The Ultimate Guide to Esports Tournaments

Esports Tournaments are a spectacle, that a lot of esports bettors look forward to. No matter if you’re an avid CS: GO bettor, or like to put a wager on the most popular Fortnite tournaments – these events bring fans of esports betting together like no other.

So we thought; why not create the ultimate guide to esports tournaments for you guys? In this article, we’re going to figure out which events are worth watching or betting on, what makes them so immensely exciting, and which events are considered the biggest of ‘em all.

We’ll also dive into some of the biggest video game tournaments, touching on the biggest esports events across genres like MOBA, FPS, and even battle royale games. Expect everything from biggest prize money esports tournaments to top esports tournaments that attract millions of viewers worldwide.

Let’s explore the popularity of the greatest esports tournaments and find some must-watch tournaments for this year – this guide covers it all. Shall we?

What Makes Esports Tournaments So Popular?

If you’re interested in esports, there’s a good chance, you’re looking forward to big events – and that’s where these tournaments find their rightful place, we think. Esports tournaments have definitely surged in popularity in recent years, largely due to the increasing global interest in competitive gaming.

These events allow players to showcase their skills on the world stage, often in front of millions of live and online viewers. From casual gamers to professional esports athletes, these tournaments provide an exciting platform for competition.

The allure of esports tournaments goes beyond just gameplay – if you’ve ever witnessed or even attended one, you know what we’re talking about here. After all, what’s not to love? Massive prize pools, sponsorships, and the entertainment factor have made these events must-watch spectacles, contributing to the rise of the industry.

The community engagement and adrenaline-filled moments make each tournament unforgettable, creating an amazing atmosphere where gamers and gamblers come together to watch their favorite teams dish it out on the virtual screen.

The Biggest Esports Tournaments: A Look at the Industry’s Top Events

Esports has grown into a global industry with massive events, drawing millions of viewers and offering record-breaking prize pools. The International, hosted by Valve for Dota 2, has become synonymous with large prize pools, reaching $40 million in 2021. The tournament has consistently held the title for the largest prize pool in esports, thanks to crowdfunding through in-game purchases.

Another notable event is the League of Legends World Championship, or Worlds, which saw a peak of 5.1 million concurrent viewers during its 2022 final. The prize pool in recent years has reached $6.45 million, with viewership growing annually, solidifying League of Legends as one of the most popular esports games worldwide.

The Fortnite World Cup debuted in 2019 with a staggering $30 million prize pool, offering opportunities for both solo and duo players. This inclusive approach helped Fortnite become one of the biggest games in competitive gaming. Although paused during the pandemic, Fortnite’s competitive scene is rebuilding through events like the FNCS, which recently featured a $4 million prize.

The International

The International (TI) is Dota 2’s premier annual tournament and consistently boasts the largest prize pool in esports history. The event reached its peak in 2021 with a record-breaking $40 million prize pool, which was primarily crowdfunded through the sale of in-game items, like the Battle Pass. This community-driven approach allows Dota 2 fans to contribute to the prize pool, creating a sense of ownership and engagement.

Despite some fluctuations in the total prize money over the past few years, The International remains the crown jewel of competitive Dota 2. The tournament is known not only for its massive payouts but also for its incredibly high level of competition, drawing the best teams from around the world to fight for the prestigious Aegis of Champions.

League of Legends World Championship

The League of Legends World Championship, also known as Worlds, is the pinnacle of competitive League of Legends (LoL). With a prize pool that has exceeded $6.45 million in recent years, Worlds has cemented its place as one of the most prestigious esports events.

The 2022 finals shattered viewership records, with more than 5 million concurrent viewers, making it one of the most-watched esports tournaments of all time. Worlds brings together the top teams from regions such as Korea, China, Europe, and North America, all competing for the Summoner’s Cup. Its thrilling matchups and passionate fanbase make it a must-watch event for MOBA enthusiasts, and each year the competition only gets fiercer.

Fortnite World Cup

The Fortnite World Cup made history in 2019 with an unprecedented $30 million prize pool, setting a new benchmark for esports prize money. The tournament featured both solo and duo competitions, offering players from around the world a chance to compete on the grandest stage. With over 2.3 million concurrent viewers during its peak, the event captivated audiences worldwide.

Though the tournament was paused due to the pandemic, Fortnite’s competitive scene is slowly rebuilding momentum through events like the FNCS, where top players continue to battle it out for sizeable prizes. The World Cup’s open-qualifier format also makes it one of the most inclusive tournaments in esports, allowing unknown players to rise to fame.

CS Majors

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS) Majors, such as the PGL Major and IEM Katowice, are considered the most prestigious events in the first-person shooter (FPS) esports scene. These tournaments typically offer prize pools between $1 million and $2 million, and they are known for their intense, high-level competition.

Teams like FaZe Clan, Natus Vincere (NAVI), and Astralis have historically dominated these events, showcasing the very best in competitive CS. The Majors not only draw huge live audiences but also millions of online viewers, making them cornerstone events in the global esports calendar. The legacy of CS Majors continues into the new era of Counter-Strike 2, promising even more exciting matchups and legendary moments.

