ESL learners always face challenges while learning, and to overcome them, teachers develop different strategies. Nowadays, the integration of gamification into ESL teaching has gained significant attention because it enables teachers to enhance learners’ motivation, engagement, and learning outcomes. However, there is a paucity of research on gamification in ESL learning. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to explore the influence of gamification on ESL learning. Moreover, it aimed to highlight its impact on learners’ motivation, engagement, and learning outcomes. This research has reviewed gamified strategies that utilize interactive mechanisms, including Duolingo, Class Craft, and Kahoot, as they effectively integrate with theoretical frameworks and empirical data collection methods. Results highlighted that prize rewards, progress tracking, and challenging gamification activities can lead to increased student engagement and improved knowledge retention. Different aspects of teacher training, as well as cultural traditions and access to systems, affect the impact of gamification techniques. Moreover, the findings indicated that team-centered approaches are more effective in cultural settings with a collective orientation than in those with an individual, competitive orientation. Sustainable implementation of such a program requires teacher education, and it absolutely needs the backing of the institution. The digital divide in rural areas restricts the use of gamification tools, as these communities often have unequal access to education and technology. Furthermore, this systematic review highlighted that ESL education can experience significant improvements through the use of gaming strategies, provided teachers and policymakers offer support during its careful implementation.