Breaking Down the Biggest Prize Pools in Esports History

15 October 2025

Esports has been on an explosive trajectory over the last decade, transforming from a niche hobby into a global phenomenon. With millions of players and viewers tuning in, it’s no surprise that the prize pools for these events have skyrocketed. We aren't just talking about a few thousand bucks here; we’re talking millions—yes, millions—with many tournaments rivaling traditional sports championships. Ever wondered what the biggest prize pools in esports history look like? Well, buckle up, because we’re diving headfirst into the most jaw-dropping payouts this industry has ever seen.

The Meteoric Rise of Esports Prize Pools

Before we break down the numbers, let's take a moment to appreciate how far esports has come. Not too long ago, winning an esports tournament often meant bragging rights and a modest cash prize that barely covered travel costs. Fast forward to today, and we’ve got tournaments with prize pools so massive they make lottery winners do a double-take.

Why the sudden cash surge? A mix of corporate sponsorships, crowdfunding, and the sheer popularity of competitive gaming have turned esports into a money-making machine. Think of it as a snowball rolling downhill—it’s just getting bigger and bigger.

Top 5 Biggest Esports Prize Pools Ever

Ready for the big reveal? Let’s break down the tournaments that handed out the fattest checks in esports history.

1. The International 10 (Dota 2)

- Prize Pool: $40,018,195
- Year: 2021
- Game: Dota 2

If there’s one event that consistently smashes records, it’s The International (TI). Organized by Valve, this annual Dota 2 championship is the gold standard for esports prize pools. The 2021 event—TI10—boasted an eye-popping $40 million prize pool! To put that into perspective, that’s more than the prize money for the Masters Golf Tournament.

What makes TI so unique is its crowdfunding model. A portion of in-game purchases from players around the world contributes to the prize pool. It’s like a Kickstarter, but with magic spells and epic battles. Imagine spending $10 on a virtual sword and knowing you’ve helped create an esports millionaire—wild, right?

2. The International 9 (Dota 2)

- Prize Pool: $34,330,069
- Year: 2019
- Game: Dota 2

Before TI10 shattered records, TI9 held the crown. With over $34 million up for grabs, this was the tournament that left jaws on the floor. OG, one of the most iconic teams in Dota 2 history, walked away with the lion’s share—over $15 million! That’s life-changing money for just one event.

TI9 also marked the point where esports prize pools became a talking point in mainstream media. Suddenly, even your grandma knew what Dota 2 was (okay, maybe not, but you get the idea).

3. Fortnite World Cup Finals

- Prize Pool: $30,000,000
- Year: 2019
- Game: Fortnite

Remember when Fortnite took over the world? The 2019 Fortnite World Cup Finals proved just how massive the game’s following had become. Epic Games, the developer behind Fortnite, threw down a staggering $30 million in prize money.

The event went viral when a then-16-year-old, Kyle “Bugha” Giersdorf, claimed the solo championship and walked away with $3 million. Let me tell you, that’s a lot of allowance money. Fortnite’s success here showed the world that battle royales weren’t just a fad—they were here to stay.

4. The International 8 (Dota 2)

- Prize Pool: $25,532,177
- Year: 2018
- Game: Dota 2

If you’re noticing a trend, you’re not alone—Dota 2 keeps dominating the prize pool charts. TI8 continued the tradition with over $25 million in prizes. Once again, this was made possible by fans digging deep into their wallets for in-game cosmetics.

What’s fascinating here is the level of community involvement. It’s like a giant group project where everyone chips in, except instead of getting an A, you get a multimillion-dollar tournament.

5. League of Legends 2018 World Championship

- Prize Pool: $6,450,000
- Year: 2018
- Game: League of Legends

While it doesn’t hit the same astronomical figures as Dota 2 or Fortnite, League of Legends (LoL) has carved out a special place in esports history. The 2018 World Championship saw a $6.45 million prize pool—a significant leap for LoL tournaments at the time.

What really sets LoL apart is its global appeal. With teams from every corner of the world, this tournament felt more like the Olympics of gaming than just a championship. And let’s not forget the hype—LoL knows how to throw a show-stopping event better than most.

What Makes These Games Stand Out?

So, why do some games rake in millions while others barely crack six figures? It boils down to a few key factors:

1. Player Base: Games with massive communities, like Dota 2, Fortnite, and LoL, naturally attract more attention (and money).
2. Crowdfunding: Dota 2 mastered this with its in-game purchases, letting players feel like they’re part of something bigger.
3. Corporate Sponsorships: Big names like Coca-Cola, Intel, and Red Bull love associating their brands with the gaming world.
4. Mainstream Appeal: Titles like Fortnite cross the boundary from "just a gamer thing" into pop culture, drawing in even more viewers and dollars.

The Future of Esports Prize Pools

Looking at these numbers, it’s clear that esports isn’t just “catching up” to traditional sports—it’s blazing its own trail. Prize pools are expected to grow as more companies invest in the industry and games find innovative ways to engage their player bases. Who knows, in a few years, we could be talking about a $100 million tournament. Crazy, right?

Esports is turning into a juggernaut, and the rise in prize pools is just the tip of the iceberg. Whether you’re a player, a fan, or just someone keeping tabs on the industry, one thing’s for sure: the future of esports is looking ridiculously bright.

Final Thoughts

To say esports has "leveled up" would be an understatement. With prize pools rivaling those of traditional sports, gaming tournaments have become mammoth events. Whether you’re obsessed with battle royales, MOBAs, or shooters, there’s no denying that the competitive gaming scene has cemented itself as a global powerhouse. And hey, who wouldn’t want a shot at those massive payouts? Even if you’re not a pro gamer, it’s exciting to watch—and you never know, you might just find yourself inspired to dust off your controller.