Top Esports Events You Can’t Miss This Year

Why These Events Matter

Esports isn’t riding a trend anymore—it’s anchoring itself as a central force in global entertainment. Year after year, the numbers keep climbing: more viewers, more prize money, more brands investing real dollars. From high school gyms to sold-out stadiums in Seoul, competitive gaming is now a career goal, a cultural marker, and a broadcast-level spectacle.

Tournaments play a critical role in this evolution. They’re not just competitions—they’re showcases of regional pride, the petri dish for new metas, and the main stage for rivalries that shape a game’s legacy. These events build identity around games and players alike, giving fans a reason to care and creators a reason to level up.

But not every event hits the mark. A must-watch tournament has a few clear elements: top-tier production quality, hype-driven storylines, a strong competitive field, and stakes you can feel. Add in moments that become instant lore—clutch plays, unexpected upsets, all-time greats cementing their place—and you get something worth marking on the calendar.

This year’s lineup delivers all of that, with a mix of legacy tournaments and fresh contenders shaking things up. If you want to keep up with where the scene is headed—and who’s shaping it—these are the events you don’t want to miss.

The League of Legends World Championship (Worlds)

Worlds isn’t just a tournament—it’s the pinnacle of competitive esports. This is where legends are made, hearts are broken, and regional pride is on the line. For over a decade, the event has carried the scale and intensity of the Super Bowl, but for the global gaming crowd. Millions tune in, stadiums fill up, and victory here isn’t just about prize money—it’s about legacy.

The rivalries run deep. Korea’s LCK and China’s LPL remain the dominant forces, throwing heavyweight squads into the mix year after year. Meanwhile, Europe’s LEC and North America’s LCS are fighting to regain ground, with fresh talent pushing hard against history. Every match between these regions carries real narrative weight—this isn’t just meta vs. meta, it’s philosophy vs. philosophy.

Worlds typically spans about a month, with a multi-stage format: Play-Ins to filter out the rising hopefuls, Group Stage for seeding, and then the high-stakes, best-of-five Knockouts. The prize pool fluctuates but usually hovers in the multimillion-dollar range, often enhanced by in-game purchases from fans. But the real prize? Standing on that podium, lifting the Summoner’s Cup, with your name etched as one of the game’s best.

The International (Dota 2)

The International isn’t just another esports tournament—it’s a spectacle powered directly by fans. Valve pioneered crowd-funded prize pools with TI, letting a percentage of in-game purchases push payouts into the tens of millions. The glory isn’t just in winning; it’s in knowing millions backed the battle. In some years, the first-place prize has been bigger than Wimbledon or the Masters. That’s the scale we’re talking about.

Dota 2’s meta is another beast entirely—complex, unforgiving, and ever-shifting. Each patch can flip the entire game on its head. What’s fascinating is how teams adapt on the fly, building drafts that feel like chess one day and bar brawls the next. There’s always strategy under pressure, layered with insane mechanical execution. Heroes rise in popularity overnight based on one standout play. Others vanish just as fast.

Speaking of plays—The International has produced moments burned into esports history. Think of OG’s improbable lower-bracket run in 2018. Or Ceb’s Axe call that shook the world. As for teams to watch in 2024, keep an eye on Gaimin Gladiators looking to cement their dynasty, and the ever-dangerous Chinese squads who always evolve under the radar. At TI, legends are made in seconds—and remembered for years.

VALORANT Champions

Riot Games didn’t just enter the FPS arena with VALORANT—they grabbed a seat at the high table in record time. What started as a pandemic-era launch title is now one of the most-watched shooters in the world. In 2024, VALORANT Champions hits its stride as the global endgame for competitive VALORANT, and it’s fully stacked with firepower.

One of the sharpest storylines this season? The collision course between grizzled CS veterans and a new generation of raw, unfiltered aim gods. The fundamentals might come from Counter-Strike, but VALORANT’s agents and ability-driven gameplay tilt the field just enough to let underdog talent thrive. It’s the old playbook vs. instinct, and fans eat it up.

