The esports tournaments with the biggest prize pools ever
The top 3 according to 119 votes from people: The International 2019 (Dota 2) · The International 2021 (Dota 2) · The International 2022 (Dota 2). (Updated Feb 4, 2026.)
Crowdfunded Dota 2 Internationals, the Fortnite World Cup and the Honor of Kings millions: the events that handed out the most prize money in esports history. Which one was the most epic?
Top 15
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1
The International 2019 (Dota 2)
More than $34 million, mostly raised by players buying the Battle Pass; OG won again.
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2
The International 2021 (Dota 2)
About $40 million, the record; Team Spirit won it in Bucharest.
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3
The International 2022 (Dota 2)
Almost $19 million in Singapore, won by Tundra Esports.
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4
The International 2017 (Dota 2)
Almost $25 million; Team Liquid lifted the Aegis in Seattle.
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5
League of Legends World Championship 2018
$6.45 million in South Korea, won by Invictus Gaming.
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6
The International 2016 (Dota 2)
Over $20 million, won by the Chinese team Wings Gaming.
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7
Fortnite World Cup 2019 – Solo
Over $15 million; 16-year-old Bugha took home $3 million.
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8
Honor of Kings International Championship 2022
$10 million for the mobile MOBA from Tencent.
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9
The International 2018 (Dota 2)
Over $25 million in Vancouver, the first title for OG.
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10
The International 2015 (Dota 2)
More than $18 million; Evil Geniuses took the title.
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11
Fortnite World Cup 2019 – Duo
Another $15 million for the duos at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York.
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12
Honor of Kings International Championship 2023
Almost $10 million again for Honor of Kings.
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13
Riyadh Masters 2023 (Dota 2)
$15 million, the biggest Dota 2 event outside The International.
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14
King Pro League Grand Finals 2024
Almost $10 million in the Chinese Honor of Kings league.
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15
The International 2014 (Dota 2)
Almost $11 million, the first event to pass the ten-million mark.
How is this ranking ordered? By people's votes: each ▲ adds a point and each ▼ takes one away. Anyone can vote and add what is missing.
Is something missing?
Comments (2)
TI 2021 at 40 million is just insane, and most of it came from people buying battle passes lol
crazy that Fortnite only shows up twice. the World Cup in 2019 felt way bigger than any Dota event at the time