The Biggest Prize Pools in Esports Tournaments have become a symbol of how far competitive gaming has progressed over the years. What once started as small-scale gaming competitions has evolved into global spectacles with millions of dollars at stake. These events attract top-tier players, dedicated teams, and worldwide audiences, creating a thriving ecosystem.
From massive MOBAs like Dota 2 to battle royale giants like Fortnite, and even mobile sensations like Honor of Kings, the diversity is remarkable. The Biggest Prize Pools in Esports Tournaments also reflect the growing investment and sponsorship opportunities. Each year, these tournaments continue to raise the bar, breaking records and rewarding extraordinary talent. Truly, the Biggest Prize Pools in Esports Tournaments are reshaping the future of gaming.
Here are the Top 10 Biggest Prize Pools in Esports Tournaments:
10. Peacekeeper Elite League 2022 Spring
Peacekeeper Elite League 2022 Spring marks the beginning of our countdown of the Biggest Prize Pools in Esports Tournaments. This PUBG Mobile tournament stood out because of its unique structure and incredible prize money for a mobile game. Bringing together top teams from six different regions, the event highlighted the explosive growth of mobile gaming and competitive esports. The $4.14 million prize pool was remarkable, considering the mobile esports landscape was still finding its footing globally. This seasonal split of PUBG Mobile proved that mobile titles could command big audiences and significant payouts. The event helped cement PUBG Mobile as a key player in esports, attracting sponsors and viewers from all over the world.
| Event | Game | Prize Pool | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peacekeeper Elite League 2022 Spring | PUBG Mobile | $4,141,565 | 2022 |
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9. PUBG Global Championship 2021
Next on our list of the Biggest Prize Pools in Esports Tournaments is the PUBG Global Championship 2021. PUBG’s competitive scene had been evolving since the game’s launch, but this championship elevated its stature. Featuring a multi-stage format, the tournament brought together top teams from across the world. The $4.41 million prize pool was largely fueled by crowdfunding, showing the power of community support in esports. The tournament was a grueling affair, testing not just aim and reflexes but also strategy and teamwork. The PUBG Global Championship 2021 reaffirmed PUBG’s place in the competitive gaming world and demonstrated that tactical shooters could deliver not only intense gameplay but also large prize payouts.
| Event | Game | Prize Pool | Year |
| PUBG Global Championship 2021 | PUBG | $4,412,831 | 2021 |
8. Call of Duty League Championship 2020
The Call of Duty League Championship 2020 stands as an important milestone in shooter esports and makes its way onto our list of the Biggest Prize Pools in Esports Tournaments. Call of Duty has always been a popular franchise, but its esports scene had often been overshadowed by MOBAs and battle royales. In 2020, Activision Blizzard sought to change that with the Call of Duty League (CDL). The league introduced city-based franchises and a structured competitive season, culminating in a $4.6 million championship. Despite being held during a pandemic, the tournament delivered thrilling matches and impressive production value. The large prize pool indicated that Call of Duty was ready to compete with esports giants.
| Event | Game | Prize Pool | Year |
| Call of Duty League Championship 2020 | Call of Duty | $4,600,400 | 2020 |
7. LoL World Championship 2018
League of Legends is one of the biggest esports titles globally, and the 2018 World Championship showcased why it deserves a place among the Biggest Prize Pools in Esports Tournaments. The prize pool reached $6.45 million, boosted by sales of in-game items, which became a trend for many esports events. Worlds 2018 featured electrifying gameplay, unforgettable upsets, and dominant performances, cementing the event as a highlight of the competitive calendar. Although League of Legends has had many iconic championships, this particular edition stood out for its scale and production. It proved that MOBAs could deliver not only strategic depth but also huge financial incentives to its players.
| Event | Game | Prize Pool | Year |
| LoL World Championship 2018 | League of Legends | $6,450,000 | 2018 |
6. PGI.S 2021 Main Event
As we climb the list of the Biggest Prize Pools in Esports Tournaments, we reach the PGI.S 2021 Main Event. This tournament brought together 32 of the best PUBG teams worldwide to compete for supremacy. With a prize pool exceeding $7 million, it was the highest for PUBG to date. The event had an innovative format, including weekly survival matches and a ranking system that rewarded consistent performance. The substantial prize pool emphasized PUBG’s continued relevance in competitive gaming, even as newer titles emerged. The PGI.S 2021 was a showcase of tactical brilliance and relentless competition, proving PUBG’s staying power in the esports ecosystem.
