Esports, short for electronic sports, has exploded in popularity in recent years. It involves competitive video gaming where professional players and teams compete against each other in various games. Esports has become a global phenomenon with millions of fans tuning in to watch tournaments live or online.
The Biggest Esports Tournaments
There are several major esports tournaments that attract top players and massive audiences. These tournaments offer huge prize pools and showcase the best talent in the esports industry. Here are some of the biggest esports tournaments:
1. The International (Dota 2)
The International is an annual Dota 2 tournament organized by Valve Corporation. It is one of the biggest esports tournaments in terms of prize pool, with millions of dollars up for grabs. The International attracts top Dota 2 teams from around the world and has a massive following among fans.
2. League of Legends World Championship
The League of Legends World Championship is another major esports tournament that features the best teams in the popular MOBA game. The tournament is organized by Riot Games and offers a significant prize pool for the winners. It is one of the most-watched esports events globally.
3. Fortnite World Cup
Fortnite World Cup is a relatively new addition to the esports scene but has quickly become one of the biggest tournaments in terms of prize money. The tournament features players competing in the popular battle royale game Fortnite for a chance to win millions of dollars in prize money.
4. CS:GO Major Championships
The CS:GO Major Championships are a series of tournaments for the popular first-person shooter game Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. These tournaments offer large prize pools and attract top teams from around the world. The Majors are some of the most prestigious events in the CS:GO competitive scene.
Prize Pools in Esports Tournaments
Esports tournaments have seen a significant increase in prize pools over the years, with some events offering millions of dollars to the winners. The prize money comes from various sources, including sponsorships, ticket sales, and crowdfunding. Here are some of the biggest prize pools in esports history:
1. The International 2019 (Dota 2)
The International 2019 had a record-breaking prize pool of over $34 million, making it the largest prize pool in esports history. The winners, OG, took home over $15 million in prize money, solidifying their place as one of the top Dota 2 teams in the world.
2. Fortnite World Cup 2019
The Fortnite World Cup 2019 had a total prize pool of $30 million, with the solo champion, Kyle “Bugha” Giersdorf, winning $3 million. The tournament showcased the growing popularity of Fortnite as an esport and the potential for huge prize payouts in the game.
3. League of Legends 2018 World Championship
The 2018 League of Legends World Championship had a prize pool of over $6 million, with the winning team, Invictus Gaming, taking home over $2 million. The tournament was held in South Korea and attracted millions of viewers worldwide.
4. The International 2015 (Dota 2)
The International 2015 had a prize pool of over $18 million, with the winners, Evil Geniuses, receiving over $6 million in prize money. The tournament was a huge success and helped solidify Dota 2 as one of the top esports titles in the world.
Esports continues to grow in popularity, with more tournaments and larger prize pools being offered to players. The esports industry shows no signs of slowing down, and fans can expect even bigger and better tournaments in the future.