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) may be the pinnacle of Dota 2 competition and arguably probably the most prestigious tournament in esports. Organized by Valve, the game’s developer, TI includes the best teams from around the world to compete for any prize pool that dwarfs the majority of esports events. The prize pool is essentially funded with the game’s community with the purchase of in-game items, a testament towards the passionate Dota 2 fanbase. The tournament is renowned for its intense matches, dramatic comebacks, as well as the legendary Aegis of Champions trophy, awarded towards the victors. The International has grown to be synonymous with the highest levels of skill in esports, and winning it really is considered the greatest achievement inside 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, is the annual culmination with 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 can be a cultural event inside gaming world. It draws countless viewers and has consistently set records for esports viewership. The tournament’s prestige along with the game’s global popularity allow it to be 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 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 any $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 reach your goals in these tournaments earn a location in esports history. The Majors are actually a cornerstone with the CS
community, helping 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 of the largest prize pools in esports history; ready to accept 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 from the largest individual winnings in esports history. The World Cup was unique in that it allowed that you qualify through in-game events, democratizing access to one of the largest stages 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 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 in the esports world because of 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 Grand Finals. The event is known for its high production values, passionate fanbase, and also the intense competition among teams. The Grand Finals aren't only about the gameplay; these 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 with a focus on North American teams.
The Call of Duty League (CDL) Championship will be 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 may be the culmination from the season, where the very best teams compete for the title and 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 acknowledged for its high-intensity matches, passionate fanbase, along with the incredible skill displayed from 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 a lot prestigious fighting game tournament within the world.
The EVO Championship Series, typically referred to as EVO, could be the world’s largest and longest-running fighting game tournament. Held annually in Las Vegas, EVO fuses the best players from world wide 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 known 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 some 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 more than likely become even bigger plus much more influential, solidifying their place in the global entertainment landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or even a casual viewer, the rush and excitement and drama of such tournaments get them to must-watch events in the arena of sports.