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 one of the most prestigious tournament in esports. Organized by Valve, the game’s developer, TI includes the best teams from around the globe to compete to get a prize pool that dwarfs 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 renowned for its intense matches, dramatic comebacks, along with the legendary Aegis of Champions trophy, awarded towards the victors. The International has grown to be synonymous with the greatest levels of skill in esports, and winning it can be considered the best achievement inside 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 more than 100 million viewers in 2019.
The League of Legends World Championship, sometimes called 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 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 countless viewers and possesses consistently set records for esports viewership. The tournament’s prestige and 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 to 2013.
The CS
Major Championships, often simply called Majors, would 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 happen to be a cornerstone with the CS
community, helping 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 with the largest prize pools in esports history; ready to accept all players.
The Fortnite World Cup was created by Epic Games in 2019 as the best 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 with the largest individual winnings in esports history. The World Cup was unique in this it allowed one to qualify through in-game events, democratizing use of one of 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 in the esports world because city-based franchise model, which mirrors traditional sports leagues just like the NFL or NBA. Teams from cities around the globe compete in a very regular season and playoffs, culminating inside Grand Finals. The event is known for its high production values, passionate fanbase, as well as the intense competition among teams. The Grand Finals aren't only about the gameplay; they're a celebration of Overwatch as a cultural phenomenon, with live performances, fan events, plus much 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 throughout every season. The Championship is the culmination in the season, where the very best teams compete for that title plus a multi-million-dollar prize pool. Call of Duty carries a long history in esports, and the CDL Championship represents the peak of competitive play with this iconic franchise. The event is acknowledged for its high-intensity matches, passionate fanbase, and also 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 games
Notable: The largest and a lot prestigious fighting game tournament inside world.
The EVO Championship Series, often called EVO, will be the world’s largest and longest-running fighting game tournament. Held annually in Las Vegas, EVO fuses the best players from around the globe to compete inside 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 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 many of the most anticipated events in the world of competitive gaming, drawing massive audiences and offering life-changing prize pools. These tournaments tend to be more than just competitions; they're celebrations of gaming culture, showcasing the skill, strategy, and dedication with the world’s best players. As esports is maintaining growth, these events will likely become even bigger and more influential, solidifying their place in the global entertainment landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or perhaps a casual viewer, the joy and drama of the tournaments cause them to become must-watch events in the arena of sports.