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 essentially the most prestigious tournament in esports. Organized by Valve, the game’s developer, TI includes the best teams from world wide to compete for the prize pool that dwarfs most other esports events. The prize pool is largely funded through the game’s community from the purchase of in-game items, a testament on the passionate Dota 2 fanbase. The tournament is recognized for its intense matches, dramatic comebacks, and the legendary Aegis of Champions trophy, awarded on the victors. The International has become synonymous with the best levels of skill in esports, and winning it's considered the supreme 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, may be the annual culmination of 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 is really a cultural event in the gaming world. It draws countless viewers and possesses consistently set records for esports viewership. The tournament’s prestige and also the game’s global popularity help it become one of one of 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, include the most significant tournaments inside 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 succeed in these tournaments earn a place in esports history. The Majors are already a cornerstone from the CS
community, assisting 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 supreme 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 of the largest individual winnings in esports history. The World Cup was unique because it allowed that you qualify through in-game events, democratizing entry to one with 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 within 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 in 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 world compete in a very regular season and playoffs, culminating inside the Grand Finals. The event is known 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 as 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 could 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 all through the year. The Championship may be the culmination in the season, where the very best teams compete to the title and 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 within this iconic franchise. The event is recognized 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+ to find the best games
Notable: The largest and most prestigious fighting game tournament inside 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 mixes the best players from around the world to compete in a very variety of fighting games. From Street Fighter to Tekken to Super Smash Bros., EVO may 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 a few of the most anticipated events in the arena of competitive gaming, drawing massive audiences and offering life-changing prize pools. These tournaments will be more than just competitions; they're celebrations of gaming culture, showcasing the skill, strategy, and dedication of the world’s best players. As esports is maintaining growth, these events will more than likely become even bigger and much more influential, solidifying their place in the global entertainment landscape. Whether you’re a practiced gamer or perhaps a casual viewer, the excitement and drama of such tournaments make sure they are must-watch events in the whole world of sports.