It’s no secret that esports has exploded in popularity in recent years. Global esports revenue grew to over $1.4 billion in 2022 and will likely exceed $6.7 billion by 2030. While much attention centers on PC and console esports titles like League of Legends (Lol) and Overwatch, mobile games are driving significant growth in the industry.
Two titles leading the charge in mobile esports are Clash Royale from Supercell and PUBG Mobile, published by Krafton. The games enjoy millions of downloads and have become the trending source of mobile entertainment, giving casino apps a run for their money. For the longest time, online casinos were the go-to pastime for most people. But now, the thrill of esports games such as Clash Royale and PUBG is casting a shadow on casino games like slots, blackjack, and roulette.
Clash Royale
Few games offer what Clash Royale does—a fun mix of fast-paced multiplayer battles, card collecting, and tower defense. Players collect and upgrade cards featuring troops, spells, and heroes from the Clash of Clans universe. The goal is to destroy the opponent’s towers while defending your own. Matches are short, fast-paced battles that lend themselves well to mobile gameplay.
Clash Royale has also made a significant impact on the world of mobile gaming by introducing a new level of social interaction. It features a “Clan” system where players can form and join clans. Clan members can engage in friendly battles, donate cards to each other, and work together to earn Clan Chests. This social aspect has contributed to the game’s popularity and longevity. 
Since its release in March 2016, Clash Royale has been hugely successful, amassing over $4 billion in lifetime revenue as of August 2023. It has quickly emerged as one of the most popular mobile esports. The first Clash Royale League World Finals took place in Tokyo in 2018 with a $1 million prize pool. Top Clash Royale esports teams like Tribe Gaming, SK Gaming, and Team Queso compete in the official Clash Royale League (CRL) organized and sponsored by developer Supercell, featuring league play, tournaments, and championships.
PUBG Mobile
PUBG Mobile, launched in December 2017 as the mobile version of the super hit battle royale game Player Unknown’s Battlegrounds, has seen similarly impressive success. It swiftly became one of the most-played mobile titles globally, earning over $10 billion to date from player spending.
PUBG Mobile esports grew rapidly through unofficial third-party tournaments and Tencent’s eventual support. The PUBG Mobile Club Open drew nearly 600,000 peak viewers in 2019, while the 2021 PUBG Mobile Global Championship Finals saw over 646,000 tune in. The 2021 PUBG Mobile Pro League World Championship boasted a massive $14 million prize pool. Famous PUBG Mobile teams like RRQ Athena, X-Quest, and Nova Esports compete at the highest level.
This professional structure, lucrative prizes, and global visibility have fueled the explosive popularity of PUBG Mobile as a top-tier mobile esports. Tencent’s investment brought further legitimacy and accessibility, attracting talented squads worldwide.
Factors Behind Mobile Esport Success
The factors driving the esports success of Clash Royale and PUBG Mobile mirror the growth of mobile gaming overall. The widespread proliferation of smartphones globally provides a massive, readily accessible player and fan base.
Gameplay on touchscreens offers a natural fit for many popular competitive genres like MOBAs, battle royales, and strategy games. In addition, quick match times and bite-sized gameplay make mobile esports a compelling viewer experience where fans can tune in during breaks at school or work.
Short bursts of high-stakes competition also provide constant entertainment. Major tournaments like the Clash Royale League World Finals compress an intense viewing experience into just a few hours.
Developer support has also been key. Supercell’s heavy investment in organizing the Clash Royale League gives structure and legitimacy to the game’s burgeoning competitive scene. While PUBG Mobile esports developed more organically at first, Tencent has now put major resources behind establishing an official program. This official involvement attracts sponsors, media coverage, and fans.
Looking ahead, the future shines bright for mobile esports. As mobile gaming continues growing, more popular competitive titles will emerge. Strong developer support, greater media coverage, and bigger prize pools will draw more elite players and organizations. While PC and console esports remain massively successful, mobile provides greater access and convenience for players and spectators.
