Esports Tournaments: The Must-See Competitions of 2024

The realm of esports tournaments has evolved into a thrilling frontier for professional gaming, showcasing a blend of strategy, skill, and showmanship that captivates audiences worldwide. As we approach 2024, the spotlight turns to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, set to host the grand 2024 IESF World Esports Championship. This event marks a pivotal moment for the country’s esports scene and emphasizes the global appeal and growing significance of esports competitions. With esports events drawing in millions of spectators online and in vast arenas, the enthusiasm for professional gaming has never been more palpable.

As we dive into the world of video game competitions, we’ll explore the must-see esports tournaments of 2024. From legendary battles in the League of Legends World Championship to the strategic showdowns in Dota 2: The International, each tournament promises its unique excitement and unforgettable moments. Join us as we navigate the high stakes of the Valorant Champions Tour, the adrenaline-pumping matches of the Counter-Strike 2 Major Championships, and more, offering a glimpse into the heart of competitive gaming where heroes are forged, and legends are born.

League of Legends World Championship 2024

Mark your calendars for the grand finale of the 2024 League of Legends esports season, set to captivate audiences from September 25 to November 2. This year, the epic conclusion will unfold at the iconic O2 Arena in London, known for its massive seating capacity of approximately 20,000 and a history of hosting monumental events. The 2024 season kicks off on January 4, leading up to this high-stakes championship featuring 22 teams from around the globe.

The tournament structure blends excitement and strategy with a hybrid format that includes a Play-In Stage, a Swiss Stage, and a thrilling Knockout Stage. The grand showdown on November 2 promises a spectacle of top-tier gaming prowess. Fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating ticket sales release, set to be announced later in 2024, ensuring they can witness the clash of titans in person.

Adding to the event’s charm, the O2 Arena, the UK’s second-largest venue, has been a stage for legendary artists and major sporting events, now set to add another historic chapter with the League of Legends World Championship Finals. This venue choice highlights the grandeur of the event and the global appeal and growing significance of esports tournaments, making it a must-see competition in the esports calendar 2024.

Dota 2: The International 2024

Autumn 2024 marks a milestone for Dota 2 enthusiasts as The International 2024 gears up to dazzle fans in Copenhagen’s Royal Arena. Known for its robust capacity of 12,500 spectators, this venue, equipped with the latest technology, promises a riveting experience for attendees. This year’s tournament is especially significant as it heralds the return of The International to Europe for the first time since 2013, igniting a wave of excitement across the continent.

The competition will see 16 top-tier teams clashing, selected through a meticulous process of open and regional qualifiers, alongside direct invitations based on their year-round performances. This new system, stepping away from the traditional Dota Pro Circuit, was initiated with the Kuala Lumpur tournament in December 2023. It emphasizes a more inclusive and dynamic selection process, reflecting the evolving landscape of professional gaming.

As Copenhagen prepares to host this colossal event, the city’s rich cultural heritage and excellent connectivity are expected to attract not just Dota 2 fans but also international tourists, boosting local businesses and showcasing Copenhagen’s capability to host large-scale international events. The $1.6 million prize pool adds an extra layer of thrill, ensuring that The International 2024 remains a pivotal highlight in the esports calendar.

Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) 2024

The Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) 2024 promises to be a spectacle of strategic gameplay and intense competition, bringing together the best of the best from the Valorant universe. As the fourth official tournament circuit organized by Riot Games, the VCT 2024 introduces a fresh structure designed to showcase emerging talent and seasoned pros alike. The season starts with the Kickoff tournaments, setting the stage with four on-LAN events across the international territories, each featuring 11 fiercely competitive teams.

Key Stages and New Policies

1. Kickoff Stage: Beginning February 16, this stage hosts four regional on-LAN events, determining the top teams that will advance to the Masters.
2. Masters Stage: Split into two major events, Masters Madrid and Masters Shanghai, with each hosting 12 teams battling for supremacy and crucial championship points.
3. International League Stage: Consists of two rounds of intense competition across four international leagues, each comprising 11 partner teams.
4. Champions Stage: The pinnacle event in Seoul, where 16 teams compete to be crowned the 2024 VCT World Champion from August 1 to 25.

Adding a layer of strategic depth to the competition, the 2024 season introduces a new Championship Points system, rewarding teams for every match won during the International League play and additional points for victories in major tournaments. This system ensures every game counts and heightens the stakes throughout the season.