The format stays global—top squads from every VCT region, culminating in a month-long playoff gauntlet. As for the 2024 venue, Riot is going all-in with a multi-city LAN tour finale, capping off in Seoul. Expect packed houses and sharp production; Riot knows how to build a show. If you can’t make it in person, streams will be running across YouTube, Twitch, and the esports tab in VALORANT itself.

The message is clear: VALORANT Champions isn’t just a tournament—it’s Riot’s power move in FPS esports, and in 2024, it’s hard to look away.

CS2 Majors

A New Era for a Legendary Title

With the release of Counter-Strike 2, the competitive Counter-Strike scene is entering uncharted territory. CS2 Majors in 2024 mark the first major test of the game in a professional setting—and the world is watching.

• These are the first premier events since CS:GO’s retirement
• Fans are eager to see how legacy orgs adapt to the new engine
• Stakeholders across esports are gauging how CS2 holds up as a viable, long-term esport

Mechanics That Are Changing the Game

While CS2 builds on the classic formula, several under-the-hood changes are shaping how pro matches unfold.

• Smokes are dynamic now – vision-blocking utility responds to bullets and grenades
• Tickless architecture – improved server responsiveness is affecting timing and aim duels
• Movement updates – subtle physics tweaks are impacting peeking angles and positioning

These changes, though seemingly small, are redefining how teams approach strategy at the highest level.

Teams to Watch in 2024

Some teams have quickly risen to the occasion in CS2, while others are struggling to find their footing. These are the squads shaping the early CS2 meta:

• FaZe Clan – their aggressive, adaptive style fits the new pacing well
• Vitality – masters of utility usage, making the most of CS2’s upgraded physics
• G2 Esports – strong mechanical players thriving in the new aim environment

As the CS2 era unfolds, these Majors are more than just tournaments—they’re proving grounds for the franchise’s future.

Pro tip: Watching how top teams utilize the new mechanics is one of the best ways to learn CS2’s meta quickly.

Call of Duty League Championship

The Call of Duty League Championship is never subtle. It’s a roaring collision of twitch reflexes, tactical coordination, and personalities too big for scripted TV. Every match is a slugfest, both in-game and in the trash talk arena. Think high-stakes shootouts, pop-off moments, and dramatic comebacks that Twitter eats alive. This isn’t just esports—it’s entertainment with teeth.

But behind the chaos, the structure matters. The CDL runs on a franchise model, meaning teams are tied to cities and locked into the scene. That guarantees long-term stack-ups: more stability, but less underdog chaos. Rivalries are calcifying—think OpTic vs. FaZe—as teams now have serious brand equity and fan investment. It’s a smoother product, sure, but also a tighter field of real contenders.

As for the 2024 meta? It’s fast, punishing, and built for aggressive map control. Smart timing, crisp rotations, and team synergy outpace raw gun skill. Teams that can adapt between respawn and Search and Destroy modes are pulling clean wins. It’s no longer enough to just slay out—you’ve got to outthink and outmaneuver too. The ones who blend raw firepower with heady team play are rising to the top fast.

Mobile Esports Finals: Small Screens, Massive Impact

The Global Rise of Mobile-First Regions

Mobile gaming has exploded in popularity over the past several years, and its esports scene has kept pace. In countries like India, Brazil, Indonesia, and the Philippines, mobile titles aren’t just popular—they dominate.

• Accessibility is driving growth: No consoles or high-end PCs needed—just a smartphone.
• Infrastructure is catching up: Tournaments, bootcamps, and local team support are now being built around mobile esports.
• Talent is everywhere: Players from emerging regions are challenging and redefining the global competitive hierarchy.

Why You Can’t Ignore Mobile Esports in 2024

Once viewed as casual or niche, mobile esports now draws millions of consistent viewers and serious competitive investment. In 2024, they’re not just relevant—they’re redefining what competitive gaming looks like.

