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 includes the best teams from world wide to compete for a prize pool that dwarfs almost every other esports events. The prize pool is basically funded by the game’s community from 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 also the legendary Aegis of Champions trophy, awarded for the victors. The International is now synonymous with the best levels of skill in esports, and winning it can be considered the greatest 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, with over 100 million viewers in 2019.
The League of Legends World Championship, sometimes called Worlds, could be 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 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 possesses consistently set records for esports viewership. The tournament’s prestige and the game’s global popularity make it one of 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 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 to get 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 achieve these tournaments earn a spot in esports history. The Majors are actually a cornerstone with the CS
community, helping 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 of the largest prize pools in esports history; open to all players.
The Fortnite World Cup was created by Epic Games in 2019 as the greatest 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 that you qualify through in-game events, democratizing use of one of the largest measures in esports. The Fortnite World Cup was obviously a spectacle of pop culture and competitive gaming, attracting an enormous 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 in the Overwatch competitive season. OWL is unique inside esports world because of its city-based franchise model, which mirrors traditional sports leagues such as the NFL or NBA. Teams from cities around the world compete in the regular season and playoffs, culminating inside Grand Finals. The event is recognized for its high production values, passionate fanbase, and 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 having a focus on North American teams.
The Call of Duty League (CDL) Championship is the most prestigious event within the Call of Duty esports calendar. The CDL follows a franchise model similar to the Overwatch League, with city-based teams competing throughout every season. The Championship will be the culmination of the season, where the top teams compete to the title as well as a multi-million-dollar prize pool. Call of Duty includes a long history in esports, and also the CDL Championship represents the peak of competitive play with this iconic franchise. The event is known for its high-intensity matches, passionate fanbase, and the incredible skill displayed with 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 get the best games
Notable: The largest and a lot prestigious fighting game tournament inside world.
The EVO Championship Series, popularly known as EVO, may be the world’s largest and longest-running fighting game tournament. Held annually in Las Vegas, EVO fuses the best players from around the globe to compete in a 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 acknowledged for its electric atmosphere, with a huge number 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 arena of competitive gaming, drawing massive audiences and offering life-changing prize pools. These tournaments tend to be than just competitions; they may be celebrations of gaming culture, showcasing the skill, strategy, and dedication from the world’s best players. As esports is maintaining growth, these events will more than likely become even bigger and more influential, solidifying their place inside the global entertainment landscape. Whether you’re an experienced gamer or perhaps a casual viewer, the thrill and drama of those tournaments get them to must-watch events in the world of sports.