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 any prize pool that dwarfs almost every other esports events. The prize pool is largely funded through the game’s community through the purchase of in-game items, a testament to the passionate Dota 2 fanbase. The tournament is renowned for its intense matches, dramatic comebacks, and the legendary Aegis of Champions trophy, awarded on the victors. The International is becoming synonymous with the best levels of skill in esports, and winning it 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, could be the annual culmination from 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 often a cultural event inside the gaming world. It draws countless viewers and it has consistently set records for esports viewership. The tournament’s prestige and the game’s global popularity help it become one of essentially 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 in the longest-running esports tournaments, dating back to 2013.
The CS
Major Championships, often simply called Majors, include 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 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 in the CS
community, making an effort to maintain the game’s popularity and competitive integrity in the past.
4. Fortnite World Cup
Game: Fortnite
Organizer: Epic Games
Prize Pool: $30 million (2019)
Notable: One from the largest prize pools in esports history; open 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 in the largest individual winnings in esports history. The World Cup was unique for the reason that it allowed one to qualify through in-game events, democratizing usage 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 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, similar to traditional sports leagues.
The Overwatch League (OWL) Grand Finals represent the climax with the Overwatch competitive season. OWL is unique within the esports world due to its city-based franchise model, which mirrors traditional sports leagues much like the NFL or NBA. Teams from cities around the globe compete inside a regular season and playoffs, culminating inside 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, 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 having a focus on North American teams.
The Call of Duty League (CDL) Championship could be the most prestigious event within the Call of Duty esports calendar. The CDL follows a franchise model similar on the Overwatch League, with city-based teams competing all year round. The Championship is the culmination with the season, where the best teams compete for your title as well as a multi-million-dollar prize pool. Call of Duty includes a long history in esports, along with the CDL Championship represents the peak of competitive play in this iconic franchise. The event is renowned for its high-intensity matches, passionate fanbase, along with 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 level games
Notable: The largest and quite a few prestigious fighting game tournament in the world.
The EVO Championship Series, popularly known 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 the 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 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 whole world of competitive gaming, drawing massive audiences and offering life-changing prize pools. These tournaments are more than just competitions; they are celebrations of gaming culture, showcasing the skill, strategy, and dedication of the world’s best players. As esports keeps growing, these events will probably become even bigger plus more influential, solidifying their place inside the global entertainment landscape. Whether you’re a practiced gamer or even a casual viewer, the joy and drama of the tournaments cause them to become must-watch events in the arena of sports.