18 Top Esports Games All Time Ranked by Prize Money

In the ever-evolving landscape of competitive gaming, where lightning-fast reflexes meet strategic brilliance, the stakes are higher than ever before. Esports, a phenomenon that has taken the world by storm, has transformed video gaming into a billion-dollar industry, captivating audiences with thrilling competitions and jaw-dropping displays of skill. 

But what truly sets the top esports games apart in this digital arena? It’s not just the flashy graphics or the immersive storylines; it’s the staggering prize money that elevates these games to a whole new level of competition. 

Welcome to the ultimate showdown where pixels translate to dollars, and the top esports games are crowned by their prize money prowess! And the best part? You can be part of some of the esport games like FIFA and Apex Legends, and win real money prizes by joining tournaments on the Gamersaloon app!

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#1: Dota 2 – $305,286,239 All-Time Prize Pool

Dota 2 is a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game developed and published by Valve Corporation. It is one of the most popular and lucrative esports games, with the annual tournament, The International, boasting multi-million dollar prize pools. As of all-time, Dota 2 has the biggest prize pool in esports history, with a total of $305,286,239 awarded to players.

In Dota 2, two teams of five players each battle to destroy the other team’s “Ancient” structure. Each player controls a hero with unique abilities and attributes, and the teams must work together to outsmart and outplay their opponents. With constantly evolving gameplay, new heroes, and regular updates, Dota 2 remains a top choice for both casual and competitive gamers.

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#2: Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) – $127,875,379 All-Time Prize Pool

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, also known as CS:GO. Developed by Valve, this first-person shooter game has been around since 2012 and has only grown in popularity since then.

In CS, players are divided into two teams – terrorists and counter-terrorists. The game’s goal changes according to the chosen game mode, but typically includes tasks such as planting or disarming a bomb or rescuing hostages. The game is known for its high skill ceiling and requires precision, coordination, and strategy to succeed. It’s no wonder that CS has a total prize pool of over $112 million, making it one of the most lucrative esports games out there.

The game has come a long way since its predecessor, Counter-Strike: Source, and has undergone many updates and improvements over the years. With a dedicated player base and a thriving esports scene, CS is a game that’s here to stay.

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#3: Fortnite – $103,257,283 All-Time Prize Pool

Fortnite is a battle royale game developed by Epic Games that has taken the gaming world by storm. It has become one of the most popular esports games in recent years, with the Fortnite World Cup offering a prize pool of $30 million in 2019. The game has a unique building mechanic that allows players to create structures to protect themselves from enemy fire, and the map is constantly changing with new locations and challenges.

Fortnite’s popularity has only continued to grow since its release in 2017. With its vibrant graphics, exciting gameplay, and constant updates, it’s no wonder that so many gamers have fallen in love with this game.

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#4: League of Legends – $97,288,335 All-Time Prize Pool

League of Legends (LoL) is a popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game developed and published by Riot Games. It is one of the most played games in the world and has a massive esports scene. In fact, the League of Legends Championship Series (LCS) is one of the biggest esports leagues in the world.

In LoL, players take on the role of “summoners” who control a “champion” with unique abilities and battle against a team of other summoners and champions. The objective is to destroy the enemy team’s “nexus” in their base. The game is played in a 5v5 format, and there are various game modes, including ranked play, where players compete for higher rankings and rewards.

The prize pool for LoL esports events is massive, with over $100 million given out in total prize money. The LoL World Championship, which takes place annually, has a prize pool of over $6 million. The game’s popularity has also led to the development of the MOBA genre, with many other games trying to emulate its success.

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#5: PUBG Mobile – $72,384,186 All-Time Prize Pool

PUBG Mobile is a battle royale game that has taken the esports world by storm. With its intense gameplay, realistic graphics, and exciting features, PUBG Mobile has become one of the most popular mobile esports games in the world.

In PUBG Mobile, players must fight against other 99 players to be the last one standing. The game is known for its intense firefights, strategic gameplay, and fast-paced action. With an all-time prize pool of over $72 million, PUBG Mobile is one of the most lucrative esports games out there.

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#6: Arena of Valor – $63,492,998 All-Time Prize Pool

Arena of Valor, also known as Wangzhe Rongyao 王者荣耀 or King of Glory in China, is a mobile multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game that has gained immense popularity worldwide. In this game, players battle it out in 5v5 matches, with each player controlling a unique hero with their own abilities and strengths. The game has a vibrant and engaging community, and we love being a part of it.

