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) will be the pinnacle of Dota 2 competition and arguably the most prestigious tournament in esports. Organized by Valve, the game’s developer, TI brings together the best teams from around the globe to compete for the prize pool that dwarfs most other esports events. The prize pool is largely funded by the game’s community over the purchase of in-game items, a testament on the passionate Dota 2 fanbase. The tournament is acknowledged for its intense matches, dramatic comebacks, along with the legendary Aegis of Champions trophy, awarded to the victors. The International is becoming synonymous with the very best 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, craigs list 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 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 often a cultural event in the gaming world. It draws an incredible number of viewers and possesses consistently set records for esports viewership. The tournament’s prestige as well as the game’s global popularity make it 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 with the longest-running esports tournaments, dating back 2013.
The CS
Major Championships, often simply called Majors, include 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 person brilliance. The prestige of winning a Major is immense, and teams that reach your goals in these tournaments earn a spot in esports history. The Majors happen to be a cornerstone in the CS
community, assisting to 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 in the largest prize pools in esports history; offered to all players.
The Fortnite World Cup was created by Epic Games in 2019 as the ultimate 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 in that it allowed that you qualify through in-game events, democratizing usage of one with the largest stages 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 inside 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 from the Overwatch competitive season. OWL is unique inside the 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 globe compete in a regular season and playoffs, culminating in the Grand Finals. The event is recognized for its high production values, passionate fanbase, and the intense competition among teams. The Grand Finals are not only about the gameplay; they're a celebration of Overwatch like 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 with a focus on North American teams.
The Call of Duty League (CDL) Championship could be the most prestigious event inside Call of Duty esports calendar. The CDL follows a franchise model similar on the Overwatch League, with city-based teams competing throughout every season. The Championship is the culmination in the season, where the very best teams compete for your title along with a multi-million-dollar prize pool. Call of Duty includes a long history in esports, as well as the CDL Championship represents the peak of competitive play within this iconic franchise. The event is renowned for its high-intensity matches, passionate fanbase, along with 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+ for top level games
Notable: The largest and most prestigious fighting game tournament inside 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 brings together the best players from around the world 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 recognized for its electric atmosphere, with thousands 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 arena of competitive gaming, drawing massive audiences and offering life-changing prize pools. These tournaments are more than just competitions; they're celebrations of gaming culture, showcasing the skill, strategy, and dedication from the world’s best players. As esports keeps growing, these events will probably become even bigger and more influential, solidifying their place in the global entertainment landscape. Whether you’re a successful gamer or perhaps a casual viewer, the rush and excitement and drama of these tournaments cause them to become must-watch events in the whole world of sports.