The competitive gaming scene has grown into a global entertainment powerhouse, and 2025 has taken esports to new heights. With unprecedented prize pools, packed arenas, and millions of viewers tuning in from across the globe, the top tournaments of this year have redefined the future of gaming.
From epic showdowns in Riyadh to high-stakes battles in Toronto and Hamburg, here are the top 10 biggest esports tournaments of 2025 featuring the games that dominated, the champions who rose to fame, and the staggering prize money that made headlines.
- Esports World Cup 2025 – Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
2025 saw the return of the Esports World Cup (EWC) with an even bigger presence than the previous year. Held in Riyadh, this global event featured more than 25 games, spanning across genres like MOBA, FPS, Battle Royale, and mobile gaming.
What made the Esports World Cup 2025 particularly historic was its record-breaking $70 million prize pool, the largest ever seen in competitive gaming. The event drew top-tier esports organizations, and the newly introduced Club Championship format gave fans a way to root for their favorite multi-game teams throughout the season.
Adding to its mainstream appeal, football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo was announced as the official global ambassador, bridging the gap between traditional sports and esports like never before.
- The International 2025 – Dota 2
Valve’s The International remains one of the most prestigious tournaments in esports history and 2025 was no exception. Hosted in Hamburg at the Barclays Arena, this year’s TI continued its tradition of jaw-dropping prize pools, with expectations hovering around the $35 to $40 million mark.
The tournament showcased the very best of Dota 2, as global powerhouses clashed in an epic battle of strategy, teamwork, and mechanical skill. The fan-favorite format, with its dramatic group stage and knockout bracket, delivered countless unforgettable moments. Although the final results are still making their way into mainstream media, fans are calling TI25 one of the most thrilling editions yet.
- BLAST.tv Paris Major – Counter-Strike 2
With Counter-Strike 2 fully replacing CS:GO in 2025, expectations were sky-high and the BLAST.tv Major in Austin, Texas delivered. Featuring the top teams in the world, this event became the first ever CS2 Major hosted in the United States, pulling in a massive live crowd and over 200 million total online views.
The final was a standout moment, with Team Vitality securing the championship after a dramatic showdown against The MongolZ. ZywOo, one of the game’s most decorated players, earned MVP honors for his jaw-dropping performance. The $1.25 million prize pool may be modest compared to some other events, but the scale and energy of the tournament were unmatched.
- Valorant Champions Tour: Toronto Masters
Riot Games continues to elevate Valorant’s competitive scene, and the 2025 Toronto Masters stood as a landmark event for the franchise. With the world’s top teams converging in Canada, fans were treated to high-octane matches, bold strategies, and explosive plays.
The championship match between Paper Rex and Fnatic was a classic showdown of skill and perseverance. Paper Rex emerged victorious, led by Indonesian prodigy f0rsakeN, who delivered a standout MVP performance. The tournament carried a prize pool of just over $1 million, but its influence on the Valorant scene was far more significant.
- Fortnite Championship Series (FNCS) 2025
Fortnite continues to prove its staying power in the esports world, with the 2025 FNCS drawing huge attention once again. The championship format focused on Trios, pushing team coordination to the forefront and creating nail-biting finishes across all stages.
Held in Lyon, France, the global finals offered an impressive $8 million prize pool, with hundreds of thousands of dollars going to the top trios. Fan favorites Peterbot and Pollo returned to defend their title, generating buzz as they attempted a back-to-back victory run.
Epic Games also leveled up the FNCS viewing experience with real-time analytics, player cams, and integrated drops, making it one of the most engaging tournaments for fans across all platforms.
- BMPS 2025 – Battlegrounds Mobile India
Mobile gaming is no longer a niche, and Battlegrounds Mobile India Pro Series (BMPS) continues to lead the charge in South Asia. The 2025 Grand Finals, hosted in New Delhi, featured India’s best teams battling it out for a total prize pool of ₹2 crore (approximately $240,000).
The event garnered massive viewership, both on-ground and online, showcasing how mobile esports have captured the imagination of an entire region. With professional production, brand sponsorships, and fan meetups, BMPS has truly become a cultural event in the Indian gaming landscape.
- Red Bull Team 5 – League of Legends (Barcelona)
Combining the flair of content creators with the structure of competitive League of Legends, the Red Bull Team 5 tournament brought a fresh twist to the traditional format. Hosted in Barcelona, the event invited influencers and pro players to form hybrid teams and compete in a high-energy, fan-focused atmosphere.
The tournament may not have had a massive prize pool, but its reach on Twitch, YouTube, and TikTok was monumental. Team Werlyb Velvet, led by popular Spanish streamer Werlyb, took home the trophy and stole the show with their synergy and humor.
Red Bull Team 5 proves that tournaments don’t always need millions in prizes to make a cultural impact they just need creativity and connection with the audience.
- PGL Wallachia Season 5 – Dota 2
For hardcore Dota fans, PGL Wallachia has become a staple. Season 5 in 2025 brought together elite European and Asian teams in a no-nonsense format that rewarded consistency and high-level execution.
This year, Team Spirit and Xtreme Gaming dominated the headlines with their exceptional performances. While not as grand as The International in scale, Wallachia provided valuable points for the Dota Pro Circuit and kept the competitive ecosystem thriving between major events.
- MPL Indonesia Season 15 – Mobile Legends
Mobile Legends remains one of the most-watched games in the world, especially in Southeast Asia. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League (MPL) Indonesia celebrated its 15th season in 2025, and the numbers were staggering.
Millions tuned in to see the best Indonesian teams clash, with passionate fans creating an electrifying online and offline atmosphere. The tournament saw record viewership for Mobile Legends, cementing the region’s role as the global epicenter of mobile MOBA esports.
- LCK 2025 Spring Finals – League of Legends (South Korea)
No list of major esports tournaments would be complete without South Korea’s iconic League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK). The 2025 Spring Finals featured a classic clash between T1 and Gen.G, delivering another legendary chapter in their rivalry.
Held at a sold-out venue in Seoul, the event showcased the peak of macro play and mechanical precision that only Korean teams consistently deliver. With millions watching around the globe, the LCK Finals once again proved that League of Legends in Korea is not just a game it’s a national sport.
Final Thoughts: A Monumental Year for Esports
2025 has solidified esports as a global phenomenon that rivals traditional sports in scale, spectacle, and influence. Whether it’s the mega-prize pools of the Esports World Cup, the iconic battles of The International, or the rising dominance of mobile titles like BGMI and Mobile Legends, there’s no denying that competitive gaming is at its peak.
More importantly, these tournaments are about more than money or trophies they’re celebrations of skill, community, and the future of entertainment.
As we look ahead to 2026, one thing is clear: esports is no longer an emerging industry. It’s here to stay and it’s only getting bigger.
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