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 essentially the most prestigious tournament in esports. Organized by Valve, the game’s developer, TI includes the best teams from around the globe to compete to get a prize pool that dwarfs most other esports events. The prize pool is largely funded with the game’s community with the purchase of in-game items, a testament on the passionate Dota 2 fanbase. The tournament is acknowledged for its intense matches, dramatic comebacks, and also the legendary Aegis of Champions trophy, awarded to the victors. The International has become synonymous with the greatest levels of skill in esports, and winning it really is considered the greatest 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, craigs list 100 million viewers in 2019.
The League of Legends World Championship, sometimes called Worlds, could 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 along with the title of World Champion. Known for its high production value, elaborate opening ceremonies, and intense competition, Worlds is often a cultural event inside 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 ensure it is one of essentially the most-watched esports events ever sold.
3. CS
Major Championships
Game: Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS
)
Organizer: Valve Corporation
Prize Pool: $1 million (per Major)
Notable: One in the longest-running esports tournaments, dating back 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 person brilliance. The prestige of winning a Major is immense, and teams that flourish in these tournaments earn a spot in esports history. The Majors have been a cornerstone from the CS
community, helping 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 with 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, while using 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 that it allowed one to qualify through in-game events, democratizing use of one from the largest levels in esports. The Fortnite World Cup was a spectacle of pop culture and competitive gaming, attracting a huge 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, comparable 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 due to the city-based franchise model, which mirrors traditional sports leagues just like the NFL or NBA. Teams from cities around the globe compete in the regular season and playoffs, culminating within the Grand Finals. The event is known for its high production values, passionate fanbase, and the intense competition among teams. The Grand Finals aren't only about the gameplay; they're a celebration of Overwatch like a cultural phenomenon, with live performances, fan events, and 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 towards the Overwatch League, with city-based teams competing all year round. The Championship may be the culmination with the season, where the top teams compete for your title along with 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 with this iconic franchise. The event is renowned for its high-intensity matches, passionate fanbase, and also the incredible skill displayed with 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, typically referred to as EVO, is the world’s largest and longest-running fighting game tournament. Held annually in Las Vegas, EVO mixes the best players from worldwide 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 many 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; they are celebrations of gaming culture, showcasing the skill, strategy, and dedication of the world’s best players. As esports keeps growing, these events will probably become even bigger plus much more influential, solidifying their place inside the global entertainment landscape. Whether you’re a practiced gamer or perhaps a casual viewer, the thrill and drama of those tournaments make sure they are must-watch events in the realm of sports.