The 5 Biggest e-Sports Tournaments in the World in 2025

Discover the most important and exciting e-Sports tournaments worldwide in 2025.

e-Sports tournaments are gaining fans across all continents and, in 2025, remain stronger than ever.

These competitions go beyond games: they represent passion, dedication, and a global community connected by the same interest.

In today’s article, we will present the main tournaments currently, exploring how they work, where they have taken place, which teams stood out, and what to expect from upcoming editions.

Whether you already follow the e-Sports universe or are just starting to get interested, this guide will help you understand why these events have become references in the global competitive scene.

Each tournament has its unique characteristics and offers unforgettable experiences for both players and spectators.

Fortnite World Cup

The Fortnite World Cup is one of the most accessible and celebrated e-Sports tournaments worldwide.

Since its debut in 2019, it attracts millions of players with an inclusive proposal and impressive prizes. The format allows any player, from anywhere in the world, to participate in online qualifiers.

The competitions take place in Solo and Duo categories, with regional stages in Arena mode. Those who stand out in these phases secure a spot in the grand final, usually held in international arenas.

In 2019, young Bugha was crowned solo champion, taking home $3 million — the largest individual prize in e-Sports history until then.

Besides the main competitions, the tournament also includes side events like the Creative Cup, which values players’ creativity in building custom maps and challenges within the game.

This competition stands out not only for the prize money but also for the vibrant environment and global coverage.

In upcoming editions, even more innovation is expected, with interactive broadcasts and new ways to engage the audience, as well as expanded presence on streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming.

Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) Champions

The Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) Champions is the final stage of a season full of thrilling confrontations. Developed by Riot Games, the circuit brings together the best teams worldwide in a tournament that values strategy, communication, and sharp reflexes.

Throughout the year, teams face regional phases and events called Masters. The best-placed qualify for the VCT Champions, the year’s competitive pinnacle.

Having been hosted in cities like Berlin, Istanbul, and Los Angeles, the event is always eagerly awaited.

In 2023, the team Evil Geniuses won the title. Other organizations like LOUD, Fnatic, and Team Liquid have also left their mark with memorable performances.

The competition features 16 teams competing in a best-of-three (bo3) format, with group stages and playoffs that guarantee exciting matches.

The total prize pool for VCT Champions exceeds $2 million, one of the largest in Valorant’s competitive scene, attracting players and teams from all over the world.

Among e-Sports tournaments, VCT Champions stands out for balancing spectacle and high technical level. It is a great entry point for new fans and a reference for those who already follow the competitive scene.

League of Legends World Championship

The League of Legends World Championship, also known as Worlds, is another grand celebration of e-Sports.

Also organized by Riot Games, the tournament moves millions of fans and crowns the best teams worldwide in contests that combine skill, strategy, and emotion.

Held annually since 2011, the championship has been hosted in cities such as Paris, Seoul, Shanghai, and San Francisco. In 2025, the event promises to raise the level even higher with innovative structure and exclusive attractions.

Matches are divided into stages:

• Play-in stage
• Group stage
• Playoffs

Historic teams like T1, DAMWON, and Edward Gaming have lifted the trophy, while icons like Faker have established themselves as legends of the scene.

Worlds goes beyond matches: it offers striking audiovisual experiences, musical performances, and unforgettable moments.

Among e-Sports tournaments, it is one of the best representatives of the growth and influence of gamer culture worldwide.

CS:GO / Counter-Strike 2 Majors

CS:GO remains a benchmark in the competitive scene of this game mode. With the arrival of Counter-Strike 2, the format was renewed but kept the essence that has conquered generations of fans worldwide.

Each Major tournament features open stages, intermediate phases, and the Champions Stage — where the top eight teams compete for the title in high-level matches.

The tournament has taken place in cities such as Stockholm, Antwerp, and Paris, always with a large audience and strong community support.

With the graphical update and gameplay improvements of CS2, the game maintains its popularity and attracts a new generation of fans and competitors, expanding its reach and diversity.

Majors are known for balanced competition, where strategy, teamwork, and precision are essential.

If you enjoy tactical matches and thrilling challenges, Counter-Strike tournaments remain must-watch events in the e-Sports calendar.

The International (Dota 2)

The International is synonymous with prestige, tradition, and impressive prizes. Held by Valve, the tournament gathers the best Dota 2 teams worldwide and is partially funded by the community through in-game purchases.

Since its creation, the event has taken place in locations such as Seattle, Shanghai, Bucharest, and Singapore. The highest prize pool distributed reached $40 million, a record among e-Sports tournaments.

The tournament format includes a group stage followed by double-elimination playoffs, allowing teams a second chance even after early losses.

Matches can be long and strategic, demanding great technical and mental preparation from players. It is common to see series that last several hours, with decisions that completely change the competition’s course.

Teams like OG, Team Spirit, and Invictus Gaming have lifted the trophy, becoming true legends of the game and inspiring fans worldwide with memorable performances and iconic games.

Besides the competition, The International celebrates gamer culture with side events, panels, and exclusive content that bring players, fans, and developers closer together.

For those who follow e-Sports tournaments, The International is an absolute reference, combining tradition, emotion, and innovation — a true spectacle showing why e-Sports are a global phenomenon.

Conclusion

e-Sports tournaments are growing rapidly and consolidating as pillars of digital entertainment.

The five championships we explored here show different playing styles, formats, and histories but share something in common: the positive impact they have on the gamer community.

Whether watching from home, participating in qualifiers, or cheering for the favorite team, the e-Sports tournament audience is increasingly engaged. The experiences are thrilling, the prizes huge, and the future promising.

Now that you know the biggest e-Sports tournaments in the world, it’s worth keeping an eye on upcoming editions, news, and new stars emerging every year.