Competitive video gaming, known as eSports, has risen to prominence as one of the premier platforms for professional gamers worldwide. This arena offers players the chance to earn significant income by competing in major gaming tournaments featuring their favorite video games.

One of the most popular ways for fans to watch eSports tournaments live is through online streaming services and social media platforms like Twitch. Occasionally, these events are also available on other online platforms, including some sports betting sites that operate through online casinos.

This growth in the eSports industry coincides with a broader revolution occurring across the online gambling sector. Tightening global industry regulations have prompted a shift where many gamers are turning to offshore sites that accept cryptocurrencies rather than traditional fiat currencies. These platforms attract users with the promise of greater privacy, fewer restrictions, and additional benefits such as higher betting limits and more secure transactions.

 One more benefit comes for players looking for a fast payout online casino: it’s usually crypto-based sites that are the fastest to give players their winnings, with crypto giving players instant access to their funds (or in some cases, they might have to wait an hour, but it’s still much faster than using traditional payment methods.

For eSports platforms, the stringent regulations within the iGaming industry might eventually drive a wedge between the two sectors, even though they share many similarities. For instance, both feature major international tournaments, such as casino games like poker, which boast events like the World Series of Poker.

While not yet reaching the financial heights of those poker tournaments, here’s a look at the four biggest eSports tournaments held worldwide to date:

The League of Legends World Championship, commonly referred to as Worlds, is an annual event orchestrated by Riot Games. This championship pits two teams of five players against each other in a strategic battle where the objective is to destroy the opponent's base. Players choose from over 140 champions, striving to secure kills, execute strategic plays, and demolish towers to claim victory.

Since its inception in 2011, when the game’s popularity surged, the first championship was held with a modest prize of $100,000. Over the years, this event has drawn millions of viewers and garnered significant financial backing, turning it into a high-stakes competition.

Key matches that have contributed to the rich history of the League of Legends World Championship include:

• 2013 Finals: SK Telecom T1 vs. Samsung Blue, a game that marked the rise of SK Telecom T1 as a dominant force in eSports.
• 2016 Finals: SK Telecom T1 vs. Samsung Galaxy
• 2018 Finals: Fnatic vs. Invictus Gaming

By 2021, the prize pool had grown to exceed $2 million, with major sponsorships from companies like Red Bull, Mastercard, and Louis Vuitton. The next major tournament is scheduled for 2025, promising to continue the legacy of intense competition and spectacular gameplay.

Fortnite World Cup

Fortnite is a battle royale game where players compete on a large game map, aiming to eliminate opponents until only one remains. Players must build defensive structures and gather weapons to ensure their survival in the fast-paced environment.

The Fortnite World Cup is an annual eSports tournament organized by Epic Games. The first competition took place in 2019, a year after the game became a massive hit among gamers. Hosted at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York City, the event attracted a huge audience both online and in person. The World Cup showcases the best Fortnite players globally, featuring both duo and solo competitions.

Key Games Featured at the Fortnite World Cup

Several matches stood out during the 2019 Fortnite World Cup:

• 2019 Solo Finals: The solo competition was won by 16-year-old Kyle "Bugha" Giersdorf.
• 2019 Duo Finals: The duo champions were David "Aqua" Wang and Emil "Nyhrox" Pedersen.

The Fortnite World Cup made history with one of the largest prize pools in eSports, totaling $30 million. Bugha, the solo champion, took home $3 million, while the duo champions shared $3 million between them. Major sponsors of the tournament included Coca-Cola, Intel, and Samsung.

The International (Dota 2)

The International is the global championship for Dota 2, a five-on-five multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game. Hosted annually by Valve Corporation, The International, or TI, has evolved into one of the most prestigious eSports tournaments, giving elite players and teams the chance to showcase their skills on the world stage.

The first International was held in 2011 at Gamescom in Cologne, Germany. Sixteen teams competed for a prize pool of $1 million, marking the start of a tournament that would grow significantly in the years to come.

Key Games Featured at The International Dota 2

• 2013 (TI3): Alliance triumphed over Na'Vi with a close score of 3-2, solidifying their place in Dota 2 history.
• 2015 (TI5): Evil Geniuses won 3-1 against CDEC Gaming in an epic final.
• 2021 (TI10): Team Spirit defeated PSG.LGD 3-2, securing their victory in a thrilling match.

The tournament has attracted prominent sponsors, including Red Bull, Mercedes-Benz, and Intel, as its prize pool has grown exponentially over the years.

CS: GO Major Championship

The CS: GO Major Championship, also known as the ESL One Major, is one of the most competitive tournaments in the eSports world. The main game featured in this tournament is Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO), a multiplayer tactical first-person shooter. In CS: GO, two teams face off, the Terrorists and the Counter-Terrorists, with each side playing through various game modes that add unique twists to the gameplay.

Key Games Featured at the CS: GO Major Championship

Here are some standout matches from past tournaments:

• 2014 ESL One Cologne Finals: Team LDLC vs. Fnatic produced an unforgettable match filled with intense gameplay.
• 2017 ELEAGUE Major: Virtus.pro vs. Astralis delivered a thrilling display of skill and high stakes.
• 2019 IEM Katowice Finals: ENCE vs. Astralis was a standout showdown that left fans on the edge of their seats.

The prize pool for the CS: GO Major Championship has steadily grown, starting at $250,000 and now reaching $1 million. The tournament has also drawn significant sponsorships from companies like Mercedes-Benz, Red Bull, and Intel, further solidifying its place as one of the most competitive eSports events.

These tournaments highlight the growing influence of eSports, with each event offering unique challenges and opportunities for players to showcase their talents. Whether you’re a fan of Fortnite’s fast-paced battle royale, Dota 2’s strategic gameplay, or CS: GO’s tactical firefights, there’s something for everyone in the world of competitive gaming.

Conclusion

eSports is a rapidly growing industry that combines various video games formats allowing players and fans to enjoy the competitive nature of playing sports online. These tournaments are essential in providing platforms for professional gamers.