Esports in 2025 is bigger than ever, with multi-million-dollar prize pools, global tournaments, and intense competition across multiple games. From Dota 2’s The International to Counter-Strike 2 Majors and the ever-expanding Esports World Cup, this year is shaping up to be the most competitive yet.
As gaming franchises battle for dominance, mobile esports is also on the rise, with Honor of Kings and PUBG Mobile offering record-breaking payouts. Whether you follow MOBA, FPS, Battle Royale, or mobile gaming, this guide ranks the biggest esports tournaments of 2025, highlighting where the biggest prize money is up for grabs.
What’s Changing in Esports in 2025?
- Esports World Cup is expanding – The Saudi-backed event is expected to have the largest prize pool in history, beating its $60 million from 2024.
- Dota 2’s The International prize pool may shrink as Valve moves away from crowdfunding.
- Mobile esports is growing rapidly, with Honor of Kings and PUBG Mobile expected to break new records.
- New games like Riot’s Project L (fighting game) and Star Wars: Hunters could enter the esports scene.
Top 10 Biggest Esports Tournaments in 2025 (Upcoming & Confirmed Events)
1. Esports World Cup 2025 – The Biggest Prize Pool in History?
- Estimated Prize Pool: Over $60 million (Expected to increase)
- Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Games Featured: Dota 2, CS2, PUBG Mobile, Honor of Kings, League of Legends, Fortnite, and more
Why It’s Huge:
- The richest esports event ever, featuring multiple games and a club-based prize pool system.
- In 2024, Team Falcons won $7 million, the biggest single payout in esports history.
Expected Update:
- Could expand to even more games in 2025.
2. Dota 2 – The International 2025 (TI25)
- Estimated Prize Pool: $15-25 million (Projected)
- Location: TBD
- Game: Dota 2
Why It’s Important:
- Historically the biggest single-event prize pool in esports.
- Prize money may shrink in 2025, as Valve changed its crowdfunding system.
Expected Update:
- Can Dota 2 reclaim its $40M record from 2021?
3. Honor of Kings World Champion Cup 2025
- Estimated Prize Pool: $25 million (Projected)
- Location: China
- Game: Honor of Kings (Arena of Valor in the West)
Why It’s Dominating Mobile Esports:
- The highest-paying mobile esports event ever.
- Tencent is investing heavily in making this game global.
Expected Update:
- Could become the largest mobile esports event in history.
4. PUBG Mobile Global Championship 2025
- Estimated Prize Pool: $17-20 million (Projected)
- Location: Global
- Game: PUBG Mobile
Why It’s Huge:
- The biggest battle royale esports event in 2025.
- Massive prize pool growth, following its $16.26M prize in 2024.
Expected Update:
- PUBG Mobile continues to dominate mobile esports, with India and China leading.
5. League of Legends World Championship 2025 (Worlds 2025)
- Estimated Prize Pool: $2.5-3 million (Projected)
- Location: TBD
- Game: League of Legends
Why It’s a Must-Watch:
- The most-watched esports event in the world, with 5M+ viewers in 2024.
- Features top-tier teams like T1, JDG, and G2 Esports.
Expected Update:
- Will Riot increase its prize pool to compete with Saudi-backed esports?
6. Counter-Strike 2 Majors (PGL Copenhagen 2025 & Paris Major 2025)
- Estimated Prize Pool: $1.25 million per event
- Locations: Copenhagen & Paris
- Game: Counter-Strike 2
Why It’s Legendary:
- The biggest FPS tournament of the year.
- The CS2 era officially began in 2024, replacing CS:GO Majors.
Expected Update:
- Valve could increase the Major prize pool in 2025.
7. Fortnite Championship Series (FNCS) 2025
- Estimated Prize Pool: $8 million
- Location: Lyon, France
- Game: Fortnite
Why It’s Still Relevant:
- Shifted from Duos to Trios format in 2025.
- One of the last remaining major Battle Royale esports events.
Expected Update:
- Fortnite remains one of the most unpredictable esports games.
8. Rainbow Six Siege – Major Tournaments 2025
- Estimated Prize Pool: $1.5 million (Projected)
- Location: Global
- Game: Rainbow Six Siege
Why It’s Unique:
- Tactical gameplay makes it different from CS2 or Valorant.
- Ubisoft continues to expand its esports ecosystem.
Expected Update:
- Siege is growing in LATAM and EU esports markets.
9. VALORANT Champions Tour 2025 (VCT 2025)
- Estimated Prize Pool: $1-2 million (Projected)
- Location: TBD
- Game: VALORANT
Why It’s Growing Fast:
- Franchise leagues have stabilized the scene.
- Combines CS2-style FPS with hero-based abilities.
Expected Update:
- Will Riot increase the prize pool to compete with CS2?
10. Rocket League Championship Series (RLCS) 2025
- Estimated Prize Pool: $1 million (Projected)
- Location: TBD
- Game: Rocket League
Why It’s Fun to Watch:
- Easy to follow even for casual fans.
- Soccer meets cars in this high-speed esports game.
Expected Update:
- RLCS continues to grow in global reach.
Final Thoughts – What’s Next for Esports in 2025?
Esports in 2025 is set to break new records, with some tournaments offering over $60 million in prize pools. This guide ranks the biggest esports events of the year, based on single-event prize money rather than annual totals.
- Largest Prize Pool: Esports World Cup 2025 – Over $60 million expected
- Most Prestigious Tournament: Dota 2’s The International 2025 – Estimated $15-25 million
- Biggest Mobile Esports Event: Honor of Kings World Champion Cup – Over $25 million projected
- Most-Watched Event: League of Legends Worlds 2025 – Expected to reach 5M+ peak viewers
- Biggest FPS Tournament: Counter-Strike 2 Majors – $1.25M per event
With record-breaking prize pools, new rising games, and competitive franchise leagues, 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting years in esports history.
