ONIC vs. RRQ Hoshi clash claimed top spot as the most-popular esports match of the past week
Last week’s MPL Indonesia Season 17 group stage clash between ONIC Esports and RRQ Hoshi drew over 1.85 million Peak Viewers (PV). Despite the massive turnout, it fell just short of setting a new season record.
However, the momentum isn't slowing down — next week looks just as intense for Counter-Strike fans, with the highly anticipated debut of Finn “karrigaN” Andersen as the new captain for Team Falcons.
In this report, we break down the most-popular matches from the past week (April 27 – May 3, 2026) and highlight the high-stakes esports showdowns to keep on your radar for the coming week (May 4 – 10, 2026).
Most popular esports matches of the past week (Apr 27 – May 3, 2026)
The most-popular match of the past week was the MPL Indonesia Season 17 group stage showdown between ONIC Esports and RRQ Hoshi. The series peaked at 1.83 million concurrent viewers and ended in a 2:0 sweep for ONIC, with Gilang "S A N Z" earning MVP honors. Interestingly, these two heavyweights previously clashed in Week 1, drawing a peak audience of 2.28 million, which remains the highest viewership record for the season so far.
The LCK 2026 Season group stage clash between T1 and Hanwha Life Esports drew a peak audience of over 1.21 million viewers. In their May 1 series, HLE edged out Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok and company with a 2:1 victory, securing sole possession of first place in the standings.
The BLAST Rivals Spring 2026 grand finals between Team Vitality and Natus Vincere drew a peak audience of 820,000 viewers. This marks the fifth-highest viewership for a Counter-Strike tournament so far in 2026. Experts suggest the numbers could have been even stronger had the match been more competitive, as the lack of suspense likely capped its potential growth. Team Vitality cruised to a dominant 3:0 victory, claiming their fifth championship title of 2026. With this latest win, the organization continues its impressive run, further cementing its status as the team to beat this year.
The standout matchup of the past week in MPL Malaysia Season 17 was the clash between the Selangor Red Giants and RRQ Tora. The series drew a peak audience of 420,800 viewers as SRG secured a dominant 2:0 sweep. Mark “Kramm” Rusiana’s squad remains undefeated so far this season and looks well on its way to clinching another championship title.
In MPL Philippines Season 17, all eyes were on the high-stakes showdown between Team Liquid PH and Team Falcons PH. Currently sitting at the top of the standings, both squads are widely considered the frontrunners for the season title. In a tightly contested head-to-head, Team Falcons PH edged out their rivals with a 2:1 victory. The match reached a peak of 358,000 concurrent viewers during the live broadcast.
Esports Charts' interactive map now allows users to monitor audience milestones and updates in a chronological format. This interactive tool visualizes major esports events worldwide, using peak viewership data as the primary reference point. Users can check out this tool here.
Must-watch matches of this week (May 4 – 10, 2026)
The VCT 2026: EMEA Stage 1 playoffs kick off on May 7, much to the excitement of Valorant fans worldwide. One must-watch matchup features Team Heretics going head-to-head against Eternal Fire, a clash between a European powerhouse and a surging Turkish underdog.
Interestingly, the Eternal Fire roster recently competed under the ULF Esports banner, having earned their spot in the EMEA league through VCT Ascension 2025. When ULF failed to meet the top-flight league's organizational requirements, Riot Games stepped in to protect the players, allowing them to retain their slot and continue their run under the Eternal Fire organization.
League of Legends fans are in for a treat on May 8 as Karmine Corp and G2 Esports clash during LEC Spring 2026 Roadtrip Week. This high-profile matchup takes the stage at the Madrid Arena in Spain’s capital. With the Spring Split home stretch in full swing, the final playoff picture is nearly set. This is a must-watch series, as Karmine Corp and G2 are arguably the two most dominant forces in the league right now.
Counter-Strike fans will have their eyes glued to PGL Astana 2026 on May 9. The highlight of the day is the showdown between K27 and Team Falcons, marking the highly anticipated debut of karrigaN in his new colors. With a legendary captain now at the helm, Team Falcons looks poised to reach a whole new level. This might finally be the roster with enough firepower and leadership to snap Team Vitality's dominant streak and reshape the pro scene.
Read more: Karrigan to Team Falcons? FaZe's Decline & CS2 2026 Season
That same day, MPL Indonesia Season 17 features the legendary 'El Clasico' matchup between EVOS and RRQ Hoshi. These are undoubtedly the two most popular organizations in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, boasting a massive, cult-like following across Southeast Asia. Given the scale of this rivalry, there’s a strong chance this series will shatter the league’s current peak viewership record for the season.
Late night on May 10, Sentinels and NRG face off in a high-profile VCT 2026: Americas Stage 1 group stage clash. While the North American Valorant scene has struggled lately, with viewership declining steadily, this matchup remains a major draw.
Sentinels continues to command massive respect within the community, while NRG has established itself as the region's premier international threat. This showdown is a must-watch, not just for die-hard Valorant fans but for any neutral viewer looking for top-tier tactical gameplay.
FAQ
What was the most popular esports match last week?
Which team won the ONIC vs. RRQ Hoshi match?
What was the peak viewership for the LCK 2026 Season match between T1 and Hanwha Life Esports?
Which Counter-Strike team won the BLAST Rivals Spring 2026 grand finals?
Detailed Esports data at your fingertips.
Subscribe to & start exploring!
