Esports has exploded in popularity over the last decade, transforming from a niche hobby into a multi-billion dollar industry. This growth is reflected not just in the number of players and viewers, but also in the staggering prize pools offered at major tournaments. These prizes are not merely symbolic; they represent the high stakes of professional gaming and serve as an indicator of esports’ increasing legitimacy and financial clout.
The largest prize pool ever recorded was for The International 2019, a Dota 2 tournament. The event boasted an astounding $34.3 million pot, with the winning team, OG, walking away with nearly $15.6 million – that’s more than what Novak Djokovic received for winning Wimbledon that same year! The International consistently offers massive payouts due to its unique crowdfunding model where 25% of all sales from Battle Passes (in-game purchases) contribute towards the prize pool.
Another game offering substantial prizes is Fortnite. Epic Games made headlines when it announced a total annual esports prize pool of $100 million for Fortnite’s inaugural World Cup in 2019. The finals saw teenagers become instant millionaires overnight, with solo winner Kyle “Bugha” Giersdorf bagging an impressive $3 million.
League of Legends (LoL), one of the most popular games worldwide, also features significant cash rewards for its championship winners. Although LoL’s individual tournament prizes don’t reach Dota 2 or Fortnite levels yet – their largest being around $6.5 million at LoL World Championship 2018 – they still hold some serious sway within esports industry.
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) is another game worth mentioning when discussing large esports prize pools. With its first Global Championship held in November 2019 providing a total prize pool reaching up to $5.9 Million USD.
These mammoth figures should be understood within context: these are extreme examples from top-tier international competitions. The vast majority of professional esports players earn far less, with many struggling to make a sustainable income. Nevertheless, these record-breaking prize pools are significant as they demonstrate the potential profitability of a career in esports and the increasing acceptance of gaming as a legitimate sport.
The growth in prize money also highlights how mainstream companies are increasingly investing in esports. Major brands such as Coca-Cola, Intel, and Mercedes-Benz have sponsored tournaments and teams, contributing to larger prize pools and increased visibility for esports.
In conclusion, the rise of enormous prize pools in esports is indicative of the industry’s overall growth and maturation. These prizes not only change lives but also help elevate esports into mainstream consciousness. As more people tune into these events and more sponsors invest their resources into this booming field, it’s likely that we’ll continue seeing even bigger pots on offer at future tournaments.
