1. The International (Dota 2)
Game: Dota 2
Organizer: Valve Corporation
Prize Pool: Over $40 million (2021)
Notable: Largest single-event prize pool in esports history.
The International (TI) could be the pinnacle of Dota 2 competition and arguably one of the most prestigious tournament in esports. Organized by Valve, the game’s developer, TI brings together the best teams from worldwide to compete for any prize pool that dwarfs most other esports events. The prize pool is basically funded by the game’s community from the purchase of in-game items, a testament to the passionate Dota 2 fanbase. The tournament is recognized for its intense matches, dramatic comebacks, and the legendary Aegis of Champions trophy, awarded for the victors. The International has become synonymous with the greatest levels of skill in esports, and winning it can be considered the ultimate achievement inside the Dota 2 community.
2. League of Legends World Championship
Game: League of Legends
Organizer: Riot Games
Prize Pool: Over $2.25 million (2022)
Notable: Massive global viewership, craigs list 100 million viewers in 2019.
The League of Legends World Championship, often referred to as Worlds, will be the annual culmination in the League of Legends competitive season. Teams from various regions, including North America, Europe, South Korea, and China, battle it for the Summoner’s Cup as well as the title of World Champion. Known for its high production value, elaborate opening ceremonies, and intense competition, Worlds is often a cultural event inside gaming world. It draws numerous viewers and has consistently set records for esports viewership. The tournament’s prestige and the game’s global popularity help it become one of probably the most-watched esports events ever sold.
3. CS
Major Championships
Game: Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS
)
Organizer: Valve Corporation
Prize Pool: $1 million (per Major)
Notable: One of the longest-running esports tournaments, dating back 2013.
The CS
Major Championships, often simply called Majors, will be the most significant tournaments inside the Counter-Strike: Global Offensive competitive calendar. Valve, the developer, sponsors these events, which feature the world’s top teams competing for the $1 million prize pool. Majors are known for their intense gameplay, with matches often decided by razor-thin margins and moments of human brilliance. The prestige of winning a Major is immense, and teams that achieve these tournaments earn a place in esports history. The Majors have been a cornerstone with the CS
community, helping to maintain the game’s popularity and competitive integrity through the years.
4. Fortnite World Cup
Game: Fortnite
Organizer: Epic Games
Prize Pool: $30 million (2019)
Notable: One of the largest prize pools in esports history; open to all players.
The Fortnite World Cup was created by Epic Games in 2019 as the greatest competition for Fortnite players worldwide. The event featured separate tournaments for solo players and duos, with the solo winner, 16-year-old Kyle “Bugha” Giersdorf, taking home $3 million, one from the largest individual winnings in esports history. The World Cup was unique because it allowed you to definitely qualify through in-game events, democratizing entry to one of the largest stages in esports. The Fortnite World Cup was obviously a spectacle of pop culture and competitive gaming, attracting a huge audience and further cementing Fortnite’s place in the mainstream.
5. The Overwatch League Grand Finals
Game: Overwatch
Organizer: Blizzard Entertainment
Prize Pool: $1.5 million (2021)
Notable: City-based franchise model, similar to traditional sports leagues.
The Overwatch League (OWL) Grand Finals represent the climax in the Overwatch competitive season. OWL is unique inside esports world due to the city-based franchise model, which mirrors traditional sports leagues like the NFL or NBA. Teams from cities around the world compete in a very regular season and playoffs, culminating inside Grand Finals. The event is renowned for its high production values, passionate fanbase, as well as the intense competition among teams. The Grand Finals are not just about the gameplay; they're a celebration of Overwatch as a cultural phenomenon, with live performances, fan events, and more.
6. Call of Duty League Championship
Game: Call of Duty
Organizer: Activision Blizzard
Prize Pool: $2.5 million (2023)
Notable: Franchise model with a focus on North American teams.
The Call of Duty League (CDL) Championship is the most prestigious event inside Call of Duty esports calendar. The CDL follows a franchise model similar on the Overwatch League, with city-based teams competing all year round. The Championship is the culmination of the season, where the most effective teams compete to the title plus a multi-million-dollar prize pool. Call of Duty has a long history in esports, and also the CDL Championship represents the peak of competitive play on this iconic franchise. The event is recognized for its high-intensity matches, passionate fanbase, as well as the incredible skill displayed with the players.
7. EVO Championship Series
Games: Various fighting games, including Street Fighter, Tekken, Super Smash Bros., and others
Organizer: Shoryuken
Prize Pool: Varies by game, typically $100,000+ to get the best games
Notable: The largest and most prestigious fighting game tournament within the world.
The EVO Championship Series, popularly known as EVO, will be the world’s largest and longest-running fighting game tournament. Held annually in Las Vegas, EVO mixes the best players from around the world to compete in a very variety of fighting games. From Street Fighter to Tekken to Super Smash Bros., EVO will be the ultimate test of skill for fighting game players. The tournament is renowned for its electric atmosphere, with 1000s of fans and players packing the venue to witness epic matches. EVO has produced many of the most memorable moments in esports history, including legendary comebacks and unforgettable upsets.
Esports tournaments have become some of the most anticipated events in the world of competitive gaming, drawing massive audiences and offering life-changing prize pools. These tournaments are more than just competitions; they're celebrations of gaming culture, showcasing the skill, strategy, and dedication from the world’s best players. As esports keeps growing, these events will likely become even bigger and more influential, solidifying their place in the global entertainment landscape. Whether you’re an experienced gamer or possibly a casual viewer, the thrill and drama of such tournaments make sure they are must-watch events in the realm of sports.