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Video game eSports are become bigger than ever – but which are the most lucrative?
Itβs not just the traditional, outdoor activities that are bringing in the big bucks when it comes to sport. Video game competitions and international tournaments, known as eSports, are now extremely lucrative, with top prize draws racking up into the tens of millions.
Your grandparents probably donβt understand it, but the world of eSports is now aΒ seriousΒ business, with high-end advertising, sponsorships, and television deals bringing in hefty profits for video game publishers and event organisers.
Epic Games has just announced that it will be dropping over $100 million worth of prize money over the coming year intoΒ FortniteΒ tournaments, making it one of the most prolific eSports titles in the world β but it still isnβt the biggest (somehow).
So, which ones are the most profitable, the most popular, and the ones worth throwing your skills into the ring for? Weβve compiled a list of the top titles below, though youβll probably need some serious practice before you make it to the big leagues.
Dota 2
This one is the granddaddy of eSports, with the total prize money ever given away now estimated to be over $177 million. Money is raised partly through crowdfunding, with extra cash collected from profits made on Valveβs new in-game βBattle Passβ.
Dota 2βs rules are actually pretty simple. Two teams, each with five players, must try to destroy their opponents base while defending their own. Whichever demolishes the others building first wins. Check out this video below for a basic guide on how to play.
Last yearβs mainΒ Dota 2Β competition, called βThe Internationalβ, had a whopping $25.5 million cash prize, and this year it has been raised to $30 million. Still think video games are a waste of time, gramps?
βThe Internationalβ involves 16 professional teams in a knockout competition. In order to get to the last 16, you and your team will need to play in qualifier rounds, which take place across the globe annually. Should you win, youβll be invited to play in the big competition, where the huge prize money is waiting for you. Itβs highly competitive and youβll need to be prepared to play for years on end if you want to make it to the professional leagues.
We can barely understand the gameplay as it is, so all we can do is wish you luck.
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO)
Counter-Strike is another huge tournament that brings in massive amounts for players who come out on top. As of April 2019,Β CS:GOΒ has given out over $73 million in prize money, with over 300 tournaments taking place across the globe last year.
CS:GOΒ is simpler than Dota 2, with two teams competing in multiple rounds of objective-based game modes. Which ever team wins the most rounds is the overall champions. You can read more about the rules on theΒ officialΒ CS:GOΒ blog here.
You may have heard ofΒ CS:GOΒ previously for different reasons. Several years ago, a few gamer YouTubers came under fire for promoting a gambling site called βCS:GO: Lottoβ which used loot-box mechanics and real money to give players a chance of winning premium in-game items.
That has since been shut down, however, andΒ CS:GOΒ is now known mostly for its prestigious international tournaments. Thereβs lots of money to be made for the top winners, so get your controller out now.
