Esports is exploding onto the global stage, and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. According to research conducted by Soulbound.gg, by 2024, the biggest esports games have given out a huge $1.72 billion in prize money to over 131,000 players in more than 52,000 tournaments.
However, it’s important to remember that these numbers show the total prize money given out over the years up to 2024, not just in one year – highlighting just how popular esports games have become and how much money is now involved.
When we look at the top esports games contributing to this massive prize pool, it’s clear that some games have had a huge impact on esports. Let’s take a closer look at these key games and see how they have shaped the esports industry up to 2024.
Key Takeaways
- Dota 2 leads in prize money, having awarded $349.7 million, which is over 20% of the total esports prize pool by 2024
- CS:GO has recorded the most players, with 16,441 competitors, making it the game with the highest player count in esports tournaments.
- Fortnite ranks second in both prize money awarded ($182.1 million) and player participation (9,334 players).
- PUBG Mobile shows the growing impact of mobile gaming in esports, with $83.6 million awarded up to 2024.
- Games like League of Legends, Arena of Valor, and Rainbow Six Siege are popular in many regions, showing the global appeal of esports.
Top 10 Esports Games Dominating the Prize Pool
At the top of the list of esports games is Dota 2, which has awarded $349.7 million in prize money over the years up to 2024 – representing over 20% of the global esports prize pool. China has been the top earner, securing over $84.8 million in winnings.
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) also stands out among the top esports games, since it has the highest number of players—16,441—competing in its tournaments as of 2024. The game has awarded a total of $162.4 million in prize money, with Russia and Denmark being the strongest presences by country in the CS:GO community.
Fortnite is one of the biggest esports games in terms of prize money and player participation. It has the second-highest number of players (and also the second-highest amount of prize money awarded over the years): 9,334 competitors won $182.1 million. The United States has been leading in Fortnite earnings, racking up $47.7 million in prize winnings.
PUBG Mobile is an intriguing addition to our chart since it shows the rise of mobile esports. Up to 2024, the game awarded $83.6 million in prize money across 331 tournaments. When you include the PC version, PUBG, the combined total prize money reaches $145.4 million. PUBG Mobile has built a strong following in regions like India and Southeast Asia, proving that mobile gaming is now a major force in esports.
Some of the biggest esports games as of 2024 have also made a huge impact:
- League of Legends: Awarded $109.9 million in prize money. South Korea leads in earnings with $36.6 million.
- Arena of Valor: Distributed $92.8 million across 175 tournaments. It is very popular in China and Southeast Asia.
- Rainbow Six Siege: $46.1 million in prize money, given out across 566 tournaments held mainly in Europe and North America.
- StarCraft II: Awarded $41.4 million in prize money, mainly in South Korea. It remains strong, with 7,438 tournaments held up to 2024.
- Rocket League: Awarded $38.4 million in prize money. Most of it was awarded in North America and Europe.
The Bottom Line
As we look ahead, the future of esports seems brighter than ever, with millions more to be won and countless new players eager to join the fray.
But here’s the big question: Which of the top 10 esports games will end up dominating next? Will a new title rise to challenge the giants, or will the current leaders hold their ground?
With so much money on the line and new esports games constantly emerging, the battle for the top spot is far from over. One thing is certain—esports is just getting started, and the stakes have never been higher.
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References
- Soulbound_GG Top Esports Games and Countries (Soulbound)
- Top 10 esports games by prize money | Flourish (Public.flourish)
- Top 100 Highest Overall Earnings – Esports Player Rankings :: Esports Earnings (Esportsearnings)