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 includes the best teams from worldwide to compete for any prize pool that dwarfs most other esports events. The prize pool is essentially funded with 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, as well as the legendary Aegis of Champions trophy, awarded to the victors. The International is becoming synonymous with the best levels of skill in esports, and winning it can be considered the ultimate 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, sometimes called 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 out 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 in the gaming world. It draws an incredible number of viewers and contains consistently set records for esports viewership. The tournament’s prestige along with the game’s global popularity make it one of probably the most-watched esports events ever.
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, going 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 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 succeed in these tournaments earn a place in esports history. The Majors have been a cornerstone of the CS
community, helping to maintain the game’s popularity and competitive integrity over the years.
4. Fortnite World Cup
Game: Fortnite
Organizer: Epic Games
Prize Pool: $30 million (2019)
Notable: One in the largest prize pools in esports history; offered to all players.
The Fortnite World Cup was designed by Epic Games in 2019 as the supreme 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 with the largest individual winnings in esports history. The World Cup was unique for the reason that it allowed one to qualify through in-game events, democratizing access to one of the largest levels in esports. The Fortnite World Cup would have been a spectacle of pop culture and competitive gaming, attracting a massive audience and further cementing Fortnite’s place within 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 of the Overwatch competitive season. OWL is unique inside the esports world because of its city-based franchise model, which mirrors traditional sports leagues like the NFL or NBA. Teams from cities worldwide compete in the regular season and playoffs, culminating within the Grand Finals. The event is known for its high production values, passionate fanbase, along with the intense competition among teams. The Grand Finals are not only about the gameplay; they are a celebration of Overwatch being a cultural phenomenon, with live performances, fan events, and much more.
6. Call of Duty League Championship
Game: Call of Duty
Organizer: Activision Blizzard
Prize Pool: $2.5 million (2023)
Notable: Franchise model which has a focus on North American teams.
The Call of Duty League (CDL) Championship may be the most prestigious event in the Call of Duty esports calendar. The CDL follows a franchise model similar for the Overwatch League, with city-based teams competing throughout the year. The Championship will be the culmination from the season, where the most effective teams compete for the title plus 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 within 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+ to find the best games
Notable: The largest and many prestigious fighting game tournament inside world.
The EVO Championship Series, commonly 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 around the globe to compete inside a variety of fighting games. From Street Fighter to Tekken to Super Smash Bros., EVO may be the ultimate test of skill for fighting game players. The tournament is known for its electric atmosphere, with a large number of fans and players packing the venue to witness epic matches. EVO has produced some of the most memorable moments in esports history, including legendary comebacks and unforgettable upsets.
Esports tournaments have become a number 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 than just competitions; they may be celebrations of gaming culture, showcasing the skill, strategy, and dedication of the world’s best players. As esports continues to grow, these events will likely become even bigger plus much more influential, solidifying their place within the global entertainment landscape. Whether you’re a successful gamer or a casual viewer, the excitement and drama of these tournaments make sure they are must-watch events in the realm of sports.