Online games still have a reputation for being purely about entertainment or a way to kill time. But the reality is that even the most seemingly casual game, whether you’re judging it by its poor graphics or cartoon style, could have an unexpected competitive twist. Over time, the gaming industry has evolved significantly, with games spanning all genres and offering rewards in just as many forms, like literal leaderboards, in-game prizes, and real-world bragging rights.
If you consider yourself a gamer but think competitive games are only for hardcore players or those who have the time to fully invest, you might be missing out on a whole world of games that reward you without the grind.
Trivia and Word Apps
If you’re someone who’s constantly learning something new every day, why not put your knowledge to the test with a trivia app or two? Trivia naturally has a competitive edge, with game shows proving that rapid-fire questions and a little pressure can turn all that knowledge in your head into real entertainment.
For those in corporate, you might’ve played a few rounds of Jackbox, a set of quiz-based party multiplayer games, over Zoom. Quiplash will have you answering a series of prompts to see who’s the funniest, while Blather ‘Round involves describing pop culture items to friends.
If you don’t have enough players to participate, consider downloading Trivia Crack, a Trivial Pursuit-style app that randomly matches you with players all over the world. Or consider GeoGuessr, a geography game that involves guessing a location based on Google Street View imagery. It has both solo and multiplayer modes and a famous leaderboard that has become a badge of honour for frequent players.
Skill-Based Casino Games
Online casino platforms are teeming with games of chance—slots, roulette, and even novel inventions like the Chicken Road Game. But if you dig a little deeper, you’ll find a growing category of skill-based casino games requiring you to test your strategic thinking skills.
You’ll easily find a whole host of classic and modern takes on poker and blackjack online, testing and training your ability to bet and fold. And with advancements in technology, live tables and dealers can immerse you in a more realistic experience. Worried about the potential wagers involved? Many casinos make it easy to jump in with a minimum deposit of $10 and some exciting promotions, allowing new players to enjoy a low-risk way to play the latest and greatest casino games.
Fantasy Sports
While sports betting is often seen as the top way to complement watching the game, fantasy sports come in as a close second. Fantasy sports involve more of an ongoing commitment than betting and a unique competitive component. Plenty of official sports apps like ESPN, Yahoo, and CBS, as well as popular sports betting apps like FanDuel and DraftKings, offer complete fantasy sports experiences for those who want to manage their own roster during the season.
Aside from rooting for your chosen team, fantasy sports give you the opportunity to act as manager and put together a team of your own. You get to draft players, make trades, and adjust your lineup while competing against friends and other fans. Win the tournament, and you could win real cash prizes and the satisfaction of knowing your strategy helped you get there.
Trading Card Games
Trading card games are making a real comeback, fuelled by everyone’s love for nostalgia. Classics like Magic: The Gathering have kept a loyal following ever since they went online, while newer releases like Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket have hooked players in like fish on a line. These online variations of physical card games have given new life to otherwise defunct communities. Because of their convenience, accessibility, and the fact that you can jump right into a match with whoever’s available, they’re a fantastic choice if you want to collect and get competitive.
These games typically require you to build decks, master rules, and adapt your strategy in matches to beat out opponents, which requires plenty of persistence to reach the top. Many have long-time leaderboards and ranked modes, bringing the competition to another level.
Competitive Fitness Apps
For some, fitness becomes more fun if there’s competition involved or if it’s gamified. Competitive fitness apps allow people to turn all kinds of workouts into challenges, with monthly or sport-specific goals, leaderboards with strangers and friends, and rewards like badges and points that can go towards purchases. While apps like Strava feature awards and global leaderboards, some apps go all-in and have real-time multiplayer races, cash prizes, and live competitions.
These fitness apps might not necessarily be considered ‘online games’ in the same sense that trading card games or trivia apps are, but they’re no doubt a lot of fun. For example, Sweatcoin rewards players just for walking and competing in challenges, turning their steps into donations, vouchers, and digital subscriptions. Meanwhile, Zwift lets cyclists jump into an immersive world and simulate races in incredible destinations.
Puzzle Tournaments
There’s nothing more brain-teasing than a good old puzzle, which is why puzzle tournaments are incredibly competitive and challenging. With competitors thinking fast under pressure and the level of bragging rights on the line, these contests feature some of the most elite players on the planet—and many others who want to become just like them.
Popular tournaments include the Scrabble World Championship and the WPF Sudoku Grand Prix, which draw top players to compete for recognition and prestigious titles. Want to climb the ranks? Practice makes perfect, and there are many platforms and apps to help.
