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 one of the most prestigious tournament in esports. Organized by Valve, the game’s developer, TI mixes the best teams from worldwide to compete for a prize pool that dwarfs other esports events. The prize pool is basically funded from the game’s community from the purchase of in-game items, a testament for the passionate Dota 2 fanbase. The tournament is acknowledged for its intense matches, dramatic comebacks, along with the legendary Aegis of Champions trophy, awarded for the victors. The International has grown to be synonymous with the very best levels of skill in esports, and winning it is considered the ultimate 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, with more than 100 million viewers in 2019.
The League of Legends World Championship, often referred to as 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 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 can be a cultural event within the gaming world. It draws millions of viewers and possesses consistently set records for esports viewership. The tournament’s prestige as well as the game’s global popularity help it become one of the most-watched esports events ever.
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 to 2013.
The CS
Major Championships, often simply called Majors, are the most significant tournaments in 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 achieve these tournaments earn a spot in esports history. The Majors happen to be a cornerstone of the CS
community, helping maintain the game’s popularity and competitive integrity over time.
4. Fortnite World Cup
Game: Fortnite
Organizer: Epic Games
Prize Pool: $30 million (2019)
Notable: One with the largest prize pools in esports history; open to all players.
The Fortnite World Cup was introduced by Epic Games in 2019 as the best competition for Fortnite players worldwide. The event featured separate tournaments for solo players and duos, with all 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 for the reason that it allowed that you qualify through in-game events, democratizing usage of one with the largest measures in esports. The Fortnite World Cup was obviously a spectacle of pop culture and competitive gaming, attracting a massive audience and further cementing Fortnite’s place inside the mainstream.
5. The Overwatch League Grand Finals
Game: Overwatch
Organizer: Blizzard Entertainment
Prize Pool: $1.5 million (2021)
Notable: City-based franchise model, just like traditional sports leagues.
The Overwatch League (OWL) Grand Finals represent the climax from the Overwatch competitive season. OWL is unique within the esports world due to its city-based franchise model, which mirrors traditional sports leagues much like the NFL or NBA. Teams from cities worldwide compete in the regular season and playoffs, culminating in the Grand Finals. The event is known 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 as being a cultural phenomenon, with live performances, fan events, plus more.
6. Call of Duty League Championship
Game: Call of Duty
Organizer: Activision Blizzard
Prize Pool: $2.5 million (2023)
Notable: Franchise model which has a focus on North American teams.
The Call of Duty League (CDL) Championship will be the most prestigious event inside Call of Duty esports calendar. The CDL follows a franchise model similar towards the Overwatch League, with city-based teams competing all through the year. The Championship may be the culmination in the season, where the most effective teams compete for that title along with a multi-million-dollar prize pool. Call of Duty has a long history in esports, and also 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 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 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 world wide to compete inside 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 renowned for its electric atmosphere, with a huge number of fans and players packing the venue to witness epic matches. EVO has produced a few 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 realm 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 from the world’s best players. As esports keeps growing, these events will more than likely become even bigger and more influential, solidifying their place in the global entertainment landscape. Whether you’re a practiced gamer or even a casual viewer, the rush and excitement and drama of these tournaments get them to must-watch events in the world of sports.