Bruce Dias 
The esports industry has taken the world by storm in the last few years. Millions of gamers and fans worldwide tune in to watch their favorite players compete in several esports tournaments. This is how big the industry is. And as it continues to grow and flourish, so do the tournament prize pools. While esports is no FIFA World Cup (the biggest sporting event in the world), it does feature camaraderie and support for gamers, especially during those hours-long battles during championships. And in that breath, let us look at the biggest esports tournaments of 2023.
The International
This is one tournament you do not want to miss. When it comes to big cash tournaments such as The International, they by far outrank the others we will mention. Considered one of the biggest Defense of the Ancients 2, or DotA 2, tournaments in the world, it is also one of the most lucrative. Each year The International grows both in size and prize money, with the 2022 prize pool reaching over $40 million.
This competition features 18 teams from across the globe who compete for their portion of the cash prize, as well as the championship title. So, what can we expect for 2023? The International is set to take place in August, but a venue has yet to be confirmed. The event will broadcast live on streaming platforms such as Twitch and YouTube and will attract millions of fans worldwide.
League of Legends World Championship
If you are an avid gamer, you will know that League of Legends is one of the biggest esports games ever. The League of Legends Championship is also one of the most anticipated esports tournaments of the year. Because of its popularity, the League of Legends Championship is watched by millions. Fans purposefully watch to see teams from around the world compete for the coveted championship title.
Throughout the event, teams battle each other to see who will reach the top in their region. Once this level of the game is complete, the final teams battle for the top spot. In 2022, the prize pool was around $7 million, increasing steadily over the past couple of years. This year the tournament is set to take place later in South Korea. Fans are encouraged to stream the live experience on the several available streaming platforms.
Fortnite World Cup
One of the best battle royale-style games, Fortnite took the world by storm when it was first released across most platforms and gaming consoles in 2017. The game has won numerous awards and features prominently in popular culture. And for this very reason, this world cup is enjoyed by millions. While Fortnite has multiple tournaments throughout the year, the world cup is by far the biggest and most widely known.
It also has a massive prize pool totaling millions of dollars which makes it quite enticing to Fortnite teams. While there is no set date or location for this in-person event, it is scheduled for late 2023. So far, we know that the tournament will feature duo and solo competitions. So, it opens the event to more than one type of player – teams and solo players. The event will, of course, broadcast live, so you can stream it straight from your couch. And if you feel like hopping on a plane, you can also watch the in-person event.
Overwatch League Grand Finals
This September, you need to prepare yourself for all things Overwatch. Much like the other events on this list, Overwatch is sitting high on the grand scale. What makes Overwatch League Grand Finals extra special is that gameplay occurs over time. It is a season-long competition.
Players must play each other to reach the regional grand finale. Once here, the best teams take each other on to claim their share of the prize money. Set your calendars for September because you will be streaming and rooting for your favorite team this 2023.
Call of Duty League Championship
This is another championship where teams must battle in a season-long competition. The wonderful thing about Call of Duty is that its popularity has increased exponentially. And while PC and console gamers will dispute this, much of the game’s popularity is linked to mobile players since they can access the game anytime, anywhere. This new generation of mobile gamers is giving the championship its full support.
So, how does the event work? After the season-long competition, only the top teams will reign supreme during the regionals. Here teams must win every game to become champions and share in the large prize pool. Keep your eye on the schedules and team standings so you are well-prepared for the final.
In conclusion, esports is a global phenomenon many saw coming and agreed with. It allows gamers and fans alike to enjoy hours of entertainment they can stream on the many available streaming services. This year prize pools increased, and current formats got a shake-up. Will we be watching all these events? You bet! We will be right there rooting for our favorite teams!
