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 brings together the best teams from worldwide to compete for the prize pool that dwarfs almost every other esports events. The prize pool is basically funded with the game’s community with the purchase of in-game items, a testament on the passionate Dota 2 fanbase. The tournament is acknowledged for its intense matches, dramatic comebacks, and the legendary Aegis of Champions trophy, awarded towards the victors. The International has grown to be synonymous with the very best levels of skill in esports, and winning it's considered the ultimate 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, often referred to as Worlds, is the annual culmination with the League of Legends competitive season. Teams from various regions, including North America, Europe, South Korea, and China, battle against each other 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 an incredible number of viewers and contains consistently set records for esports viewership. The tournament’s prestige along with the game’s global popularity make it one of probably the most-watched esports events in history.
3. CS
Major Championships
Game: Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS
)
Organizer: Valve Corporation
Prize Pool: $1 million (per Major)
Notable: One from the longest-running esports tournaments, going back to 2013.
The CS
Major Championships, often simply called Majors, will be the most significant tournaments inside 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, assisting 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 with the largest prize pools in esports history; ready to accept all players.
The Fortnite World Cup was introduced by Epic Games in 2019 as the supreme 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 from the largest individual winnings in esports history. The World Cup was unique in this it allowed anyone to qualify through in-game events, democratizing access to one from the largest stages in esports. The Fortnite World Cup was obviously a spectacle of pop culture and competitive gaming, attracting a huge 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 from the Overwatch competitive season. OWL is unique within the esports world due to the city-based franchise model, which mirrors traditional sports leagues such as the NFL or NBA. Teams from cities worldwide compete in a very regular season and playoffs, culminating in the Grand Finals. The event is renowned for its high production values, passionate fanbase, as well as the intense competition among teams. The Grand Finals are not just about the gameplay; they're a celebration of Overwatch being 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 will be the most prestigious event within the Call of Duty esports calendar. The CDL follows a franchise model similar for the Overwatch League, with city-based teams competing throughout the year. The Championship is the culmination of the season, where the very best teams compete for that 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 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 many prestigious fighting game tournament inside the world.
The EVO Championship Series, typically referred to as EVO, could be 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 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 in the world’s best players. As esports continues to grow, these events will more than likely become even bigger and much more influential, solidifying their place within the global entertainment landscape. Whether you’re a successful gamer or perhaps a casual viewer, the thrill and drama of those tournaments make sure they are must-watch events in the realm of sports.