In the ever-expanding realm of esports, tournaments with jaw-dropping prize pools have become a hallmark of the industry. From intense battles in MOBAs to strategic showdowns in strategy games, these competitions offer gamers the chance to showcase their skills on a global stage and compete for life-changing sums of money. Let's delve into some of the largest prize pool tournaments in gaming history, where the stakes are higher than ever before.
1. The International (Dota 2)
Undoubtedly one of the most prestigious esports events in the world, The International (TI) sets the standard for colossal prize pools. Organized annually by Valve Corporation for its popular MOBA game, Dota 2, TI boasts prize pools that consistently shatter records. In 2019, The International 9 featured a staggering prize pool of over $34 million, with the winning team, OG, taking home a lion's share of the bounty. With its crowdfunding model through the sale of in-game items, The International continues to raise the bar for esports prize pools year after year.
2. Fortnite World Cup
Epic Games' battle royale phenomenon, Fortnite, made waves in the esports scene with its inaugural World Cup event in 2019. Featuring a diverse range of competitions, including solo and duo tournaments, the Fortnite World Cup boasted a total prize pool of $30 million, with the solo champion, Kyle "Bugha" Giersdorf, walking away with a whopping $3 million prize. While subsequent Fortnite events have not reached the same heights, the World Cup remains a landmark moment in esports history.
3. League of Legends World Championship
Riot Games' flagship MOBA, League of Legends, hosts an annual World Championship that attracts millions of viewers worldwide. While the prize pool for the League of Legends World Championship (Worlds) may not reach the same astronomical figures as The International, it remains one of the most prestigious events in esports. In 2020, Worlds featured a prize pool exceeding $2.3 million, with the winning team, DAMWON Gaming, claiming the lion's share of the winnings.
4. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive Majors
Valve Corporation's iconic first-person shooter, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO), hosts bi-annual Major tournaments that offer substantial prize pools. While not as astronomical as those of Dota 2 or Fortnite, CS:GO Majors still draw significant attention from players and fans alike. In 2019, the StarLadder Berlin Major boasted a prize pool of $1 million, with the victorious team, Astralis, taking home the championship title and a handsome cash prize.
5. PUBG Global Championship
PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG) has carved out its place in the battle royale genre, with its Global Championship offering substantial rewards for top-performing teams. In 2019, the PUBG Global Championship featured a prize pool of $2 million, with the winning team, Gen.G, claiming a significant portion of the earnings. While PUBG esports may not reach the same heights as Fortnite or Dota 2, its Global Championship remains a highlight for fans of the game.
Conclusion:
The rise of esports has transformed gaming into a lucrative and competitive industry, with tournaments offering unprecedented prize pools that rival traditional sports events. From the adrenaline-fueled battles of MOBAs to the strategic showdowns of battle royales, these tournaments offer gamers the chance to compete on a global stage and reap the rewards of their skill and dedication. As esports continues to grow in popularity and mainstream recognition, we can expect to see even larger prize pools and more thrilling competitions in the years to come.