The Most Famous Video Game Competitions and How to Participate

Video game competitions, also known as esports, have exploded in popularity over the past few decades, drawing in millions of viewers and offering substantial prize pools for the top players. These tournaments showcase the best gamers in the world as they compete in a variety of genres, from first-person shooters to strategy games. Here’s a look at some of the most famous video game competitions and how you can participate in them.

1. The International (Dota 2)

• Overview: The International is one of the most prestigious esports tournaments in the world, centered around the game Dota 2. Organized by Valve Corporation, the event features the top Dota 2 teams from around the globe competing for a multi-million dollar prize pool, which is crowdfunded by the game’s community through the purchase of in-game items.
• How to Participate: To compete in The International, teams typically need to qualify through regional qualifiers or be invited directly based on their performance in the Dota Pro Circuit (DPC). Aspiring players should join or form a competitive team, participate in online and regional tournaments, and aim to earn enough points in the DPC to secure an invitation to the event.

2. League of Legends World Championship

• Overview: The League of Legends World Championship, commonly referred to as “Worlds,” is the pinnacle of competitive League of Legends (LoL) gaming. Organized by Riot Games, it is an annual event that draws the best teams from various regions, such as North America, Europe, China, and Korea, to compete for the title of World Champion and a significant prize pool.
• How to Participate: Players must be part of a professional team that competes in one of the regional leagues, such as the LCS (North America) or LEC (Europe). Success in these leagues can lead to qualification for the World Championship. Building a career in professional League of Legends often starts with climbing the ranked ladder in the game and then progressing to semi-professional or academy teams.

3. Fortnite World Cup

• Overview: Fortnite, developed by Epic Games, became a cultural phenomenon, and its World Cup is one of the most high-profile events in esports. The tournament features solo and duo competitions, where players from all over the world compete for a chance to win millions of dollars in prizes.
• How to Participate: Epic Games hosts online qualifiers that are open to anyone with a Fortnite account. Players compete over several weeks to earn points, and the top performers secure spots in the World Cup finals. To participate, players need to practice consistently, stay updated on game mechanics, and participate in the qualifying rounds when they are announced.

4. Call of Duty League Championship

• Overview: The Call of Duty League (CDL) Championship is the culminating event of the Call of Duty esports calendar. Featuring the best teams from around the world, the championship is highly competitive, with teams battling it out in a series of matches to claim the top spot and a share of the prize pool.
• How to Participate: Players must be part of a professional team in the Call of Duty League, which involves signing with an existing CDL team or starting in the Call of Duty Challengers circuit, the amateur league. Success in Challengers can lead to opportunities to join professional rosters and compete in the CDL.

5. Evolution Championship Series (EVO)

• Overview: EVO is the largest and most prestigious fighting game tournament in the world. It features a wide variety of games, including Street Fighter, Tekken, and Super Smash Bros. The event attracts top fighting game players from around the globe, making it a must-attend for fans of the genre.
• How to Participate: EVO is an open tournament, meaning anyone can register and compete. Players must sign up on the official EVO website when registration opens. To prepare, participants should hone their skills in their chosen fighting game, practice regularly, and consider competing in smaller tournaments to gain experience.

6. Overwatch League Grand Finals

• Overview: The Overwatch League (OWL) Grand Finals is the championship event for Overwatch, a team-based first-person shooter developed by Blizzard Entertainment. The league features teams from cities around the world, and the Grand Finals are the culmination of the season, determining the world champion.
• How to Participate: Aspiring Overwatch players typically start by climbing the ranks in the game’s competitive mode. Success can lead to opportunities to join academy teams or semi-professional teams. From there, players can work their way up to the Overwatch League by impressing scouts and coaches. Participation in the OWL Grand Finals requires being part of a team that qualifies through regular-season performance and playoffs.

7. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive Major Championships

• Overview: The CS

  Major Championships, commonly known as Majors, are the most prestigious tournaments in the Counter-Strike: Global Offensive scene. Organized by Valve, these events feature the best teams from around the world competing for the title and a significant prize pool.

• How to Participate: Teams must qualify for the Majors through a series of regional qualifiers or by securing an invitation based on past performances. Aspiring players need to join or form a competitive team, participate in the CS

  circuit, and work their way up through the ranks.

How to Get Started in Esports

Participating in these top esports competitions requires dedication, skill, and strategic planning. Here’s a general guide to help you get started:

1. Choose Your Game: Pick a game you are passionate about and focus on mastering it. Consistent practice and understanding the game’s mechanics are crucial.
2. Build Your Skills: Climb the ranks in online matchmaking, participate in community tournaments, and regularly watch professional matches to learn advanced strategies.
3. Join a Team: Networking within the community can help you find or form a team. Look for amateur leagues, scrimmage opportunities, and local tournaments to gain experience.
4. Compete in Online Qualifiers: Many major esports events have online qualifiers open to the public. Participate in these to test your skills and potentially secure a spot in larger tournaments.
5. Stay Updated: Follow news and updates about your chosen game’s competitive scene. Join forums, Discord servers, and social media groups to stay connected with the community.
6. Seek Coaching: If you’re serious about going pro, consider hiring a coach to help refine your skills and strategies.

Conclusion

Esports tournaments are the pinnacle of competitive gaming, offering not only substantial rewards but also the chance to compete on the global stage. Whether you’re aiming for The International, the Fortnite World Cup, or any other top event, the path to participation involves dedication, skill development, and strategic involvement in the competitive community. With the right approach, you can take your first steps toward joining the ranks of the world’s top esports athletes.