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) could be the pinnacle of Dota 2 competition and arguably probably the most prestigious tournament in esports. Organized by Valve, the game’s developer, TI mixes the best teams from around the globe to compete to get a prize pool that dwarfs most other esports events. The prize pool is basically funded with 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 also the legendary Aegis of Champions trophy, awarded towards the victors. The International is now synonymous with the highest levels of skill in esports, and winning it is 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, craigs list 100 million viewers in 2019.
The League of Legends World Championship, often referred to as Worlds, will be the annual culmination with 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 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 countless viewers and possesses consistently set records for esports viewership. The tournament’s prestige along with the game’s global popularity ensure it is 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 of the longest-running esports tournaments, dating back 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 a $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 have been a cornerstone in the CS
community, helping 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 of the largest prize pools in esports history; ready to accept 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, while using 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 in this it allowed one to qualify through in-game events, democratizing entry to one from the largest measures in esports. The Fortnite World Cup was obviously a spectacle of pop culture and competitive gaming, attracting a tremendous 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, just like traditional sports leagues.
The Overwatch League (OWL) Grand Finals represent the climax with the Overwatch competitive season. OWL is unique inside the esports world because of its city-based franchise model, which mirrors traditional sports leagues just like the NFL or NBA. Teams from cities around the globe 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 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 in the Call of Duty esports calendar. The CDL follows a franchise model similar for the Overwatch League, with city-based teams competing all through the year. The Championship will be the culmination in the season, where the very best 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 known for its high-intensity matches, passionate fanbase, and also 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+ for top games
Notable: The largest and most prestigious fighting game tournament in the world.
The EVO Championship Series, often called EVO, may be 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 in the 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 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 a few 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're celebrations of gaming culture, showcasing the skill, strategy, and dedication in the world’s best players. As esports is maintaining growth, these events will probably become even bigger and more influential, solidifying their place inside the global entertainment landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or possibly a casual viewer, the joy and drama of those tournaments get them to must-watch events in the realm of sports.