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 one of 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 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, along with the legendary Aegis of Champions trophy, awarded towards the victors. The International is now synonymous with the very best levels of skill in esports, and winning it is considered the best achievement in 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, is the annual culmination in the League of Legends competitive season. Teams from various regions, including North America, Europe, South Korea, and China, battle 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 is a cultural event inside gaming world. It draws countless viewers and contains consistently set records for esports viewership. The tournament’s prestige as well as the game’s global popularity help it become 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 with the longest-running esports tournaments, going back to 2013.
The CS
Major Championships, often simply called Majors, will be 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 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 reach your goals in these tournaments earn a place in esports history. The Majors happen to be a cornerstone from the CS
community, assisting to maintain the game’s popularity and competitive integrity through 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; open 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, while using solo winner, 16-year-old Kyle “Bugha” Giersdorf, taking home $3 million, one in the largest individual winnings in esports history. The World Cup was unique in this it allowed that you qualify through in-game events, democratizing use of one from the largest stages in esports. The Fortnite World Cup would have been a spectacle of pop culture and competitive gaming, attracting a tremendous 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, 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 the regular season and playoffs, culminating within 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 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 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 is 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 whole 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 from the world’s best players. As esports keeps growing, these events will more than likely become even bigger plus more influential, solidifying their place inside the global entertainment landscape. Whether you’re a successful gamer or possibly a casual viewer, the rush and excitement and drama of such tournaments get them to must-watch events in the arena of sports.