The VCT 2024 not only serves as a battleground for professional players but also as an incubator for developing new talent, with the inclusion of three Ascension teams in the EMEA, Pacific, and Americas regions, alongside ten new partner teams and one Ascension team from the newly added VCT CN. This expansion reflects Riot Games’ commitment to nurturing a diverse and dynamic competitive scene, making the VCT a cornerstone of global esports tournaments.

Counter-Strike 2 Major Championships

March 2024 will mark a significant milestone in esports as Copenhagen gears up to host the prestigious PGL CS2 Major, also known as the Counter-Strike 2 Major Championships. This event, set in the modern and spacious Royal Arena with a seating capacity 12,000, promises to be a battleground where strategy and reflexes are tested to the limit. The Royal Arena, having previously hosted high-octane BLAST events, is no stranger to the electrifying atmosphere of major esports showdowns.

Qualification Journey and Tournament Structure

1. Qualification Rounds: The journey to the Major begins with open qualifiers across all regions, funneling into more intense closed qualifiers. The best teams from these rounds advance to the Regional Major Rankings (RMR) tournaments.
2. RMR Tournaments: Teams from Europe, America, and Asia will battle it out in these tournaments. The European RMRs have already concluded, securing spots for 17 teams. They will be joined by seven teams from other regions, including two from Asia and five from the Americas.
3. Main Event: The action starts on March 17, with the tournament running through March 31, 2024. The event concludes with a grand finale where the top teams vie for a chunk of the $1,250,000 prize pool, with the champions taking home $500,000.

Adding a dash of humor to the mix, let’s not forget the legendary misadventures from past tournaments. Who could forget the infamous ‘flashbang dance’ incident of 2023, where a misfired flashbang led to a humorous yet chaotic dance-off mid-game? Such moments have lightened the mood and become viral sensations, endearing the CS2 community even more to its fans.

The detailed match page will be a boon for fans and analysts, offering real-time stats on kills, highlights, and team economies. For those who love the thrill of prediction, live odds movements will also be available, making every match an interactive experience as we edge closer to the BLAST.tv Paris Major 2023, the final details on seeding and ticket allocations will be eagerly anticipated, setting the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable chapter in the annals of Counter-Strike history.

Fortnite Champion Series (FNCS) – 2024

The Fortnite Champion Series (FNCS) – 2024 is gearing up to be a monumental event in the esports calendar, featuring a whopping $7,675,000 prize pool spread across three major tournaments, culminating in the in-person FNCS Global Championship. This year, the competition sticks with the Duos format, adding an extra layer of strategy as players must synergize perfectly with their partners to climb the ranks and claim their share of the prize.

Qualification and Tournament Structure

1. Qualification for Majors: Players must achieve at least a Platinum I rank in Ranked Battle Royale to enter the Majors. This ensures that only the top-performing duos make it to the high-pressure environment of the FNCS stages.
2. Major Tournament Phases:
3. • Open Qualifiers: Each Major begins with two Open Qualifiers, where duos compete in ten matches within three hours. The top performers advance to the Semi-Finals.
   • Semi-Finals: Depending on their leaderboard standings, duos enter either the Lower or Upper Rounds, spread over three days.
   • Grand Finals: The crème de la crème battle it out over two days, with each day packed with up to six matches in a three-hour window. The cumulative points from these matches determine the duos advancing to the Global Championship.

Schedule and Humorous Anecdotes

The FNCS 2024 Majors are scheduled for January, April, and June, with the Grand Finals set for specific dates in February, May, and July. Each event tests the limits of competitive play and brings its share of light-hearted moments. Who could forget last year’s Grand Finals, when amidst a nail-biting match, a duo accidentally launched themselves off the map with a misplaced shockwave grenade, turning a tense moment into an uproarious spectacle that fans still chuckle about today? Such unforgettable incidents beautifully break the tension and showcase the human side of this high-stakes competition.

This year’s FNCS is more than just a tournament; it’s a blend of fierce competition, strategic gameplay, and the occasional comic relief, making it a must-watch event in the world of professional gaming.

Apex Legends Global Series

Year 4 of the Apex Legends Global Series (ALGS) is shaping to be a monumental chapter in esports tournaments, blending intense competition with a hefty prize pool exceeding $5 million. Here’s a breakdown of what fans can expect:

Pro League and Challenger Circuit Overview

1. Pro League Mechanics: The Pro League will feature 30 teams per region, battling it out in a triple round-robin format. Each team will compete in 36 matches across six series, culminating in the Regional Finals, where the top 20 teams will showcase their skills.
2. Challenger Circuit Insights: The Challenger Circuit, especially with the inclusion of teams from China, promises to add a fresh layer of competition, making the leagues more dynamic and unpredictable.

