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 any prize pool that dwarfs the majority of esports events. The prize pool is basically 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 becoming synonymous with the very best levels of skill in esports, and winning it's considered the greatest achievement in 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, 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 and also the title of World Champion. Known for its high production value, elaborate opening ceremonies, and intense competition, Worlds is really a cultural event within the gaming world. It draws countless viewers and it has consistently set records for esports viewership. The tournament’s prestige and also the game’s global popularity allow it to be one of one of 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 from the longest-running esports tournaments, dating back to 2013.
The CS
Major Championships, often simply called Majors, are 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 to get a $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 achieve these tournaments earn a location in esports history. The Majors happen to be a cornerstone of the CS
community, helping 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 in the largest prize pools in esports history; available to all players.
The Fortnite World Cup was designed by Epic Games in 2019 as the best 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 in this it allowed anyone to qualify through in-game events, democratizing usage of one in the largest stages in esports. The Fortnite World Cup would be a spectacle of pop culture and competitive gaming, attracting a massive audience and further cementing Fortnite’s place inside 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 within the esports world because of its city-based franchise model, which mirrors traditional sports leagues such as the NFL or NBA. Teams from cities around the globe compete in the regular season and playoffs, culminating inside the Grand Finals. The event is acknowledged for its high production values, passionate fanbase, as well as the intense competition among teams. The Grand Finals are not only about the gameplay; they may be a celebration of Overwatch like 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 with a focus on North American teams.
The Call of Duty League (CDL) Championship could be the most prestigious event inside the Call of Duty esports calendar. The CDL follows a franchise model similar to the Overwatch League, with city-based teams competing throughout the year. The Championship could be the culmination from the season, where the top teams compete for your title as well as a multi-million-dollar prize pool. Call of Duty has a long history in esports, and the CDL Championship represents the peak of competitive play in this iconic franchise. The event is renowned for its high-intensity matches, passionate fanbase, along with the incredible skill displayed by 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 quite a few prestigious fighting game tournament within the world.
The EVO Championship Series, commonly known as EVO, will be the world’s largest and longest-running fighting game tournament. Held annually in Las Vegas, EVO includes the best players from around the globe to compete in the 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 acknowledged for its electric atmosphere, with thousands 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 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; these 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 more than likely become even bigger and much more influential, solidifying their place within the global entertainment landscape. Whether you’re a successful gamer or even a casual viewer, the joy and drama of these tournaments get them to must-watch events in the realm of sports.