The Biggest Gaming Tournaments Across Different Genres

Esports tournaments span a wide array of genres, each with its own iconic events. One of the largest fighting game tournaments is EVO (Evolution Championship Series), which broke records in 2024 with over 10,224 participants from 63 countries, making it the largest open-bracket esports event in history. Another prominent tournament is the PUBG Global Championship, which drew over 1.5 million unique viewers and had an average viewership of 900,000 per match in 2023, showcasing its strong following in the battle royale genre. Strategy

games are also well-represented with the StarCraft II World Championship Series (WCS), which has been a flagship event for strategy enthusiasts, continuing to attract thousands of players from across the globe.

These tournaments not only bring intense competition but also huge prize pools, ranging from $240,000 at EVO to multi-million-dollar pools in games like PUBG and StarCraft II. Each genre’s major event contributes significantly to the broader esports landscape, drawing massive online audiences and fostering vibrant competitive communities.

Fighting Games: Evolution Championship Series (EVO)

The Evolution Championship Series (EVO) is the world’s largest and most prestigious fighting game tournament. EVO 2024 broke records with over 10,224 participants from 63 countries, solidifying its place as a mecca for fighting game enthusiasts. This tournament features some of the most iconic games in the genre, including Street Fighter 6, Tekken 8, and Mortal Kombat 1. What sets EVO apart is its open-bracket format, allowing both professional and amateur players to compete side by side. EVO’s popularity continues to grow each year, with the 2024 event offering a $240,000 prize pool and packed arenas.

EVO also provides more than just competition; it’s a cultural hub for fighting game fans, offering exhibitions, artist showcases, and community panels. The 2025 edition promises not only intense matchups but also various side events and fan-driven experiences, making it the ultimate celebration of fighting game culture.

Battle Royale Games: PUBG Global Championship

The PUBG Global Championship (PGC) remains the top-tier competition for battle royale enthusiasts. The 2023 edition attracted 1.5 million peak viewers and accumulated over 11 million total views throughout the event, highlighting the game’s enduring popularity in the esports world. The $4.8 million prize pool for the tournament drew in top teams from all over the globe, competing in high-stakes, action-packed matches. PUBG’s dynamic gameplay, which mixes survival mechanics with strategic shooting, continues to captivate players and spectators alike.

In 2025, PUBG Esports aims to expand further, offering even more regional qualifiers and global events leading up to the PUBG Global Championship. This expansion ensures that fans and players will continue to experience some of the most thrilling battle royale action in the esports arena, making PGC a must-watch tournament.

Strategy Games: StarCraft II World Championship Series (WCS)

The StarCraft II World Championship Series (WCS) is widely regarded as the premier event for real-time strategy (RTS) games. Since its inception, WCS has provided a platform for the best StarCraft II players in the world to compete for substantial prize pools. The WCS Grand Finals regularly draw thousands of live spectators and millions of online viewers, with the tournament offering a $500,000 prize pool in recent years.

WCS features a highly competitive structure with regional qualifiers leading to global playoffs, ensuring the highest level of play. StarCraft II’s complex strategy and fast-paced gameplay continue to make it a standout in the esports scene, with top players from Korea, Europe, and North America battling it out for the title of world champion.

Top Esports Tournaments to Watch in 2025: Upcoming Events You Can’t Miss

As you can probably imagine, avid Esports fans have a lot to look forward to in 2025, as some of the biggest tournaments in history are set to take place. One of the most anticipated events is the Esports World Cup 2025, running from July 3 to August 25, which will feature 21 individual games and a staggering $60 million prize pool. This event will undoubtedly be a major highlight in the esports calendar, drawing fans from all over the globe.

In addition, the prestigious Intel Extreme Masters Katowice 2025 will be held from January 31 to February 11, showcasing Counter-Strike 2 and offering a $1 million prize pool. The event is known for its intense competition and high production values, making it a must-watch for FPS fans.

For fighting game enthusiasts (such as ourselves), EVO 2025 (July 19 – 21) will once again break records with thousands of participants from around the world. This year’s EVO will feature titles such as Street Fighter 6 and Tekken 8, and promises an exciting spectacle with a prize pool of $240,000.

Lastly, the League of Legends World Championship 2025, running from September 25 to November 2, will feature top teams from around the globe competing for a $2.25 million prize pool. As one of the most-watched esports events every year, it’s set to draw millions of viewers and offer thrilling matches.

Conclusion—Experience the Excitement of Esports Tournaments with DISCasino

As you can see, the amount and quality of Esports tournaments in recent years only has one conclusion left to be made; they’re only going to get more insane and spectacular from here on out. Esports tournaments in 2025 have been and are still set to be more thrilling than ever, with events like The International, EVO, and the League of Legends World Championship offering huge prize pools and intense competition.

It doesn’t really matter if you’re a fan of FPS, MOBA, or fighting games, there will be plenty of must-watch events throughout the year, drawing millions of viewers and showcasing the best talent in the world of esports – and they’re all there for you to bet on.

If you’re looking to take your esports excitement to the next level, check out DisCasino. With great esports betting options on all the top tournaments, you can experience the thrill of esports while placing wagers on your favorite games and players!