• Titles like PUBG Mobile, Free Fire, and Mobile Legends are leading the charge
• Top events are matching or exceeding viewership numbers from PC titles
• Dedicated leagues and massive sponsorships are turning heads across the industry

Fanbases That Rival Traditional Esports

Massive doesn’t even begin to describe the audiences. Major mobile championships routinely pull tens of millions of viewers—and the numbers keep rising.

• PUBG Mobile Global Championship (PMGC) and Free Fire World Series shattered records in engagement
• In-app viewership integration further inflates reach and retention compared to platform-only streams
• YouTube and local platforms dominate distribution, especially across Asia and South America

Mobile esports is no longer playing catch-up. In 2024, it’s leading in ways few expected—and that’s reason enough not to miss these finals.

Fighting Game Community Highlights (EVO & Beyond)

After years of online brackets and Discord-lagged showdowns, the Fighting Game Community (FGC) is back live and loud. In-person events like EVO and Combo Breaker brought the roar of the crowd back to the stage—and it hits different. You can’t replicate the pop of a comeback round or a surprise character pick when you’re watching in silence from a desk. The FGC thrives in the chaos, in the crowd’s gasps, in that weird tension before a final round.

2024 is stacked with new blood and fresh games. Tekken 8 is revitalizing the scene with cleaner animations and a faster pace, while Street Fighter 6 continues to evolve at breakneck speed, pushing players to adapt or get dunked. These aren’t just sequels—they’re proving grounds for new legends. And the fighters showing up at these tournaments? Hungry, unpredictable, and wild with style.

What sets the FGC apart is the rawness. No teams, no coaches whispering strats. Just you, your stick or pad, and the person sitting across from you. It’s stripped down, personal, and fueled by years of grind. You win, or you don’t. That simplicity brings out a different kind of heat—and the community shows up for it every time.

Bonus: Rising Tournaments to Watch

While the biggest esports titles dominate most headlines, several rising tournaments are capturing serious attention in 2024. These events come with passionate communities, fresh talent, and formats that are attracting growing global audiences. Here’s a breakdown of the key ones to keep an eye on:

Apex Legends Global Series (ALGS)

• Why It Stands Out: ALGS showcases one of the most dynamic battle royale esports scenes.
• Viewer Experience: High production value, international teams, and tense, last-team-standing moments.
• 2024 Spotlight:
• Revamped format tiers for greater inclusivity
• Fan favorites like TSM, NRG, and Fnatic returning to form

Rocket League Championship Series (RLCS)

• What Makes It Unique: A perfect blend of casual appeal and pro-level mechanics, making it approachable and thrilling.
• Core Highlights:
• Cross-region clashes tighten the competitive gap
• Innovative off-season events and mid-split changes
• Viewer Tip: Watch during LAN events to truly appreciate team synergy and crowd impact.

Rainbow Six Siege Majors

• Competitive Evolution: Ubisoft’s tactical shooter continues to refine its esports ecosystem.
• What To Watch For:
• Map reworks and operator changes affecting strategy
• Regional rivalries heating up between EU, LATAM, and Asia
• 2024 Watchlist: The Copenhagen and São Paulo Majors may bring back iconic moments and unexpected upsets.

Spotlight Article: Rising Stars You Should Know

Curious about the next generation shaking up the scene across all these titles? Don’t miss the feature:

• Rising Stars in the Esports Scene
• Profiles of emerging talent making waves on Twitch and tournament leaderboards
• Insight into their routines, goals, and how they’re changing the game

These tournaments may not have the biggest prize pools—yet—but they represent the next wave of innovation and excitement. Whether you’re a fan, player, or industry watcher, they’re absolutely worth your screen time.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re grinding ranked matches or just catching highlights on your phone, these tournaments aren’t background noise—they’re the industry compass. Each event tells you where the skill ceiling is, what metas are shifting, and who’s setting the standard across games.

Watching live isn’t just entertainment. It’s a free masterclass. You see how pros push the limits, how teams adapt under pressure, and how strategy evolves in real time. It’s the quickest way to sharpen your own game—or understand what separates casual play from elite performance.

So stay current. These tournaments are more than competition—they’re a window into the future of esports. The next big thing? You’ll spot it here first.