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) will be the pinnacle of Dota 2 competition and arguably probably the most prestigious tournament in esports. Organized by Valve, the game’s developer, TI includes the best teams from world wide to compete to get a prize pool that dwarfs other esports events. The prize pool is essentially funded by the game’s community over the purchase of in-game items, a testament to the passionate Dota 2 fanbase. The tournament is acknowledged for its intense matches, dramatic comebacks, and also the legendary Aegis of Champions trophy, awarded on the victors. The International has become synonymous with the best levels of skill in esports, and winning it is considered the best achievement inside 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, could be the annual culmination of 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 a cultural event within the gaming world. It draws countless viewers and contains consistently set records for esports viewership. The tournament’s prestige and also the game’s global popularity allow it to be one of probably 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 with the longest-running esports tournaments, going back 2013.
The CS
Major Championships, often simply called Majors, would 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 any $1 million prize pool. Majors are known for their intense gameplay, with matches often decided by razor-thin margins and moments of individual brilliance. The prestige of winning a Major is immense, and teams that succeed in these tournaments earn a location in esports history. The Majors happen to be a cornerstone from 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 created by Epic Games in 2019 as the supreme 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 of the largest individual winnings in esports history. The World Cup was unique in that it allowed anyone to qualify through in-game events, democratizing usage of one with the largest levels in esports. The Fortnite World Cup was a spectacle of pop culture and competitive gaming, attracting a tremendous 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 of the Overwatch competitive season. OWL is unique in the esports world because of its city-based franchise model, which mirrors traditional sports leagues like the NFL or NBA. Teams from cities around the world compete in a regular season and playoffs, culminating inside Grand Finals. The event is known for its high production values, passionate fanbase, and also the intense competition among teams. The Grand Finals aren't only about the gameplay; they are a celebration of Overwatch as 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 is the most prestigious event inside the 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 will be the culmination in the season, where the top teams compete for the title and a multi-million-dollar prize pool. Call of Duty has a long history in esports, as well as 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 quite a few prestigious fighting game tournament in the world.
The EVO Championship Series, typically referred to as EVO, will be the world’s largest and longest-running fighting game tournament. Held annually in Las Vegas, EVO brings together the best players from worldwide to compete in 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 recognized 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 realm of competitive gaming, drawing massive audiences and offering life-changing prize pools. These tournaments tend to be more than just competitions; they may be celebrations of gaming culture, showcasing the skill, strategy, and dedication with the world’s best players. As esports is maintaining growth, these events may 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.