The competitive scene for Arena of Valor is also quite impressive, with top players and teams competing for massive prize pools. According to escharts.com, Arena of Valor has awarded over $100 million in prize money to players over the years. This is a testament to the game’s popularity and competitive nature, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for this exciting MOBA.

#7: PUBG: Battlegrounds – $58,355,892 All-Time Prize Pool

Moving on to PUBG: Battlegrounds, one of the most popular battle royale games in the world. In this game, 100 players are dropped onto an island and must fight to be the last one standing. Similar to the mobile version, the game is known for its intense gunfights and tactical gameplay, making it a favorite among competitive gamers.

PUBG: Battlegrounds has a massive esports scene, with tournaments and leagues held all over the world. According to escharts.com, the game has a total prize pool of $58,355,892, making it one of the most lucrative esports games out there. The game has also seen a little less than 30 million hours of viewing in 2022, making it the fifth most-watched esports game in the battle royale genre.

#8: Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege – $40,176,889 All-Time Prize Pool

Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege is one of the most popular tactical shooter video games in the world. In this game, players take control of an operator from the Rainbow team, a counter-terrorist unit, and work together to complete various objectives. The game puts heavy emphasis on environmental destruction, which means that players can use explosives to create new paths and lines of sight.

Rainbow Six Siege has a thriving esports scene, with professional teams and players competing in various tournaments and leagues. As of all-time, the game has a total prize pool of over $40 million, making it one of the most lucrative esports titles out there. The game’s esports scene is organized by Ubisoft, the game’s developer, and includes events like the Six Invitational, which takes place annually and features the best teams from around the world.

#9: Hearthstone – $39,704,532 All-Time Prize Pool

It’s a joy to see Hearthstone in our list of top esports games, especially when we are huge fans of the card game ourselves! This digital collectible card game is developed and published by Blizzard Entertainment. The game has been around since 2014 and has seen a steady growth in its player base over the years. Hearthstone has an exciting and engaging gameplay that keeps players coming back for more.

Hearthstone has a vibrant esports scene with various tournaments and competitions taking place throughout the year. The game has a total prize pool of over $39 million. The Hearthstone Masters program comprises three tiers of competitive play, including round-the-clock qualifiers, live global tournaments, and a weekly top tier of competition. 

The World Championship is the pinnacle of Hearthstone esports, with a massive prize pool of $1 million. With such a substantial prize pool, it’s no surprise that Hearthstone attracts some of the best players in the world.

#10: Overwatch – $38,605,584 All-Time Prize Pool

When it comes to team-based hero shooters, Overwatch is the definitive game. Developed by Blizzard, Overwatch has a diverse cast of heroes, each with their own unique abilities and playstyles. The game is fast-paced and requires quick reflexes, strategic thinking, and excellent teamwork.

Overwatch has a thriving esports scene, with the Overwatch League being the premier competition. The league features teams from all around the world, with players competing for a share of the $27 million prize pool. 

The league has a regular season followed by playoffs, and the finals are always a spectacle to behold. With the release of Overwatch 3 back in August this year, we can’t wait to see how the game and its esports scene will evolve.

#11: StarCraft II – $34,769,807 All-Time Prize Pool

Since its release in 2010, StarCraft II, a real-time strategy game developed by Blizzard Entertainment, has become one of the most iconic esports games in the world. The game features three unique and powerful races, each with their strengths and weaknesses, providing players with a diverse and engaging experience.

StarCraft II has a massive esports scene, with players competing in tournaments worldwide. The game has had a total prize pool of over $34 million, with the largest prize pool being $700,000. The game’s esports scene is known for its intense gameplay, high-level strategy, and passionate community. 

If you’re new to StarCraft II, we highly recommend checking out some of the game’s biggest tournaments, such as the World Championship Series and the Global StarCraft II League.

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#12: Call of Duty – $33,580,541 All-Time Prize Pool

Call of Duty is a first-person shooter game that has been around for almost two decades. It has become a household name in the gaming industry, and its popularity continues to grow year after year. The game has evolved over the years, with different versions being released, including Call of Duty: Warzone and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare.

Call of Duty has a massive esports scene, with the Call of Duty League being the top-tier professional league. The league features 12 teams from around the world, and they compete in a series of tournaments and events throughout the year. The prize pool for the Call of Duty League is substantial, with over $28 million being awarded in total prize money since its inception.

