The esports industry is experiencing a resurgence, with companies looking to maximize revenues in a post-pandemic world. Despite the challenges of hosting live, in-person events, the sector has adeptly shifted to virtual and online tournaments. This approach maintains the excitement of traditional esports competitions while leveraging the technological advancements and experiences gained in recent years. The focus now is on a range of eagerly awaited esports tournaments, which are expected to be more dynamic and engaging, reflecting the industry’s adaptability and growth. Here are some of our top picks of the hottest esports tournaments for this year.
The aftermath of esports tournaments post-Coronavirus
2020 was a pivotal year for most industries, sports inclusive. However, while the traditional sports industry struggled for months with navigating the coronavirus, esports managed to come out of the woods relatively unscathed.
“Teams will stabilise throughout Q1/Q2 and begin aiming for growth in Q3/Q4 of 2024. The trajectory of team stabilisation in the initial quarters emphasises strengthening internal structures, player rosters, and operational processes. Followed by a growth-oriented strategy in the latter half, this will mean a dynamic and strategic approach toward sustaining and advancing the esports industry in 2024.”
Alex Gonzalez, Head of Luminosity, Enthusiast Gaming
Thanks to most games and events being held online – and the improvements made with virtual events and teleconferencing – the esports industry still recorded strong numbers in general. Going forward, this sector will create a 6.2 percent cumulative annual growth rate (CAGR), hitting $201 million by 2026.
Several tournaments were held in the previous year which showed strong demand and supply in the esports scene. Gaming enthusiasts will be glad to hear that several impressive tournaments are coming this year.
What are the top esports tournaments of 2024?
1. Counter-Strike 2
The upcoming IEM Katowice esports tournament, from January 31 to February 11 in Katowice, Poland, represents a significant milestone in the esports arena, especially for the blockchain and crypto community closely following the gaming sector. Interestingly, this year’s event marks a pivotal shift, as it will be the first time teams compete in Counter-Strike 2 (CS2).
Moreover, G2 Esports, the reigning champions of Katowice, are among the eight directly qualified teams, highlighting the tournament’s competitive intensity. Additionally, the game features notable teams such as FaZe Clan and Team Vitality, who have already shown their prowess in recent CS2 championships.
2. The Call of Duty League Championship
The Call of Duty League (CDL) Championship in 2024 is a major event in the esports calendar. It represents the playoff portion of the global professional franchised Call of Duty league operated by Activision, culminating in the crowning of the World Champions for the Modern Warfare III season. The 2024 CDL season, which begins on December 8, 2023, features teams competing in four Majors in different cities, including Boston, Miami, Toronto, and Carolina, leading up to the Championship.
The CDL 2024 Championship is set to start in July 2024, with the finals and crowning of the world champions on July 14, 2024. Online qualifiers will precede the Major tournaments, prepping teams for the LAN stages.
3. League of Legends World’s Championship 2024
Returning to London, the 2024 League of Legends World Championship is set to captivate fans at The O2, a venue known for its impressive 15,000-seat capacity. Scheduled for November 2, 2024, this prestigious tournament will showcase the skills of 22 professional teams from around the globe, competing for a substantial grand prize pool estimated at USD 2,225,000.
The O2 is not only ideal for high-profile esports events but also has a history of hosting famous artists like Adele and major sporting events, including the ATP tennis finale. This background enhances the excitement and grandeur of the 2024 League of Legends World Championship.
4. Valorant Championship 2024
The 2024 Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) is shaping into an exciting esports event. Organized by Riot Games, it introduces a new event format, three additional teams, and a new competing region. The season features a continuous Challengers circuit and the new Championship Points system, enhancing competitiveness.
As the fourth international league, the expansion to China underscores Valorant’s global growth. Incorporating an affiliate system and Premier mode, the VCT 2024 broadens player development and competition scope.
These changes mark a significant evolution in Valorant’s esports structure, promising an enriched, dynamic experience for fans and players.
5. Dota 2 Tournament
Each year, The International, a prestigious Dota 2 championship, enthralls the gaming world with its progressively intense competitive play and a significant prize pool that has grown over time. As the highlight of the Dota Pro Circuit (DPC), this esports tournament features 20 teams battling it out in exciting group stages, leading up to the fierce knockout rounds.
Twelve teams earn their spots through their standings in the DPC. Additionally, six teams are selected from regional qualifiers in North America, South America, Southeast Asia, China, Eastern Europe, and Western Europe. Moreover, the tournament’s excitement is enhanced by including two more teams from last-chance qualifiers, making it a highly anticipated esports event.
6. Fortnite Victory Cash Cup
In this Fortnite event, eligible players from the Contender League and above can compete for cash prizes. The tournament is structured into two rounds, with the top performers in the first round progressing to the second.
Participants must meet certain requirements:
- Be at least 13 years old (or the required age in their country if it’s higher)
- Have Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) enabled
- Possess an account level of 15 or higher
The rise and evolution of esports tournaments
The future of esports looks promising, with enthusiasts set to enjoy many competitions from the comfort of their homes this year. As most tournaments transition to online platforms, a year of preparation suggests a highly improved experience for the 2024 season.
Frequently asked questions
What are esports tournaments?
What are some popular tournaments happening this year in esports?
How do esports teams earn money?
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