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 the most prestigious tournament in esports. Organized by Valve, the game’s developer, TI fuses the best teams from world wide to compete for the prize pool that dwarfs most other esports events. The prize pool is basically funded through the game’s community with the purchase of in-game items, a testament on the passionate Dota 2 fanbase. The tournament is recognized for its intense matches, dramatic comebacks, along with the legendary Aegis of Champions trophy, awarded to the victors. The International is now 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, with more than 100 million viewers in 2019.
The League of Legends World Championship, sometimes called Worlds, is the annual culmination in the League of Legends competitive season. Teams from various regions, including North America, Europe, South Korea, and China, battle against each other for the Summoner’s Cup along with the title of World Champion. Known for its high production value, elaborate opening ceremonies, and intense competition, Worlds is a cultural event in the gaming world. It draws numerous viewers and has consistently set records for esports viewership. The tournament’s prestige along with the game’s global popularity ensure it is one of the most-watched esports events in history.
3. CS
Major Championships
Game: Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS
)
Organizer: Valve Corporation
Prize Pool: $1 million (per Major)
Notable: One from the longest-running esports tournaments, going back to 2013.
The CS
Major Championships, often simply called Majors, will be 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 of the largest prize pools in esports history; open to all players.
The Fortnite World Cup was introduced by Epic Games in 2019 as the supreme competition for Fortnite players worldwide. The event featured separate tournaments for solo players and duos, while using 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 because it allowed one to qualify through in-game events, democratizing use of one from the largest stages in esports. The Fortnite World Cup would have been 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 from the Overwatch competitive season. OWL is unique within the esports world because city-based franchise model, which mirrors traditional sports leagues much like the NFL or NBA. Teams from cities all over the world compete in a very regular season and playoffs, culminating inside the Grand Finals. The event is acknowledged for its high production values, passionate fanbase, and the intense competition among teams. The Grand Finals aren't only about the gameplay; they are a celebration of Overwatch as 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 using a focus on North American teams.
The Call of Duty League (CDL) Championship will be the most prestigious event inside 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 is the culmination in the season, where the very best teams compete for the title and a multi-million-dollar prize pool. Call of Duty carries a long history in esports, along with 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 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 in the world.
The EVO Championship Series, commonly known as EVO, is 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 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 a huge number 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 a number of the most anticipated events in the world of competitive gaming, drawing massive audiences and offering life-changing prize pools. These tournaments will be more than just competitions; they are celebrations of gaming culture, showcasing the skill, strategy, and dedication in the world’s best players. As esports is maintaining growth, these events will probably become even bigger and more influential, solidifying their place in the global entertainment landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a casual viewer, the excitement and drama of these tournaments make them must-watch events in the world of sports.