Turkish Esports teams dominate global arenas with major wins
Turkish esports teams like Eternal Fire and FUT Esports are gaining international recognition with top rankings. (Adobe Stock Photo)
The Esports scene in Türkiye has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, with several teams achieving significant success both domestically and internationally.
Turkish Esports teams have established themselves as strong competitors across various gaming disciplines. This article explores the top Turkish Esports teams, their accomplishments, and their influence on the global Esports community.
Leading Turkish Esports teams: Eternal Fire, FUT Esports
Eternal Fire and FUT Esports have emerged as two of the most prominent esports organizations in Türkiye, each making notable strides in different games and international tournaments.
- Eternal Fire: Specializing in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS), Eternal Fire has secured a strong presence on the global stage. As of mid-2024, the team ranked 7th worldwide according to HLTV’s Counter-Strike rankings. With renowned players like Ismailcan ‘XANTARES’ Dortkardes and Ozgur ‘woxic’ Eker, Eternal Fire has consistently performed well in major tournaments, reinforcing its status as a top-tier Esports team.
- FUT Esports: FUT Esports has gained recognition through its achievements in PUBG Mobile and Valorant. The team has claimed numerous victories in regional and international competitions, demonstrating the growing prowess of Turkish teams in these arenas. As a partner team in Riot Games’ VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) EMEA league, FUT Esports continues to showcase its competitive strength and international reach.
Team achievements:
| Team | Primary Games | Key Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Eternal Fire | CS:GO | Ranked 7th globally in HLTV rankings (2024) |
| FUT Esports | PUBG Mobile, Valorant | Multiple regional and international victories |
Notable Turkish Esports teams: Space Soldiers, Dark Passage, SuperMassive
Beyond the leading teams, several other Turkish Esports organizations have contributed significantly to the country’s Esports landscape.
- Space Soldiers: Founded in 2014 by Bunyamin Aydin, Space Soldiers stands as one of the pioneers of Turkish Esports. In 2016, the team became the first from Türkiye to qualify for a CSMajor, earning international recognition and paving the way for future Turkish teams. Space Soldiers has since expanded into games like League of Legends and Valorant, maintaining its influential presence in the Esports community.
- Dark Passage: Established in 2003, Dark Passage holds the distinction of being the oldest esports team in Türkiye. Initially focusing on Counter-Strike, the team has evolved to compete in various titles, including League of Legends and Valorant. In 2018, Dark Passage reached the playoffs of a CSMajor, marking a significant achievement and highlighting its enduring competitiveness.
- SuperMassive: SuperMassive has made a substantial impact in the League of Legends scene, particularly within Türkiye’s Championship League (TCL). The team has participated in multiple World Championships and reached the quarterfinals during one of its most impressive runs. SuperMassive’s dedication to League of Legends has solidified its reputation as one of Türkiye’s most successful Esports teams.
- IDA Esports: A relatively new entrant in the Turkish Esports scene, has quickly gained traction, particularly in PUBG Mobile. Backed by Ihlas Holding, the team has demonstrated rapid growth and impressive performance. In 2024, IDA Esports advanced to the finals of the PUBG Mobile Yildizlar Ligi (Star League), signaling its potential to become one of Türkiye’s leading esports teams in the near future.
Turkish Esports teams’ greatest achievements
| Team | Founded | Primary Games | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Space Soldiers | 2014 | CS:GO, LoL, Valorant | First Turkish team to qualify for CS:GO Major (2016) |
| Dark Passage | 2003 | CS:GO, LoL, Valorant | Reached CS:GO Major playoffs (2018) |
| SuperMassive | N/A | League of Legends | Multiple TCL titles and World Championship appearances |
| IDA Esports | PUBG Mobile | Finalist in 2024 PUBG Mobile Stars League |
Do Esports bring any money?
The success of Turkish Esports teams has translated into significant economic benefits and cultural recognition within Türkiye.
According to Esports Earnings, Turkish Esports players have collectively earned over $12.7 million across nearly 2,000 tournaments. PUBG Mobile leads as the highest-earning game for Turkish players, accounting for over 29% of total earnings.
These financial achievements have attracted more talent and investment into the Turkish Esports industry, fostering its continued growth and development.
| Game | Total Earnings | Percentage of Total Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| PUBG Mobile | $3,721,651.81 | 29.30% |
| Counter-Strike: Global Offensive | $1,921,597.59 | 15.12% |
| VALORANT | $1,540,119.23 | 12.13% |
On a cultural level, Esports has gained official recognition in Türkiye. The Turkish government acknowledges Esports as an official sport, with the Turkish Esports Federation collaborating closely with the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
This recognition has elevated the status of Esports athletes, granting them the same rights and privileges as traditional sports players and further legitimizing Esports as a significant cultural and economic force in Türkiye.
