Counter-Strike Takes the Lead: How Brazil Chooses Its Esports Disciplines
Consultation Results: What People Play in Brazil
From February 17 to March 5, the Brazilian Ministry of Sports, supported by the National Secretariat for Betting and Economic Development of Sports, conducted the first public consultation on esports.
The goal was to update the list of popular esports disciplines included in Decree MESP No. 125 of December 30, 2024.
The consultation took place on the +Brasil platform and included feedback from players, experts, and representatives of the esports industry.
Top 8 Most Popular Games
Respondents could choose multiple disciplines. The results show which games are leading in the country:
| Rank | Game | Popularity (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Counter-Strike | 90.7 |
| 2 | League of Legends | 87 |
| 3 | Valorant | 69.2 |
| 4 | Free Fire | 55.3 |
| 5 | FIFA | 52.3 |
| 6 | Dota 2 | 43.07 |
| 7 | Fortnite | 43.07 |
| 8 | eFootball | 38.4 |
Readiness for the Olympic Games
The consultation also touched on the future of esports at the 2027 Olympic Games in Saudi Arabia. Participants were asked which disciplines should be included in the Olympic program. The top choices mirrored the general ranking:
- League of Legends — 93.8%
- Counter-Strike — 90.7%
- Valorant — 78.4%
- FIFA — 75.3%
- Dota 2 and Fortnite — 70.7% each
- Free Fire and eFootball — 64.6% each
Why It Matters
According to Giovanni Rocco, Secretary of the National Secretariat for Betting and Sports Development, the esports market in Brazil is growing rapidly:
“Each year sees increased investment and a growing fan base, strengthening Brazil’s position in the esports scene.”
The consultation data will help identify priorities for discipline development and consider audience interests in preparation for international competitions.