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 fuses the best teams from around the world to compete for a prize pool that dwarfs most other esports events. The prize pool is essentially funded by the game’s community with the purchase of in-game items, a testament for the passionate Dota 2 fanbase. The tournament is known for its intense matches, dramatic comebacks, and also the legendary Aegis of Champions trophy, awarded on the victors. The International has become synonymous with the greatest 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 over 100 million viewers in 2019.
The League of Legends World Championship, also known 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 and also the title of World Champion. Known for its high production value, elaborate opening ceremonies, and intense competition, Worlds is really a cultural event within the gaming world. It draws numerous viewers and contains consistently set records for esports viewership. The tournament’s prestige along with the game’s global popularity allow it to be one of one of the most-watched esports events ever.
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, going back to 2013.
The CS
Major Championships, often simply called Majors, will be 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 a $1 million prize pool. Majors are known for their intense gameplay, with matches often decided by razor-thin margins and moments of person brilliance. The prestige of winning a Major is immense, and teams that flourish in these tournaments earn an area in esports history. The Majors have been a cornerstone of 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 of the largest prize pools in esports history; open to all players.
The Fortnite World Cup was introduced by Epic Games in 2019 as the greatest 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 with the largest individual winnings in esports history. The World Cup was unique in this it allowed that you qualify through in-game events, democratizing access to one from the largest measures in esports. The Fortnite World Cup would have been 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, much like traditional sports leagues.
The Overwatch League (OWL) Grand Finals represent the climax with the Overwatch competitive season. OWL is unique inside the esports world because city-based franchise model, which mirrors traditional sports leagues much like the NFL or NBA. Teams from cities all over the world compete inside a regular season and playoffs, culminating within the Grand Finals. The event is known for its high production values, passionate fanbase, and also the intense competition among teams. The Grand Finals are not just about the gameplay; they're a celebration of Overwatch like 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 with a focus on North American teams.
The Call of Duty League (CDL) Championship may be the most prestigious event within the Call of Duty esports calendar. The CDL follows a franchise model similar towards the Overwatch League, with city-based teams competing throughout the year. The Championship may be the culmination in the season, where the very best teams compete for the title as well as a multi-million-dollar prize pool. Call of Duty has a long history in esports, and the CDL Championship represents the peak of competitive play within 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+ to find the best games
Notable: The largest and quite a few prestigious fighting game tournament inside the world.
The EVO Championship Series, often called EVO, could 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 globe 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 recognized for its electric atmosphere, with thousands of fans and players packing the venue to witness epic matches. EVO has produced some 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 whole world of competitive gaming, drawing massive audiences and offering life-changing prize pools. These tournaments are more than just competitions; they may be celebrations of gaming culture, showcasing the skill, strategy, and dedication of the world’s best players. As esports keeps growing, these events may become even bigger and much more influential, solidifying their place within the global entertainment landscape. Whether you’re a practiced gamer or a casual viewer, the excitement and drama of the tournaments get them to must-watch events in the arena of sports.