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) may 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 to get a prize pool that dwarfs most other esports events. The prize pool is basically funded by the game’s community from the purchase of in-game items, a testament to the passionate Dota 2 fanbase. The tournament is recognized for its intense matches, dramatic comebacks, and the legendary Aegis of Champions trophy, awarded for the victors. The International has become synonymous with the best levels of skill in esports, and winning it can be considered the best achievement inside 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 over 100 million viewers in 2019.
The League of Legends World Championship, often referred to as Worlds, will 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 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 often a cultural event in the gaming world. It draws an incredible number of viewers and contains consistently set records for esports viewership. The tournament’s prestige along with 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 from the longest-running esports tournaments, going back to 2013.
The CS
Major Championships, often simply called Majors, include 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 human brilliance. The prestige of winning a Major is immense, and teams that succeed in these tournaments earn a place in esports history. The Majors have been a cornerstone of 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 designed by Epic Games in 2019 as the greatest 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 from the largest individual winnings in esports history. The World Cup was unique for the reason that it allowed anyone to qualify through in-game events, democratizing access to one in the largest measures in esports. The Fortnite World Cup was obviously a spectacle of pop culture and competitive gaming, attracting an enormous 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, comparable to traditional sports leagues.
The Overwatch League (OWL) Grand Finals represent the climax with 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 around the globe compete in a regular season and playoffs, culminating inside Grand Finals. The event is recognized for its high production values, passionate fanbase, and the intense competition among teams. The Grand Finals aren't only about the gameplay; these are a celebration of Overwatch being 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 inside the Call of Duty esports calendar. The CDL follows a franchise model similar to the Overwatch League, with city-based teams competing all through the year. The Championship may be the culmination in 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 within this iconic franchise. The event is acknowledged 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+ to get the best games
Notable: The largest and most 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 includes the best players from world wide 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 known for its electric atmosphere, with a large number 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 a number of the most anticipated events in the whole world of competitive gaming, drawing massive audiences and offering life-changing prize pools. These tournaments tend to be than just competitions; they are celebrations of gaming culture, showcasing the skill, strategy, and dedication of the world’s best players. As esports continues to grow, these events will probably become even bigger and much more influential, solidifying their place within the global entertainment landscape. Whether you’re an experienced 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.