LAN Events and Prize Distribution

• Split 1 Playoffs: Scheduled for May 2-5, 2024, in Los Angeles at the Galen Center, this event alone boasts a $1 million prize pool. A total of 40 teams from the Pro League regions and SA Challenger Circuit will compete under the bright lights of this renowned venue.
• Split 2 Playoffs and Championship: Following the first split, the series will continue to escalate with another $1 million prize pool for the Split 2 Playoffs and a whopping $2 million for the Championship, promising not only competitive thrill but also substantial rewards for the victors.

Special Features and Fan Engagement

The ALGS isn’t just about the players; it’s a fan-centric spectacle. The events are designed to be a festival of the Apex Legends community with live matches, meet-and-greets with pros and creators, merchandise booths, and exclusive series memorabilia. These gatherings transform the tournaments from mere competitions into memorable celebrations of the Apex Legends culture.

Adding a sprinkle of humor to the mix, who could forget the quirky mishaps from the previous series? Like that time when a well-planned strategic move turned into a comedic relief as characters unexpectedly bounced off the map due to a misjudged grenade throw. It’s these light-hearted moments amidst high-stakes play that endear the series to fans around the globe.

PUBG Mobile Global Championship 2024

The PUBG Mobile Global Championship 2024, organized by KRAFTON and Level Infinite, is set to be a monumental event in the esports calendar. Taking place in the United Kingdom and featuring a robust prize pool of $3,000,000, this championship will unfold offline, ensuring an electrifying atmosphere for both participants and spectators. Scheduled to start in November and wrap up in December, the championship will host squads from around the globe competing in the TPP (Third Person Perspective) mode, making it a must-watch for fans of strategic and immersive gameplay.

Broadcast and Team Details

• Broadcast Talent: The championship will be delivered in English, covering regions including the Americas, SEA, CSA, and EMEA, ensuring a wide-reaching broadcast that caters to a global audience.
• Participants: While the exact teams are yet to be determined, the anticipation is building. The championship’s status as an S-Tier event, according to Liquipedia, underscores its importance in the competitive PUBG Mobile landscape.

Qualification and Lead-Up Events

The road to the PUBG Mobile Global Championship is paved with intense competition:

• PUBG Mobile Pro League (PMPL) Seasons: Starting with the Southeast Asia league in February, followed by North America, Brazil, Latin America, Africa, and Arabia, each region will host fiercely contested matches to determine the top teams.
• PUBG Mobile Global Open: A new event with a $500K prize pool set in Brazil during March and April, providing additional opportunities for teams to qualify for the championship.
• PUBG Mobile Super League (PMSL): Expanding in 2024, the PMSL will include four regions, each hosting two seasons, except for Southeast Asia, which will have three. This expansion increases the competitive opportunities and enhances the visibility and reach of PUBG Mobile esports.

The format for the championship, including detailed slot allocations and additional tournament specifics, is eagerly anticipated and will be announced closer to the event. This structure ensures that every match is crucial and that the teams must be at their best to succeed, adding to the suspense and excitement of the championship.

Evolution (Evo) Championship Series 2024

The Evolution (Evo) Championship Series 2024 is set to dazzle fighting game enthusiasts with events in two vibrant cities: Tokyo and Las Vegas. Evo Japan will kick things off from April 27-29 in Tokyo, followed by Evo USA in Las Vegas from July 18-21. This year, the series not only ups the ante with increased minimum guaranteed prize pools but also enhances the attendee experience by returning to a single badge access system, covering both the convention and the finals.

Featured Games and Registration

The 2024 lineup features an exciting mix of classic and new titles, ensuring all fighting game fans have something to cheer for. Notable games include:

• Street Fighter 6
• Tekken 8 (a new addition)
• Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising
• UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH II Sys:Celes
• Mortal Kombat 1 (promising to revitalize the series)
• GUILTY GEAR STRIVE
• THE KING OF FIGHTERS XV
• Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike (the classic favourite)

Registration for both events is now open, with options for single-day or multi-day passes, allowing fans to tailor their experience.

