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 fuses the best teams from world wide to compete for a prize pool that dwarfs almost every other esports events. The prize pool is largely 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 highest levels of skill in esports, and winning it really is considered the ultimate 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 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 of all time.
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 2013.
The CS
Major Championships, often simply called Majors, are the most significant tournaments in 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 flourish in these tournaments earn a location in esports history. The Majors happen to be a cornerstone from 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 from the largest prize pools in esports history; available to 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, using the solo winner, 16-year-old Kyle “Bugha” Giersdorf, taking home $3 million, one of the largest individual winnings in esports history. The World Cup was unique in that it allowed you to definitely qualify through in-game events, democratizing use of one of the largest stages in esports. The Fortnite World Cup would have been a spectacle of pop culture and competitive gaming, attracting a massive 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 a very 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 being 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 which has a focus on North American teams.
The Call of Duty League (CDL) Championship may be the most prestigious event inside Call of Duty esports calendar. The CDL follows a franchise model similar for the Overwatch League, with city-based teams competing throughout every season. The Championship could be the culmination from the season, where the top teams compete for that title as well as a multi-million-dollar prize pool. Call of Duty has a long history in esports, as well as the CDL Championship represents the peak of competitive play in this iconic franchise. The event is recognized for its high-intensity matches, passionate fanbase, along with 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+ for top level 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 many 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 growing, these events may become even bigger plus much more influential, solidifying their place inside 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 whole world of sports.