Biggest Prize Pools in Esports History

Esports are perhaps the most dynamic industry today; at the very least, they can engross millions of fans and to offer prize pools which are at par with traditional sports. Tiny gatherings have given way to large international tournaments with several million-dollar prize pools, thus making everybody aware that esports have become a significant force in art and culture, if not sports. Thanks to the biggest events, a new breed of professionals has been established, and it has been drawing the attention of sponsors, investors, and global audiences.

Biggest Prize Pools in Esports History

1. Esports World Cup 2024: A New Milestone in Esports

The Esports World Cup 2024, which was organized in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, set the unprecedented record of a total prize pool of $62.5 million. That figure was the accumulation of the 23 different games featured during the 22 tournaments. Various games like Dota 2, Counter-Strike 2, and others got the green light. The prize money was allocated to Club Championships, Game Championships, MVP Awards, and the Qualification stage. The Esports World Cup was not only about the greatness of the teams and individuals but also solid proof of the Saudis’ aspiration to become the leading esports center in the world.

2. The International 2021: Dota 2’s Legendary Highlight

Of course, the $40 million prize pool at The International 2021 from Valve was the glory before the Esports World Cup and set the tone for others. The scale that the amount of the prize crossed was indeed colossal and for a long time, it became the brightest spot of competitive gaming. In-game purchases were the main source of financing, and as a result, the artists who made them got a fine commission, which is highly endorsed by the Dota 2 community. For fans who enjoy the competitive spirit of esports and want an even more interactive experience, platforms like https://thunderpick.io/esports offer a seamless way to engage. Whether you’re supporting your favorite team or making strategic picks, Thunderpick enhances the esports experience with betting options tailored to true gaming enthusiasts.

3. Riyadh Masters 2023: Another Dota 2 Showcase

After a billionaire announced that he was buying and moving his team to Los Angeles, he could have another team in another town, and even in another continent. The sheer volume of corporate giants heading there almost overnight created an esports mecca the world had not seen before.
Undoubtedly, the pivotal moment in the playoffs was when it was held within the three days. It so happened that in 48 hours, the American team Virtus. Pro, which had assuredly qualified for the Grand Finals, had two matches on the opposite sides of the Atlantic, one in Europe and the other in North America.

4. Fortnite World Cup Finals 2019: A Battle Royale Phenomenon

Whilst it is indisputable that Dota 2 still holds the crown for the highest amount of money in its game tournaments, the one-time spectacle of Epic’s Fortnite World Cup Finals held in 2019 is still worth discussing for various reasons.
The event set up at the Arthur Ashe Stadium, with a whopping prize amount of over 30 million dollars, would be the breakthrough of battle royales into the esports industry as a mainstream event.

The tournament certainly has its winners and losers. When the core of Dota 2 players shifted to battle royales, left-wing teams that were already out of the tournament switched to the other game, and they became more productive as a result. Alliances, who were unable to defeat the main teams, decided to join forces with weak teams, which obviously benefited the weak teams. Then, they began to flourish again.

5. Honor of Kings International Championship 2023: Mobile Esports on the Rise

Ever since mobile gaming has been drastically booming, the Honor of Kings International Championship 2023 tournaments and ones like it are no surprise. The scale of this competition offered the most considerable cash prize among others, almost USD 10 million, and it had the pleasure of attracting not only a big audience but also massive participation from teams all around the world.

It became clear to everyone who participated in the event that mobile esports expansion has become a reality, especially in Southeast Asia, Latin America, and China. Furthermore, it is worth noting that the tournament has outlined that mobile platforms are as strong as PC and console platforms and equally competitive in the areas of the scale, and the implementation of the tournament has demonstrated this fact several times.

A Look at Overall Esports Earnings by Game

There should no longer any doubt regarding the fact that in terms of the entire income for the esports industry, percentiles of the best performing games are highly noticeable:

• Dota 2: The total sum is such that it exceeds $330 million from various tournaments
• Counter-Strike: A fraction of the winnings is equal to more than $155 million across a wide array of tournaments
• Fortnite: The entire amount is like a virtual currency for distribution, having given out over $100 million ever since the first esports event of the title

The International series of Dota 2 stands out as the main source of its total cash startup, while Counter-Strike enjoys its strong influence in numerous leagues and majors worldwide.

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