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) is the pinnacle of Dota 2 competition and arguably essentially the most prestigious tournament in esports. Organized by Valve, the game’s developer, TI mixes the best teams from around the world to compete for the prize pool that dwarfs other esports events. The prize pool is essentially funded by the game’s community from the purchase of in-game items, a testament to 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 has become synonymous with the greatest levels of skill in esports, and winning it's 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 with the League of Legends competitive season. Teams from various regions, including North America, Europe, South Korea, and China, battle out for the Summoner’s Cup as well as the title of World Champion. Known for its high production value, elaborate opening ceremonies, and intense competition, Worlds can be a cultural event inside the gaming world. It draws an incredible number of viewers and it has consistently set records for esports viewership. The tournament’s prestige and also the game’s global popularity allow it to be 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 in the longest-running esports tournaments, going back to 2013.
The CS
Major Championships, often simply called Majors, would 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 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 achieve these tournaments earn a location in esports history. The Majors are actually a cornerstone from the CS
community, making an effort 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 in the largest prize pools in esports history; available 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 the solo winner, 16-year-old Kyle “Bugha” Giersdorf, taking home $3 million, one from the largest individual winnings in esports history. The World Cup was unique because it allowed anyone to qualify through in-game events, democratizing use of one of the largest stages in esports. The Fortnite World Cup was obviously a spectacle of pop culture and competitive gaming, attracting a massive 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, just like traditional sports leagues.
The Overwatch League (OWL) Grand Finals represent the climax in the Overwatch competitive season. OWL is unique in the esports world because of its city-based franchise model, which mirrors traditional sports leagues just like the NFL or NBA. Teams from cities worldwide compete inside a regular season and playoffs, culminating within the Grand Finals. The event is known for its high production values, passionate fanbase, as well as the intense competition among teams. The Grand Finals are not just about the gameplay; these are a celebration of Overwatch as a cultural phenomenon, with live performances, fan events, plus more.
6. Call of Duty League Championship
Game: Call of Duty
Organizer: Activision Blizzard
Prize Pool: $2.5 million (2023)
Notable: Franchise model using 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 on the Overwatch League, with city-based teams competing throughout the year. The Championship is the culmination from the season, where the most effective teams compete for your title plus a multi-million-dollar prize pool. Call of Duty carries a long history in esports, along with the CDL Championship represents the peak of competitive play with this iconic franchise. The event is recognized for its high-intensity matches, passionate fanbase, along with 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 quite a few prestigious fighting game tournament inside world.
The EVO Championship Series, typically referred to as EVO, will be the world’s largest and longest-running fighting game tournament. Held annually in Las Vegas, EVO includes the best players from around the world to compete inside 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 1000s of fans and players packing the venue to witness epic matches. EVO has produced a few 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 will be more 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 likely become even bigger and more influential, solidifying their place in the global entertainment landscape. Whether you’re an experienced gamer or perhaps a casual viewer, the thrill and drama of those tournaments make sure they are must-watch events in the whole world of sports.