The gaming world is currently experiencing a transformative era, evolving from a source of entertainment to a realm of serious competition that seamlessly blends gaming, sports, innovation, and excitement. This convergence has not only created an exhilarating experience for fans but has also given rise to numerous opportunities and careers.
In 2023, the Fortnite World Cup made history by attracting over 100 million viewers, solidifying its place as one of the most iconic esports events. Join us in this article as we delve into a review of the most famous and historic esports events, each with its unique characteristics. Stay tuned for an exploration of the captivating world of competitive gaming!
Common Characteristics of Historic Esports Events
Before delving into the introduction of historic Esports events, let’s explore the common characteristics they share, including:
Champions: In each of these events, the team or player delivering the best performance is crowned as the champion of the contest.
Generous Prizes: One of the thrilling aspects of Esports events is the allure of substantial prizes. Typically, valuable rewards such as gaming equipment, cars, or digital products are bestowed upon the winners.
Pro Gamers: Participation in these competitive events is exclusive to professional gamers — individuals who exhibit high competence and mastery in the featured games.
Live Events: These events garner widespread media and social media coverage globally, attracting a multitude of fans and enthusiasts. In some countries, such as South Korea, China, the US, Sweden, and Brazil, Esports competitions have even become integral to the broader culture of society.
Technological Advancements: In recent years, Esports events have embraced cutting-edge technologies like virtual reality to enhance the overall experience for both players and viewers.
League of Legends World Championship
Introduction
Held annually, the League of Legends World Championship stands as one of the largest and most significant Esports events. Professional teams from around the globe participate in this competition, showcasing strategic gameplay over a few intense weeks to determine the ultimate champion. The League of Legends World Championship first took place in 2011.
Unique Features
The League of Legends World Championship sets itself apart from other Esports events in various ways:
Size and Attractiveness
The League of Legends World Championship is renowned as one of the largest and most illustrious Esports events, drawing millions of spectators. However, in 2020, the event proceeded without live spectators due to the Covid pandemic. The competition’s prize pool has surged, reaching $2 million in 2022, reflecting the growing player and spectator community.
Famous Teams and Figures
In the League of Legends World Championship, notable figures from professional teams and renowned players of the League of Legends game take center stage. Among these teams is T1, a highly successful and famous South Korean team that has clinched victory in multiple seasons. Prominent players from T1, such as Faker, Teddy, and Effort, further elevate the competition’s popularity. The presence of such esteemed teams and individuals in the League of Legends World Championship contributes significantly to the event’s widespread appeal.
Fortnite World Cup
Introduction
Fortnite World Cup is an annual Esports event that is one of the most popular and largest in the world. This event, as the name suggests, is solely linked to the Fortnite video game, and is hosted by Epic Games. These contests are divided into two categories: Solo and Duo, which means that participants can compete individually or in groups of two. The first Fortnite World Cup was held in the United States in 2019.
Unique Features
The Fortnite World Cup boasts distinctive features that set it apart:
Unique Competitive Structure
Within the Fortnite World Cup, a multitude of players initially enter the fray, dwindling down to the top 100 competitors. This elite group then engages in intense battles, culminating in the crowning of the World Cup champion. The journey from a large participant pool to the final showdown of elite players adds a unique layer to the competition.
Strive for Fair and Just Competition
Ensuring fairness is paramount in the Fortnite World Cup. To achieve this, players are randomly selected for a common map, eliminating any potential bias. Additionally, teams or players are barred from choosing a specific map, maintaining equal gaming conditions for all participants. This commitment to an impartial and level playing field adds integrity to the competition, emphasizing skill and strategy as the primary determinants of success.
Intel Extreme Masters
Introduction
Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) is one of the world’s most famous, largest, and most historic Esports events, held in a series of global tournaments by Intel Co. in various cities. Professional teams from games like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO), League of Legends, and StarCraft II play in these tournaments. The first IEM was held in Germany in 2006.
Unique Features
Intel Support
IEM competition is an Intel branding event that is held with the technical and financial support of this company. This cooperation has caused IEM to be able to absorb potential resources so that it can hold competitions better and give better prizes to winners.
The Most Historic event
Established in 2006, IEM holds the distinction of being one of the oldest Esports events. The extensive experience and enduring history of IEM have garnered it immense respect and popularity within the Esports sector.
The Overwatch League
Introduction
The Overwatch League (OWL) stands out as one of the most renowned and significant Esports events globally, representing the professional league for the game Overwatch, organized by Blizzard Entertainment. Commencing in 2018, professional teams from around the world have actively participated in Overwatch League competitions, engaging in league stages. The team with the best performance ultimately earns the title of Overwatch League Champion, garnering significant attention from Esports enthusiasts and critics alike.
Unique Features
Ownership by Sports Organizations
The Overwatch League adopts a city-based league structure, with reputable sports organizations and prominent investors worldwide owning and managing professional OWL teams. Each team is affiliated with a specific city, fostering a sense of local identity, and cultivating a dedicated fan base. This collaborative structure positions OWL as a top-tier and professional Esports event.
League Structure
As one of the pioneering Esports leagues, the Overwatch League operates with professional contracts and high salaries for players. Players are hired by teams and sign contracts covering financial details, salaries, benefits, working hours, and other agreements. This structured approach allows OWL to operate independently and sustainably, hosting competitions across multiple seasons throughout the year.
High Budget
OWL is known for its substantial budget, secured through sports organizations and investors. This ample funding ensures the high-quality organization of competitions and the provision of substantial prizes to teams. For instance, in OWL 2021 Season 1, the total prize pool for the winning team was $4 million. Notably, some investors come from industries outside of gaming, contributing to the rapid growth and further development of the league.
Live Exhibitions
The Overwatch League includes live exhibitions held throughout the competition season. These exhibitions offer opportunities for fans and players to interact, experience Overwatch gameplay, and participate in related activities and events.
The International
Introduction
The International, an iconic Esports competition in the world of Dota 2, first took place in 2011 and has since become one of the most significant events in the Esports landscape. Hosted by Valve Corporation, the developer of Dota 2, The International has played a pivotal role in fostering a vibrant and enthusiastic community around the game.
Unique Features
Valve Corporation’s Support
Valve Corporation, as the developer of Dota 2, actively contributes to the development and support of the Esports community. Through organizing The International and creating a series of related events and activities, Valve plays a crucial role in the growth and advancement of the Esports industry.
Qualification System
The International stands out from other Esports events due to its unique qualification system. Unlike many other competitions where teams are invited based on their previous results or rankings, The International does not have a predefined qualification system. Every team must compete in the elimination stages to progress further, creating a highly competitive and captivating tournament.
Battle Pass Format
The International adopts the Battle Pass format, offering a distinctive financial support system. By purchasing the Battle Pass, players gain access to exclusive content while contributing to the Esports industry and game development. This unique format directly contributes to the increase in The International’s prize pool.
High Prize Pool
The International boasts one of the largest prize pools in Esports history, fueling excitement and intense competition among teams. For example, in 2019, the first-place prize exceeded $34 million, and in 2021, it surpassed $40 million, setting a world record in Esports history. And it remains the largest prize pool in the world of Esports.
Supportive Community
The Dota 2 community, known as one of the largest and most passionate Esports communities, strongly supports The International. This support, coupled with prize pool contributions, solidifies The International’s status as one of the biggest and most important Esports events globally.
Innovations
In response to fierce competition in the Esports industry, creators have introduced innovations such as unique abilities for certain heroes and new maps to enhance The International’s appeal and make it stand out from other competitions.
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