensive hardware or even a home setup. The convenience and portability of mobile gaming have helped foster new communities, particularly in emerging markets where access to high-end PCs remains limited. - Accessibility of controls and gameplay
Touch-screen controls naturally reduce the complexity of inputs, making mobile games easier to pick up and more intuitive for new players and spectators alike. But simplicity doesn’t mean a lack of depth. Titles like Honor of Kings and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang deliver strategic gameplay with shorter match durations and refined mechanics. Meanwhile, games like PUBG Mobile and COD Mobile bring full-fledged shooter experiences to handheld devices, complete with ranked modes, international tournaments, and pro-level competition.
