A Look at eSports Tournaments Worldwide
The global eSports market has been growing at a rapid pace over the past few years. In 2022, it was valued at over 1.38 billion U.S. dollars. Millions of fans around the world are eagerly anticipating eSports tournaments, which have become some of the biggest events in the gaming industry. The best players in the world compete in these tournaments, ranging from local to global.
A Competitive Landscape for Gamers
When you think of eSports, you probably imagine gamers playing their favorite games on a stage with thousands of people watching them live on big screens. While this is one of the most popular forms of tournaments, it has evolved over time. eSports tournaments can take place in a variety of locations, from local venues to huge stadiums with live spectators. Additionally, people now have the option to compete remotely without having to travel physically.
This article explains what you need to know about eSports tournaments and how eSports amassed millions of fans globally.
The eSports Community
The players and spectators play an integral role in eSports. They help shape how games and tournaments evolve, as well as the culture that surrounds them. The players compete to showcase their skills and win the prize money or glory that comes with it while the spectators or fans support their favorite teams. The fans either watch the games live at the stadium or from the comfort of their own homes through live streams or replays of matches. Social media platforms like Twitch, Facebook, and Twitter make it possible for the community to discuss what’s happening in the eSports world.
The Scale and Impact of eSports Tournaments
Among the biggest esports tournaments in the world is The International, held annually for the popular game Dota 2. The tournament is run by Valve Corporation with a prize pool that often exceeds $30 million, making it one of the most highly anticipated tournaments in the world. Aside from The International, other Dota 2 tournaments such as Dota 2 Asia Championship and the Dota Pro Circuit are also held throughout the year.
The League of Legends World Championship is another well-known annual esports event. The tournament showcases the top teams from different countries competing for a multi-million dollar prize pool. Along with this championship, there are other significant tournaments such as the Mid-Season Invitational, and regional competitions like LEC and LCS that serve as qualifiers for the main championship event.
Another highly anticipated eSports tournament is the VALORANT Champions Tour. It features a first-person shooter game that has gained immense popularity among gamers worldwide, namely Valorant. Regions will compete in Valorant Challengers events and Valorant Masters. The top 16 teams in the world will then compete for the title of the best VALORANT team in the VALORANT Champions Tour.
Additionally, the Intel Extreme Masters for Counter-Strike: Global Offensive features tournaments in multiple regions of the world, culminating in a global championship. Other major CS:GO tournaments include the ESL Pro League and the Blast Pro Series.
Popular esports tournaments also include the Overwatch League, Fortnite World Cup, and Hearthstone Championship Tour.
In Web3, the Axie Classic World Championship, Axie: Origin BYOD Tournament, and Axie: Origin Stadium Series featured a combined prize pool of $1 million USD, the largest prize pool in Blockchain Gaming history. The Axie Classic World Championship took place in Barcelona, Spain wherein Axie eSports players from different countries competed against the best of the best.
Aside from the major tournaments, there are numerous local and regional tournaments that offer substantial rewards and an opportunity for up-and-coming teams to qualify for bigger tournaments. It’s important for eSports teams to compete in these tournaments so they can make their way up the ladder and eventually compete globally.
The eSports scene in the Philippines
The Philippines has a thriving eSports scene and is one of the largest mobile gaming markets in the world. Hence, The Nationals and MLBB tournaments often attract thousands of fans. The biggest eSports tournament in the Philippines is “The Nationals,” a multi-game league featuring popular games such as Dota 2, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, and Tekken 7. It is the first eSports franchise league in the Philippines which is organized by the Philippine Esports Organization and backed by several major sponsors. Additionally, the biggest on-site Axie Infinity tournament in the Philippines was held last year in Circuit, Makati with over 7 million peso prize pool.
The inclusion of eSports tournaments has become a crucial component within the gaming industry, eagerly anticipated by both players and spectators alike. With an ever-increasing global following, it’s clear that the prospects for eSports’ popularity and growth are highly promising.
Keep an eye out for our next articles about the most unforgettable moments in global eSports. Make sure to follow us on our social media platforms (@mvpesportsph) to stay up-to-date with all the latest news.