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 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 almost every other esports events. The prize pool is essentially funded by the game’s community with the purchase of in-game items, a testament towards the passionate Dota 2 fanbase. The tournament is recognized for its intense matches, dramatic comebacks, along with the legendary Aegis of Champions trophy, awarded on the victors. The International has grown to be synonymous with the highest levels of skill in esports, and winning it is considered the ultimate 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, craigs list 100 million viewers in 2019.
The League of Legends World Championship, sometimes called Worlds, will be the annual culmination from 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 and the title of World Champion. Known for its high production value, elaborate opening ceremonies, and intense competition, Worlds is a cultural event inside the gaming world. It draws an incredible number of 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 of all time.
3. CS
Major Championships
Game: Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS
)
Organizer: Valve Corporation
Prize Pool: $1 million (per Major)
Notable: One of the longest-running esports tournaments, going back 2013.
The CS
Major Championships, often simply called Majors, are the most significant tournaments within the 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 achieve these tournaments earn a location in esports history. The Majors are already a cornerstone in 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 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 ultimate 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 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, much like traditional sports leagues.
The Overwatch League (OWL) Grand Finals represent the climax of the Overwatch competitive season. OWL is unique inside esports world due to the city-based franchise model, which mirrors traditional sports leagues such as the NFL or NBA. Teams from cities around the world compete in a regular season and playoffs, culminating inside the Grand Finals. The event is renowned for its high production values, passionate fanbase, as well as the intense competition among teams. The Grand Finals are not just about the gameplay; these are 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 using a focus on North American teams.
The Call of Duty League (CDL) Championship is the most prestigious event within 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 may be the culmination with the season, where the very best teams compete for your title and a multi-million-dollar prize pool. Call of Duty features a long history in esports, along with the CDL Championship represents the peak of competitive play with this iconic franchise. The event is known for its high-intensity matches, passionate fanbase, and also 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 the world.
The EVO Championship Series, popularly 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 in a very 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 recognized for its electric atmosphere, with 1000s 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 many of the most anticipated events in the arena of competitive gaming, drawing massive audiences and offering life-changing prize pools. These tournaments will be more than just competitions; they're celebrations of gaming culture, showcasing the skill, strategy, and dedication in the world’s best players. As esports is growing, these events will probably become even bigger and much more influential, solidifying their place inside global entertainment landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a casual viewer, the thrill and drama of the tournaments make them must-watch events in the realm of sports.