What Are The Biggest Esports Titles in The World?

Esports has come a long way from being niche events to becoming a global phenomenon. With events offering millions of dollars and fans across the world tuning in, many esports titles are thriving in 2025. Here is a look at the all-time top esports games based on prize pools, viewership, and the number of competitions based on data from Esports Charts. 

Valve’s Dota 2 continues to set the benchmark when it comes to prize money. As of 2025, the game has awarded over $343 million across 2,503 tournaments, making it the highest-paying esports title of all time. Much of this prize pool is driven by The International, an annual world championship that funds its rewards through community contributions via in-game purchases.

Although Dota 2 doesn’t host as many events as some other titles, its tournaments are known for their high production value and global reach. Its peak viewership reached 2.74 million during The International 2021, underscoring its influence as a premium event in the esports calendar.

With over 8,400 tournaments held to date and a lifetime prize pool of $169 million, the Counter-Strike franchise holds the record for the number of esports events for a game. The game is accessible and easy to watch for the casual viewer, which potentially drives viewership for its events. 

Its peak viewership hit 2.75 million during the 2021 Stockholm Major, reflecting its global popularity. Valve’s support, combined with independent organizers like ESL and BLAST, has helped maintain a robust competitive calendar with both major and minor circuits.

Epic Games’ Fortnite made headlines in 2019 with its World Cup event, where it offered $30 million in prize money and drew 2.33 million peak viewers. Since then, the game has hosted over 1,000 tournaments, distributing nearly $134 million in total prize money.

While Fortnite’s competitive scene is not as structured as other titles, its emphasis on high-stakes events and wide demographic appeal has allowed it to remain relevant. The game's unique format—blending entertainment, celebrity appearances, and competition—continues to make it a draw for casual viewers and sponsors alike.

League of Legends, developed by Riot Games, remains the most-watched esports title globally. The 2024 World Championship set a new record with 6.85 million peak concurrent viewers, the highest ever recorded for an esports event.

While its total prize pool of $113 million may not match its competing MOBA title Dota 2, the title stands out for its large esports ecosystem. With more than 4,000 tournaments hosted globally, including franchised leagues like the LEC, LCK, and LCS, League of Legends has established a year-round competitive structure supported by stable team salaries, consistent scheduling, and high-end broadcasts.

PUBG Mobile has established itself as a dominant force in mobile esports. With over 1,800 tournaments and a cumulative prize pool exceeding $101 million, the game has particularly strong traction in Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America.

Its competitive events consistently attract large audiences, peaking at 3.8 million viewers during the PUBG Mobile Global Championship Season 0 in 2021. Tencent’s structured league system with regional circuits and global finals has helped cement the game’s role in expanding esports for a mobile audience.

Although Honor of Kings is less known in Western markets, it remains one of the biggest esports titles in China. The game has awarded more than $91 million in prize money through 190 official tournaments, mostly organized under Tencent’s King Pro League (KPL).

In 2024, its peak viewership reached 481,000, largely driven by Chinese audiences. With ongoing efforts to globalize the title, including international tournaments and localized versions, Honor of Kings is poised to grow its footprint in the global esports landscape.