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 around the world to compete for the prize pool that dwarfs almost every other esports events. The prize pool is largely funded from the game’s community through the purchase of in-game items, a testament for 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 now synonymous with the highest levels of skill in esports, and winning it really is considered the supreme 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 100 million viewers in 2019.
The League of Legends World Championship, often referred to as Worlds, may 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 and also the title of World Champion. Known for its high production value, elaborate opening ceremonies, and intense competition, Worlds can be a cultural event inside gaming world. It draws millions of viewers and it has consistently set records for esports viewership. The tournament’s prestige as well as the game’s global popularity allow it to be one of one of 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 of the longest-running esports tournaments, dating back 2013.
The CS
Major Championships, often simply called Majors, will be the most significant tournaments inside 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 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 from the largest prize pools in esports history; available to all players.
The Fortnite World Cup was introduced 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 you to definitely qualify through in-game events, democratizing entry to one with the largest measures in esports. The Fortnite World Cup would be 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, similar to traditional sports leagues.
The Overwatch League (OWL) Grand Finals represent the climax in the Overwatch competitive season. OWL is unique inside the esports world because of its city-based franchise model, which mirrors traditional sports leagues like the NFL or NBA. Teams from cities worldwide compete in the regular season and playoffs, culminating within the Grand Finals. The event is known for its high production values, passionate fanbase, along with the intense competition among teams. The Grand Finals are not only about the gameplay; they are a celebration of Overwatch being 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 which has a focus on North American teams.
The Call of Duty League (CDL) Championship will be the most prestigious event in the Call of Duty esports calendar. The CDL follows a franchise model similar for the Overwatch League, with city-based teams competing throughout every season. The Championship could be the culmination from the season, where the top teams compete for that title as well as a multi-million-dollar prize pool. Call of Duty includes a long history in esports, along with the CDL Championship represents the peak of competitive play in this iconic franchise. The event is recognized for its high-intensity matches, passionate fanbase, and the incredible skill displayed from 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 many prestigious fighting game tournament inside the world.
The EVO Championship Series, commonly known as EVO, may be the world’s largest and longest-running fighting game tournament. Held annually in Las Vegas, EVO mixes the best players from worldwide to compete in a 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 a few of the most anticipated events in the arena of competitive gaming, drawing massive audiences and offering life-changing prize pools. These tournaments tend to be than just competitions; these 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 and much more influential, solidifying their place inside the global entertainment landscape. Whether you’re a practiced gamer or even a casual viewer, the joy and drama of the tournaments cause them to become must-watch events in the arena of sports.