#13: Rocket League – $31,134,606 All-Time Prize Pool

We couldn’t miss adding Rocket League to our list of top esports games! This game is a unique combination of soccer and driving that has captured the hearts of players worldwide. Rocket League has gained a massive following since its release in 2015, and its esports scene has grown exponentially over the years.

The Rocket League Championship Series (RLCS) is the premier professional competition for Rocket League, with a whopping $6,000,000 in prizing up for grabs in the 2022-23 season. The tournament features the best teams in the world competing against each other in a series of matches. 

The RLCS is a must-watch for any Rocket League fan, and the excitement is palpable as teams battle it out for the championship title. According to escharts.com, Rocket League has awarded over $20 million in prize money since its inception, making it one of the most lucrative esports games out there.

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#14: Valorant – $24,398,755 All-Time Prize Pool

Valorant is a thrilling team-based tactical shooter and first-person shooter developed and published by Riot Games. This game is a perfect blend of strategy and shooting, which makes it one of the most exciting games in the esports world. The gameplay is similar to Counter-Strike: Global Offensive by Valve, but with unique abilities and agents that add a new dimension to the game.

Valorant has been a popular esports game since its launch, with a prize pool of over $17 million since 2020, according to escharts.com. The game has a competitive scene with various tournaments and leagues, including the Valorant Champions Tour (VCT). 

Riot Games has also been actively introducing new agents, maps, and game modes to keep the game fresh and exciting. With its fast-paced gameplay, strategic depth, and exciting esports scene, Valorant is a must-play for any esports fan.

#15: Magic: The Gathering – $22,095,521 All-Time Prize Pool

Magic: The Gathering is a classic collectible card game that has been around since 1993. It has a massive following and is played both in person and online. The game involves building a deck of cards with different abilities and using them to defeat your opponent.

Magic: The Gathering has a thriving esports scene with tournaments offering large prize pools, with over $160 million in prize money awarded to players. It is a game that requires strategy, skill, and a deep understanding of the cards and their interactions, perfect for beginners and veteran players alike.

#16: Apex Legends – $21,399,667 All-Time Prize Pool

We are thrilled to feature Apex Legends in this top esports games list. Developed by Respawn, the game is set in the Titanfall universe and features fast-paced, battle royale gameplay. With a roster of unique characters to choose from, each with their own abilities, Apex Legends offers a fresh take on the genre.

Since its release in 2019, Apex Legends has quickly become a fan favorite in the esports world. With a total prize pool of over $33 million, the game has attracted top-tier players from around the globe. The Apex Legends Global Series is the official competitive league for the game, featuring multiple tournaments and events throughout the year.

With its engaging gameplay, diverse cast of characters, and exciting competitive scene, it’s no wonder why the game has become one of the top esports titles in the world. What’s more, you can even play Apex Legends for real money on Gamersaloon.

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#17: Garena Free Fire – $17,982,873 All-Time Prize Pool

If you haven’t heard about Free Fire, it is a third-person Battle Royale game developed by 111dots Studio and published by Garena. Garena Free Fire has become one of the most popular mobile games in the world, with over 1 billion downloads on the Google Play Store alone. The game has a unique and fast-paced gameplay style, with matches lasting only 10 minutes, making it perfect for mobile devices.

Free Fire’s esports scene has also been growing rapidly, with the Free Fire World Series 2021 Singapore being the most popular event with 5,415,990 peak viewers. The total prize pool for Free Fire tournaments in 2023 is $25,000,000, making it one of the highest-paying esports games in the world. With its popularity and growing esports scene, Free Fire is definitely a game to watch out for in the future.

#18: FIFA – $15,827,864 All-Time Prize Pool

FIFA is one of the most popular esports games worldwide. Developed by EA Sports, FIFA is a football simulation game that allows players to control their favorite football teams and players. The game has been around for decades and has a massive following, making it one of the most lucrative esports games.

In FIFA 20, players competed for a prize pool of over $10 million, making it one of the most lucrative esports tournaments. The FIFA eWorld Cup is the most prestigious tournament in the game, with the winner taking home a prize of $250,000. FIFA is a game that requires a lot of skill and strategy, making it an exciting game to watch and play. With its popularity and high prize pools, FIFA is sure to remain one of the top esports games for years to come.

Overall, FIFA is a game that has something for everyone. Whether you’re a football fan or just enjoy playing video games, FIFA is a fun and engaging game to play. With its high prize pools and massive following, FIFA is a game that is sure to continue to grow in popularity in the esports world.

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