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 the most prestigious tournament in esports. Organized by Valve, the game’s developer, TI fuses the best teams from around the globe to compete to get a prize pool that dwarfs the majority of esports events. The prize pool is basically funded with the game’s community through the purchase of in-game items, a testament for the passionate Dota 2 fanbase. The tournament is acknowledged for its intense matches, dramatic comebacks, and the legendary Aegis of Champions trophy, awarded on the victors. The International has become synonymous with the highest levels of skill in esports, and winning it really is considered the greatest achievement in 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, with more than 100 million viewers in 2019.
The League of Legends World Championship, also known as 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 along with the title of World Champion. Known for its high production value, elaborate opening ceremonies, and intense competition, Worlds is really 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 and also the game’s global popularity ensure it is 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 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 flourish in these tournaments earn a spot in esports history. The Majors happen to be a cornerstone of the CS
community, helping to 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 with the largest prize pools in esports history; offered to all players.
The Fortnite World Cup was designed 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 in the largest individual winnings in esports history. The World Cup was unique in this it allowed anyone to qualify through in-game events, democratizing use of one in the largest levels in esports. The Fortnite World Cup was a spectacle of pop culture and competitive gaming, attracting a huge 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, similar to traditional sports leagues.
The Overwatch League (OWL) Grand Finals represent the climax in the Overwatch competitive season. OWL is unique within the esports world due to its city-based franchise model, which mirrors traditional sports leagues like the NFL or NBA. Teams from cities around the world compete in a very regular season and playoffs, culminating inside the Grand Finals. The event is recognized for its high production values, passionate fanbase, and also the intense competition among teams. The Grand Finals aren't only about the gameplay; they may be a celebration of Overwatch as 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 having a focus on North American teams.
The Call of Duty League (CDL) Championship will be the most prestigious event inside 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 of the season, where the very best teams compete to the title plus 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 acknowledged for its high-intensity matches, passionate fanbase, as well as the incredible skill displayed by 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 in the world.
The EVO Championship Series, typically referred to as 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 in a variety of fighting games. From Street Fighter to Tekken to Super Smash Bros., EVO could be the ultimate test of skill for fighting game players. The tournament is recognized for its electric atmosphere, with a large number 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 a number of the most anticipated events in the realm of competitive gaming, drawing massive audiences and offering life-changing prize pools. These tournaments tend to be more than just competitions; they may be celebrations of gaming culture, showcasing the skill, strategy, and dedication with the world’s best players. As esports keeps growing, these events may become even bigger and much more influential, solidifying their place in the global entertainment landscape. Whether you’re a practiced gamer or a casual viewer, the joy and drama of these tournaments cause them to become must-watch events in the whole world of sports.