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 brings together the best teams from worldwide to compete for the prize pool that dwarfs almost every other esports events. The prize pool is largely 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 has grown to be synonymous with the very best levels of skill in esports, and winning it's considered the supreme 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, is the annual culmination from 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 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 an incredible number of 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 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 from the longest-running esports tournaments, dating back 2013.
The CS
Major Championships, often simply called Majors, will be 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 human brilliance. The prestige of winning a Major is immense, and teams that succeed in these tournaments earn a location in esports history. The Majors happen to be a cornerstone from the CS
community, assisting to 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 with 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 with the largest individual winnings in esports history. The World Cup was unique for the reason that it allowed one to qualify through in-game events, democratizing use of one from the largest measures in esports. The Fortnite World Cup would be 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, similar to traditional sports leagues.
The Overwatch League (OWL) Grand Finals represent the climax with the Overwatch competitive season. OWL is unique inside esports world due to the 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 recognized for its high production values, passionate fanbase, and the intense competition among teams. The Grand Finals aren't only about the gameplay; they're a celebration of Overwatch being a cultural phenomenon, with live performances, fan events, and 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 inside 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 could be the culmination with 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, and the CDL Championship represents the peak of competitive play within this iconic franchise. The event is known for its high-intensity matches, passionate fanbase, and 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 get the best games
Notable: The largest and most prestigious fighting game tournament within the world.
The EVO Championship Series, typically referred to as EVO, is 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 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 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 more than just competitions; they are celebrations of gaming culture, showcasing the skill, strategy, and dedication with the world’s best players. As esports keeps growing, these events may become even bigger and much more influential, solidifying their place inside global entertainment landscape. Whether you’re a practiced gamer or a casual viewer, the joy and drama of such tournaments cause them to become must-watch events in the world of sports.