Top 10 Annual Global eSports Events and Where to Watch Them Online

1.             The International (Dota 2)

·     Game: Dota 2

·     Organiser: Valve Corporation

·     Average Prize Pool: £25–30 million

·     When: October

·     Where to Watch:

 YouTube          or          Twitch

Arguably, the crown jewel of eSports, The International (TI) is the world’s richest gaming tournament. Its community-funded prize pools routinely break records, and the spectacle is unmatched.

‍

 2.             League of Legends World Championship (LoL Worlds)

·     Game: League of Legends

·     Organiser: Riot Games

·     Average Prize Pool: £6–8 million

·     When: October–November

·     Where to Watch:

lolesports          or          Twitch

Known simply as 'Worlds', this month-long spectacle defines professional eSports presentation. Riot Games transforms arenas into fantasy-themed stages, complete with augmented reality performances.

3.             Counter-Strike 2 Majors

·     Game: Counter-Strike 2

·     Organiser: ESL & BLAST Premier

·     Average Prize Pool: £1–2 million

·     When: Spring and Autumn

·     Where to Watch:

YouTube          or          Twitch

Counter-Strike remains the foundation of professional eSports, and its Majors are the equivalent of football’s World Cup.

‍

4.             Valorant Champions Tour (VCT Finals)

·     Game: Valorant

·     Organiser: Riot Games

·     Average Prize Pool: £1–1.5 million

·     When: August or September

·     Where to Watch:

YouTube          or          Twitch

Riot’s tactical shooter, Valorant, has taken the competitive scene by storm. The annual VCT Finals cap off a global season featuring top teams from around the world.

5.             Fortnite World Cup

·     Game: Fortnite

·     Organiser: Epic Games

·     Average Prize Pool: £15–20 million

·     When: July

·     Where to Watch:

YouTube          or          Twitch

The Fortnite World Cup set records in 2019 when 16-year-old Bugha won £2.4 million live on stage in New York.