Esports have become a huge industry. These days, gaming tournaments have prize pools in the millions. From MOBA titles like Dota 2 to first-person shooters like CS:GO, players now fight for life-altering rewards.
Let’s take a look at the largest prize pools in esports history. And we’ll look at how these tournaments became so popular.
How Esports Prize Pools Grew
Previously, esports prize pools were tiny. Competitive gaming was a hobby, not a profession. But gaming’s popularity changed things.
They grew their prize pools by sponsorships, partnership, and crowdfunding. These days, fans purchase in-game items or passes as a way to support tournaments. Just like Twitch and YouTube, platforms depend on ad revenues and subscriptions.
1. The International: Dota 2’s Record-Breaker
TI is a Dota 2 tournament, or more accurately a tournament for the game Dota 2. It is renowned for its enormous prize pools. The game’s developer, Valve, uses crowdfunding to enhance the rewards.
In 2021, TI10 had the biggest prize pool in esports history—$40 million. The winning team, Team Spirit, took home $18 million. That’s more than what many athletes earn in a year.
And there’s no better way to highlight just how passionate the Dota 2 community truly is than at this tournament. Fans are also an integral part of making it a success.
2. League of Legends World Championship
Worlds is one of the biggest events in esports: the League of Legends World Championship. Its prize pools may not match TI or Fortnite, but Worlds is a cultural event.
(The prize pool was $2.2 million in 2022.) The real value of the event comes down to its production. Riot Games uses music, lights and even holograms to put on a show.
Worlds also has a worldwide footprint. It features teams from Asia, Europe and North America.
3. Fortnite World Cup: A Game-Changer
The Fortnite World Cup was big news in 2019. Fortnite’s developer, Epic Games, had established a $30 million prize pool for the event.
The event featured numerous contests, from solos to duos. Kyle “Bugha” Giersdorf, a 16-year-old, took home the solo title. He made $3 million, overnight becoming a celebrity in the world of gaming.
Epic Games used this tournament to demonstrate that Fortnite is a lot more than a game. It’s also a global appeal competitive platform.
4. CS:GO Majors: A Classic Esports Scene
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) is one of the oldest esports titles. Its tournaments are called “Majors.”
The PGL Stockholm Major in 2021 had a prize pool of 2 million dollars. This is the highest in CS:GO history.
CS:GO is over a decade old, after all. It can rely on its dedicated community of fans and the competitive aspect that keeps it an esports giant.
5. PUBG Global Championship
The esports world has been swept up in battle royale games. Player Unknown’s Battlegrounds, abbreviated as PUBG, is one of the front runners in this genre.
The prize pool for the PUBG Global Championship (PGC) 2021 was $2,000,000 USD. Players fought on large maps to be the last team remaining.
This was a great example of how fun a competitive battle royale can be.
What These Tournaments Represent
Big prize pools go beyond just money. They demonstrate how much esports has evolved. Events like these are made possible by the joint efforts and hard work of developers, sponsors, and fans alike!
These tournaments are about stories, too. Teams have challenges, breakthroughs and victories. They motivate players and fans like.
How Fans Drive Prize Pools
Prize pools are heavily dependent on fans. They acquire Battle Passes or in-game items in games, like Dota 2. A portion of the money goes in the prize pool.
This allows for a community feeling. Fans consider themselves a part of the tournament’s success. It’s a win-win for everyone.
The Next Steps for Esports Prize Money
Esports is still growing. Bigger prize pools will probably follow as games and technologies evolve.
New VR and AR Experiences For competitive gaming more regions are also embracing esports and are bringing in new talent and sponsors.
Things are looking positive for players and fans going forward.
Responsible Esports Engagement
Esports is exciting to watch. And the level of strategy, teamwork and skill, of course, makes it thrilling for fans across the globe.
And if you really want to feel the thrill, you can also bet on live e-sport matches to add another level of engagement. Nonetheless, always bet on esports responsibly and only for entertainment purposes, as it’s a game of chance, and winning isn’t guaranteed.
The Largest esports prize pools showcase the industry’s success and growth. These events are more than competitions from The International to Fortnite World Cup. They are celebrations of games and community.
With the growth of esports, we can only expect bigger prize pools and more memorable moments. Esports is just getting started and will be a great ride!