| Event | Game | Prize Pool | Year |
| PGI.S 2021 Main Event | PUBG | $7,068,071 | 2021 |
5. King Pro League Grand Finals 2024
Mobile esports continues to make waves with the King Pro League Grand Finals 2024, landing fifth on our list of the Biggest Prize Pools in Esports Tournaments. Honor of Kings, a dominant title in China, showcased its competitive might with this massive event. The prize pool of nearly $9.7 million is a testament to the game’s popularity and Tencent’s commitment to expanding its esports footprint. The tournament attracted global attention, highlighting the growing potential of mobile MOBA games. Players delivered high-quality matches, and the production level matched that of traditional esports powerhouses. This event proved that mobile titles are not just a niche but a major player in the esports scene.
| Event | Game | Prize Pool | Year |
| King Pro League Grand Finals 2024 | Honor of Kings | $9,678,529 | 2024 |
4. Honor of Kings International Championship 2022
The Honor of Kings International Championship 2022 stands tall among the Biggest Prize Pools in Esports Tournaments. With an even higher prize pool of $10 million, this event elevated the game’s international standing. The championship brought together top players and teams from different regions, expanding the game’s footprint beyond China. It was an important step for Honor of Kings as it sought to become a global esports title. The $10 million prize pool not only rewarded players but also demonstrated that mobile esports can rival PC and console games in terms of competitive stakes. This championship was a turning point for mobile gaming in the competitive scene.
| Event | Game | Prize Pool | Year |
| Honor of Kings International Championship 2022 | Honor of Kings | $10,000,000 | 2022 |
3. Riyadh Masters 2023
Dota 2 has long been associated with massive prize pools, and the Riyadh Masters 2023 continues that trend, earning its spot in the Biggest Prize Pools in Esports Tournaments. With $15.12 million on the line, it was one of the richest esports tournaments outside of Valve’s iconic The International. Featuring elite teams, the event drew global attention and showcased the Middle East’s increasing investment in esports. Riyadh Masters 2023 offered thrilling matches, epic comebacks, and top-tier production, cementing it as a premier event. This tournament showed that Dota 2’s appeal and high stakes are not confined to one event alone.
| Event | Game | Prize Pool | Year |
| Riyadh Masters 2023 | Dota 2 | $15,120,000 | 2023 |
2. Fortnite World Cup 2019
The Fortnite World Cup 2019 is one of the Biggest Prize Pools in Esports Tournaments history. Epic Games entered the competitive scene with an unprecedented investment, putting up a massive prize pool of over $15 million. The tournament featured both Solo and Duo competitions, with players as young as 16 walking away as millionaires. The event was a spectacle, with mainstream media coverage and a massive audience. It also cemented players like Bugha as esports icons. The World Cup demonstrated Fortnite’s ability to compete at the highest levels of esports, even if subsequent events haven’t matched this financial peak.
| Event | Game | Prize Pool | Year |
| Fortnite World Cup 2019 | Fortnite | $15,287,500 | 2019 |
1. The International (2021)
At the pinnacle of the Biggest Prize Pools in Esports Tournaments is The International 2021. Known as TI10, this Dota 2 event shattered records with a prize pool exceeding $40 million. Crowdfunding through the game’s Battle Pass played a huge role in this achievement, proving the dedication of Dota’s community. The International has always been a benchmark for esports prize money, but this edition took things to another level. The tournament was filled with drama, incredible gameplay, and unforgettable moments. Teams fought tooth and nail for a share of the enormous prize, making it a landmark event in esports history. Even as prize pools have fluctuated since, TI10 remains the gold standard for competitive gaming.
| Event | Game | Prize Pool | Year |
| The International 2021 | Dota 2 | $40,018,400 | 2021 |
These Biggest Prize Pools in Esports tournaments truly showcase the incredible growth and evolution of the gaming industry. Over the years, competitive gaming has transformed from small local events into global spectacles, attracting millions of viewers and huge financial backing. These tournaments with the Biggest Prize Pools in Esports tournaments are proof of how serious and lucrative the industry has become, with players turning professional and organizations investing heavily. Not only do these events reward top talent, but they also demonstrate worldwide recognition of esports as a legitimate sport. The Biggest Prize Pools in Esports tournaments continue to inspire players and fans alike.
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