What is the number one esport in the world based on viewership and prize pools?

Determining the number one esport in the world involves analyzing key metrics like viewership and prize pools, with League of Legends and Dota 2 often leading the debate. League of Legends consistently ranks at the top in terms of viewership, with its annual World Championship drawing over 100 million peak concurrent viewers, rivaling traditional sports finals. Events fill massive stadiums globally, and the game's structured regional leagues (e.g., LCS, LCK) sustain year-round engagement. In contrast, Dota 2 holds the crown for prize pools, primarily due to 'The International,' which routinely sets records—for example, The International 2021 had a prize pool of over $40 million, the largest in esports history. This is fueled by community-driven crowdfunding via the Battle Pass system. Other contenders include Counter-Strike 2 and Valorant in tactical shooters, which boast elite circuits with substantial viewership and prize money, though typically lower than MOBA giants. Cultural impact also plays a role; in regions like Southeast Asia, mobile esports like Mobile Legends: Bang Bang dominate. Overall, League of Legends leads in consistent, high viewership and global reach, while Dota 2 excels in peak prize distribution. The answer can shift based on the metric prioritized, but for a balanced perspective, League of Legends is often considered the top esport due to its sustained audience and professional ecosystem, whereas Dota 2 remains unmatched in single-event prize generosity.

📖 Read the full article: Esports Tournaments: From Local LANs to Global Arenas