Venue and Experience Enhancements

The Evo Championship Series has always been more than just a tournament; it celebrates the fighting game community. This year, each location promises a three-day convention experience packed with activities:

• New Venues: Larger spaces to accommodate more fans and provide a comfortable viewing experience.
• Single Badge Access: Simplifies entry and enhances accessibility to all events and finals.
• Increased Prize Pools: Attracts top-tier talent and heightens the competition.

Adding a dash of nostalgia and humor, Evo has been known for unforgettable moments, like the legendary “Evo Moment #37” from Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike. As we look forward to the 2024 series, who knows what memorable, perhaps even hilarious, moments will unfold as competitors battle it out on the digital stage?

Rocket League World Championship

Mark your calendars for an exhilarating week in Fort Worth, Texas, as the Rocket League World Championship 2024 gears up to take center stage at the Dickies Arena from September 10-15. This event promises high-flying automotive soccer action and brings together the top 16 international Rocket League teams, all vying for a hefty prize pool of $1,165,000. With the main tournament open to the public from September 13-15, fans can look forward to witnessing spectacular goals and gravity-defying saves in person.

Event Details and Venue

• Dates: September 10-15, 2024
• Venue: Dickies Arena, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
• Public Access Dates: September 13-15, 2024
• Prize Pool: $1,165,000
• Teams: 16 International Teams
• Ticket Information: To be announced (Updates on Rocket League Esports website and social channels)

The preliminary rounds, running from September 10-12, will be a closed event where teams will battle it out to secure their spots in the main event. This phase ensures that only the best of the best make it to the day when the arena doors swing open to the public. The anticipation for ticket sales is building, with updates expected to be released next month, promising a packed house of eager fans ready to support their favourite teams.

Adding a sprinkle of humour to the mix, let’s not forget the memorable moments from previous championships. Who could forget last year’s championship when a last-minute goal with a backward flip reset sent the crowd into a frenzy, turning the arena into a roaring sea of fans? Or when a misaimed demolition attempt led to an accidental self-goal, providing as much laughter as disbelief. These unforgettable moments highlight the game’s unpredictability and fun and help forge lasting memories for players and spectators alike, making the Rocket League World Championship a highlight of the esports tournament calendar.

Conclusion

As we reflect on the panorama of esports tournaments gearing up to unfold in 2024, it’s clear that the blend of strategy, skill, and showmanship is set to reach unparalleled heights. The journey through the most anticipated contests—from the strategic showdowns of Dota 2: The International in Copenhagen to the high-octane clashes at the League of Legends World Championship in London—paints a vivid picture of the esports landscape. These events not only spotlight players’ raw talent and dedication worldwide but also underscore the diverse tapestry of global esports culture, promising unforgettable moments and thrilling competition.

The allure of esports lies not just in the fierce battles and the quest for glory but also in the light-hearted moments and memorable misadventures that add depth to the narrative of each tournament. From the infamous ‘flashbang dance’ in Counter-Strike 2 to the comical shockwave grenade incident in the Fortnite Champion Series, these anecdotes testify to esports’ vibrant community spirit. As fans and players look forward to 2024, the excitement for what’s to come is palpable, promising new legends, new stories, and, undoubtedly, new reasons to laugh. The journey ahead is not merely about witnessing champions being crowned but also celebrating the spirit, passion, and unity that esports brings to the global stage.

FAQs

What is the most popular esport as of mid-2023?
As of May 2023, League of Legends was recognized as the leading esport globally based on peak viewership.

How can I get involved in competing in esports tournaments?
To enter the world of professional esports, choosing one game to specialize in is crucial. Mastery of the game’s mechanics, tactics, and individual player roles is essential. Regular and dedicated practice is also vital to excel in competitive play.

Which esport offers the highest earnings?
Dota tournaments are known for their substantial prize pools, making them the most lucrative esports industry. However, the high level of competition and immense interest make these tournaments particularly challenging to win.

What exactly is an esports tournament?
Esports, short for electronic sports, involves competitive gameplay using video games. These competitions are usually organized events where professional gamers play individually or in teams, showcasing their skills in various multiplayer video games.

The most viewed Esports tournament peaked at more than 5 million viewers, with the Free Fire World Series 2021 Singapore leading the list. Additionally, the largest Esports tournament prize pool exceeded $40 million, dominated by The International tournaments. Another noteworthy statistic is that the annual combined Esports prize pools surpassed an estimated $500 million in 2023, indicating the significant growth and scale of Esports tournaments.