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) is the pinnacle of Dota 2 competition and arguably the most prestigious tournament in esports. Organized by Valve, the game’s developer, TI fuses the best teams from world wide to compete for a prize pool that dwarfs almost every other esports events. The prize pool is largely funded by the game’s community from the purchase of in-game items, a testament towards the passionate Dota 2 fanbase. The tournament is known for its intense matches, dramatic comebacks, as well as the legendary Aegis of Champions trophy, awarded to the victors. The International is now synonymous with the best levels of skill in esports, and winning it's considered the best achievement within 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, with over 100 million viewers in 2019.
The League of Legends World Championship, also known as Worlds, is the annual culmination with the League of Legends competitive season. Teams from various regions, including North America, Europe, South Korea, and China, battle it out for the Summoner’s Cup and the title of World Champion. Known for its high production value, elaborate opening ceremonies, and intense competition, Worlds can be a cultural event in the gaming world. It draws numerous viewers and has consistently set records for esports viewership. The tournament’s prestige and the game’s global popularity make it one of essentially the most-watched esports events of all time.
3. CS
Major Championships
Game: Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS
)
Organizer: Valve Corporation
Prize Pool: $1 million (per Major)
Notable: One with the longest-running esports tournaments, dating back to 2013.
The CS
Major Championships, often simply called Majors, include the most significant tournaments inside Counter-Strike: Global Offensive competitive calendar. Valve, the developer, sponsors these events, which feature the world’s top teams competing for any $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 spot in esports history. The Majors happen to be a cornerstone of the CS
community, making an effort to maintain the game’s popularity and competitive integrity in the past.
4. Fortnite World Cup
Game: Fortnite
Organizer: Epic Games
Prize Pool: $30 million (2019)
Notable: One of the largest prize pools in esports history; ready to accept all players.
The Fortnite World Cup was designed by Epic Games in 2019 as the greatest competition for Fortnite players worldwide. The event featured separate tournaments for solo players and duos, with all the solo winner, 16-year-old Kyle “Bugha” Giersdorf, taking home $3 million, one in the largest individual winnings in esports history. The World Cup was unique because it allowed that you qualify through in-game events, democratizing entry to one of the largest stages in esports. The Fortnite World Cup would be 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, comparable to traditional sports leagues.
The Overwatch League (OWL) Grand Finals represent the climax in the Overwatch competitive season. OWL is unique within the 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 inside a regular season and playoffs, culminating inside the Grand Finals. The event is known for its high production values, passionate fanbase, as well as the intense competition among teams. The Grand Finals aren't only about the gameplay; they are a celebration of Overwatch being a cultural phenomenon, with live performances, fan events, plus much more.
6. Call of Duty League Championship
Game: Call of Duty
Organizer: Activision Blizzard
Prize Pool: $2.5 million (2023)
Notable: Franchise model having a focus on North American teams.
The Call of Duty League (CDL) Championship will be the most prestigious event inside Call of Duty esports calendar. The CDL follows a franchise model similar to the Overwatch League, with city-based teams competing all year round. The Championship will be the culmination with the season, where the most effective teams compete for your title and a multi-million-dollar prize pool. Call of Duty carries a long history in esports, and also the CDL Championship represents the peak of competitive play in this iconic franchise. The event is recognized for its high-intensity matches, passionate fanbase, and the incredible skill displayed through 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+ for top games
Notable: The largest and most prestigious fighting game tournament inside the world.
The EVO Championship Series, popularly known as EVO, may be the world’s largest and longest-running fighting game tournament. Held annually in Las Vegas, EVO brings together the best players from world wide to compete inside a variety of fighting games. From Street Fighter to Tekken to Super Smash Bros., EVO could 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 a number 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 arena of competitive gaming, drawing massive audiences and offering life-changing prize pools. These tournaments tend to be more than just competitions; these are celebrations of gaming culture, showcasing the skill, strategy, and dedication from the world’s best players. As esports is maintaining growth, these events will more than likely become even bigger plus much more influential, solidifying their place in the global entertainment landscape. Whether you’re an experienced gamer or perhaps a casual viewer, the joy and drama of such tournaments make sure they are must-watch events in the arena of sports.