eSports, or electronic sports, are organized video game competitions where professional players or teams compete against each other. These games can include anything from first-person shooters, strategy games, or multiplayer battle arenas. The prize money in eSports is given to players or teams based on how well they perform in these tournaments. The money often comes from entry fees, sponsorships, and sometimes from fans. The better the team or player does, the more they earn from the prize pool. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the biggest-ever esports payouts in competitions in some of the hottest video games in history.
Understanding a Key Distinction
While eSports payouts are tied to player performance and tournament results, they shouldn’t be confused with the realm of online casino gaming, which offers a different experience. Online casinos, which have grown vastly in popularity, provide various payout options, including traditional bank-oriented payouts and instant withdrawals. An instant withdrawal casino is a type of online casino where players can experience perks like a wider array of games and better bonuses and can access their winnings quickly—usually within minutes of making a withdrawal request. This is much faster than traditional casinos, where getting your money can take several days because of processing and banking delays.
These payout-focused platforms often blur the lines between iGaming and eSports. The key difference is that while both can earn you money, eSports payouts come from qualifying for and competing in professional video game tournaments. iGaming, on the other hand, involves online gambling, where payouts are won during gambling sessions without the need for a professional setting. With this important distinction in mind, let’s explore the largest eSports payouts to date.
The International 2018: A Record-Breaking Prize Pool
The International 2018 (TI8) stands out as one of the most significant milestones in eSports history. Held annually for the game Dota 2, TI8 boasted an unprecedented prize pool exceeding $25 million. This massive amount was largely funded by Valve Corporation’s crowdfunding model, where 25% of revenue from the sale of the Battle Pass, an in-game item, was added to the prize pool.
The tournament featured 18 teams from around the world, with the grand prize for the winning team, OG, totaling $11.2 million. The dramatic and thrilling finals saw OG claim victory after a series of intense matches, making this event a landmark moment in eSports and highlighting the enormous financial potential for competitive gamers.
Fortnite World Cup 2019
The Fortnite World Cup 2019 exemplified the extraordinary earning potential in eSports, particularly in the battle royale genre. With a staggering total prize pool of $30 million, the event attracted players from around the globe. The solo competition was especially notable, with the winner, Bugha, taking home $3 million.
This tournament not only set records for its prize pool but also emphasized the rapid rise of battle royale games in the eSports arena. The event’s success underscored the lucrative opportunities available in competitive gaming, attracting significant attention from both players and fans alike.
The International 2019: $34.3 Million
The International (TI) is the premier tournament for Dota 2, a highly popular multiplayer online battle arena game. The 2019 edition of TI set a new benchmark for eSports prize pools, with a staggering $34.3 million. This monumental sum was largely funded through the sale of in-game items and battle passes, reflecting the community’s engagement and investment in the tournament. The team OG emerged victorious, securing $15.6 million of the total prize pool, making it one of the largest payouts ever in competitive gaming.
CS Major Championships: $3 Million
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS) is a major player in the world of competitive gaming. A game known for its fast-paced, tactical gameplay and strategic depth, this is not a game for the faint of heart or anyone looking for a chilled-out experience. Major tournaments in CS, such as ESL One and Blast Premier, regularly feature impressive prize pools ranging from $1 million to $3 million. These events are crucial fixtures in the eSports calendar and attract top-tier teams from around the world. The large prize pools not only reflect the game’s popularity but also the high level of skill and competition involved.
For instance, the ESL One series often features multiple stages and a series of qualifying rounds leading up to the grand finals, where teams vie for their share of the substantial prize money. The success and financial rewards in CS tournaments highlight the game’s status as a cornerstone of competitive eSports and demonstrate the significant earnings potential for elite players and teams.
PUBG Global Championship 2020: $6 Million
The PUBG Global Championship 2020 set a new standard for financial stakes in the battle royale genre. With a prize pool totaling $6 million, this tournament underscored the growing popularity and competitive nature of PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG). The championship brought together teams from across the globe, each aiming to claim a portion of the substantial prize pool.
The event not only showcased intense gameplay and strategic depth but also reflected the significant investment and interest in battle royale games. The large prize pool was supported by both in-game purchases and sponsorships, emphasizing the game’s massive fan base and the lucrative opportunities for top-performing teams.
League of Legends World Championship 2023
The League of Legends World Championship 2023, another prominent event in the eSports landscape, continued to showcase the growing financial stakes of competitive gaming. The championship, known for its high level of international competition and massive global viewership, featured a prize pool that surpassed $7 million. The top teams from various regions battled for supremacy, culminating in JDG Gaming’s triumph.
The winning team received approximately $1.8 million, demonstrating both the competitive intensity and substantial financial rewards associated with top-tier League of Legends play. The championship not only highlighted the skill and strategic depth of the game but also reinforced the substantial earnings potential for elite players.
Conclusion
In eSports, the money you can win depends on how well you play and compete. major tournaments can have millions of dollars in prize money, and the best teams or players get the biggest rewards. This system highlights the importance of skill, strategy, and teamwork. Unlike casino gaming, where, especially with progressive jackpots, the payouts are based on luck.
For those looking to make money in the iGaming world, real money online casinos offer a wide array of platforms to play on and potentially win. However, it’s crucial to understand that eSports operates differently, is based on skill, and requires players to qualify for and participate in professional video game tournaments before any money can be earned from it.
