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 probably the most prestigious tournament in esports. Organized by Valve, the game’s developer, TI brings together the best teams from world wide to compete for a prize pool that dwarfs the majority of esports events. The prize pool is essentially funded from the game’s community from the purchase of in-game items, a testament for the passionate Dota 2 fanbase. The tournament is known for its intense matches, dramatic comebacks, and also the legendary Aegis of Champions trophy, awarded towards the victors. The International is now synonymous with the highest levels of skill in esports, and winning it's considered the ultimate 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 over 100 million viewers in 2019.
The League of Legends World Championship, also known as Worlds, will be the annual culmination in the League of Legends competitive season. Teams from various regions, including North America, Europe, South Korea, and China, battle it 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 a cultural event inside gaming world. It draws countless viewers and possesses consistently set records for esports viewership. The tournament’s prestige and the game’s global popularity ensure it is 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 from the longest-running esports tournaments, going back 2013.
The CS
Major Championships, often simply called Majors, include 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 person brilliance. The prestige of winning a Major is immense, and teams that flourish in these tournaments earn a location in esports history. The Majors are already a cornerstone from the CS
community, helping 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 of the largest prize pools in esports history; ready to accept all players.
The Fortnite World Cup was introduced by Epic Games in 2019 as the ultimate competition for Fortnite players worldwide. The event featured separate tournaments for solo players and duos, while using 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 anyone to qualify through in-game events, democratizing access to one in the largest measures in esports. The Fortnite World Cup would be a spectacle of pop culture and competitive gaming, attracting a tremendous 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, comparable to traditional sports leagues.
The Overwatch League (OWL) Grand Finals represent the climax from the Overwatch competitive season. OWL is unique in the esports world due to the city-based franchise model, which mirrors traditional sports leagues just like the NFL or NBA. Teams from cities all over the world compete inside a regular season and playoffs, culminating in 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; these are a celebration of Overwatch like a cultural phenomenon, with live performances, fan events, plus much more.
6. Call of Duty League Championship
Game: Call of Duty
Organizer: Activision Blizzard
Prize Pool: $2.5 million (2023)
Notable: Franchise model which has a focus on North American teams.
The Call of Duty League (CDL) Championship could be the most prestigious event inside Call of Duty esports calendar. The CDL follows a franchise model similar towards the Overwatch League, with city-based teams competing throughout the year. The Championship may be the culmination of the season, where the very best teams compete for that title plus a multi-million-dollar prize pool. Call of Duty has a long history in esports, and also the CDL Championship represents the peak of competitive play in this iconic franchise. The event is known for its high-intensity matches, passionate fanbase, and also 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+ for top level games
Notable: The largest and many prestigious fighting game tournament in the 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 mixes 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 a huge 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 tend to be more than just competitions; they are celebrations of gaming culture, showcasing the skill, strategy, and dedication in the world’s best players. As esports is growing, these events will likely become even bigger plus more influential, solidifying their place within the global entertainment landscape. Whether you’re a successful gamer or a casual viewer, the rush and excitement and drama of those tournaments make them must-watch events in the arena of sports.