Esports has grown exponentially over the past decade, evolving from a niche hobby into a global phenomenon with millions of fans and players worldwide. One of the most compelling aspects of this industry is the massive prize pools that top tournaments offer. These prize pools have not only elevated the status of esports but have also made it a lucrative career path for many professional gamers.
While esports offers significant financial rewards, it’s worth noting that gamers have other avenues to win big as well. For instance, casino gaming, whether online or in brick-and-mortar establishments, presents opportunities for substantial winnings. Games like poker, blackjack, and slots have made many players millionaires. With advancements in tech, a growing number of players are opting to wager at new casino sites. BuyShares author Filip Jovchevski explains that these sites typically offer big bonuses and speedy payouts. That means when a player wins a large prize, they have access to it straight away.
However, unlike the skill-based competitions in esports, casino winnings often hinge more on chance than on skill. This contrast makes the structured and skill-based prize pools of esports particularly noteworthy. Let’s explore the biggest esports prize pools.
The International (Dota 2)
When discussing large prize pools, it is impossible to ignore The International, the annual championship tournament for Dota 2. Organised by Valve Corporation, The International has consistently broken records for esports prize money, with many players and teams taking home huge sums throughout the years. The prize pool is crowdfunded through the sale of the Battle Pass, a digital content bundle for Dota 2 players.
Record-Breaking Figures
The International 2019 (TI9) set a monumental record with a prize pool of over $34 million, with the winning team, OG, taking home a staggering $15.6 million. The following year, TI10 surpassed this figure, reaching a prize pool of over $40 million, making it the largest in esports history. This method of crowdfunding has not only engaged the community but has also demonstrated the financial potential of esports.
Fortnite World Cup
Epic Games’ Fortnite has also made headlines with its impressive prize pools. The Fortnite World Cup, held in 2019, featured a total prize pool of $30 million. The tournament was divided into solo and duo events, with 16-year-old Kyle “Bugha” Giersdorf winning the solo event and taking home $3 million.
Impact on Gamers
The success of players like Bugha has inspired a new generation of gamers to pursue esports as a serious career. The Fortnite World Cup’s massive prize pool highlighted the earning potential in esports, attracting more players and increasing the game’s popularity.
League of Legends World Championship
The League of Legends World Championship, organised by Riot Games, is another major esports event known for its substantial prize pools. While not as large as The International or the Fortnite World Cup, the League of Legends World Championship still offers significant prize money, drawing top teams from around the globe.
Prestige and Earnings
The 2020 World Championship featured a prize pool of $2.34 million, with the winning team, DAMWON Gaming, earning $556,875. The prestige associated with winning the World Championship often translates to lucrative sponsorship deals and increased revenue from streaming for the players.
Call of Duty League Championship
The Call of Duty franchise has been a staple in the esports scene for years, with the Call of Duty League Championship offering one of the largest prize pools in the competitive scene. The 2020 championship featured $4.6 million in winnings, with the number one team, Dallas Empire, snagging $1.5 million of that.
Evolution of the Scene
The Call of Duty League’s structured format and significant prize money have contributed to the game’s sustained popularity in esports. The league format, similar to traditional sports, has helped legitimise esports in the eyes of a broader audience.
PUBG Global Championship
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) has also made a mark with its esports prize pools. The PUBG Global Championship 2019 featured a prize pool of $4 million, with the winning team, Gen.G, earning $2 million.
Battle Royale’s Esports Journey
PUBG’s success in esports has paved the way for other battle royale games, proving that the genre can thrive in a competitive setting. The game’s popularity and significant prize pools have cemented its place in the esports landscape.
CS:GO Major Championships
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) has a rich history in esports, with Major Championships being some of the most anticipated events on the calendar. These tournaments, sponsored by Valve, typically feature prize pools of $1 million.
Consistent Competition
Despite not having the largest prize pools compared to some newer games, CS:GO Majors have a prestigious status in the esports community. Winning a Major is considered a significant achievement, and the competition is always fierce, attracting top-tier talent from around the world.
The massive prize pools in esports have played a crucial role in legitimising the industry and attracting talent from around the world. While gamers can earn big prizes from gaming in other ways, like at anonymous casinos and in-person casinos, esports offers some lucrative and exciting prizes that have players working hard to fine-tune their skills for the chance to play and win.
From Dota 2’s record-breaking International tournaments to Fortnite’s groundbreaking World Cup, these events have showcased the financial potential of competitive gaming. As esports continues to grow, we can expect even larger prize pools and more exciting opportunities for professional gamers in the future.
