Esports tournaments have exploded in popularity in recent years, with 2024 continuing the trend of rapid growth. The increasing prize pools have brought in fierce competition, making these tournaments a highlight for both players and fans. Events like The International, Valorant Champions Tour, and the PGL Major now boast millions in prize money, attracting top-tier talent from all over the world.
The rise of esports is reflected not only in the size of these prize pools but also in their global reach. For instance, Dota 2 continues to dominate with over $346 million in cumulative tournament winnings, while other titles like Fortnite and Counter-Strike also offer substantial rewards to their players.
With growing financial backing and larger audiences, these tournaments have become major cultural events, blending entertainment and high-stakes competition.
PGL Major Copenhagen 2024 (Counter-Strike 2)
The PGL Major Copenhagen 2024 marked a historic moment as the first-ever Counter-Strike 2 Major, held from March 17 to March 31. Featuring 24 teams and a massive $1.25 million prize pool, this event brought together the best talent from around the world. The tournament culminated in a thrilling victory for Natus Vincere (Na’Vi), who claimed their second Major title by defeating tough competition throughout the event.
Led by superstar s1mple, Na’Vi’s road to victory was a showcase of top-tier team play, intelligent map strategies, and individual brilliance. Natus Vincere’s win at the Copenhagen Major adds to their legacy, making them two-time Major champions. However, Astralis still hold the record for the most Major titles with four.
Six Invitational 2024 (Rainbow Six Siege)
The Six Invitational 2024 in São Paulo, held from February 13 to 25, showcased the world’s top 20 teams in Rainbow Six Siege. This year’s event crowned w7m esports as champions, with FaZe Clan finishing as runners-up. After G2 Esports’ victory in 2023, w7m esports made their mark in 2024, proving their dominance with an impressive tournament run.
W7m esports’ success was built on their ability to out-strategize their opponents, making full use of defensive setups and executing aggressive plays when necessary. In the grand final against FaZe Clan, they showcased excellent teamwork and gadget utilization, securing key objectives while controlling the pace of the game. Their victory solidified them as one of the top teams in Rainbow Six Siege, further expanding the competitive legacy of Brazilian esports.
Betting on the Six Invitational was a major activity among fans, with many using platforms that promoted offers like the ESPN Bet promo code to wager on the event. The excitement and unpredictability of each match made it a popular choice for esports bettors, who will likely look forward to future events.
Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) Masters – Madrid
The VCT Masters Madrid 2024 was a standout event in the Valorant esports calendar, organized by Riot Games as an offline tournament. Held in Madrid, Spain, it drew a live audience of 12,000 fans, making it one of the most electrifying events of the year.
In a surprising turn of events, Sentinels secured the championship, defeating Gen.G in the finals. Zachary “zekken” Patrone played a pivotal role in their victory, earning the Finals MVP title. His performance was nothing short of remarkable, as he registered the most kills in the tournament with 381, cementing his dominance as one of the top players.
Throughout the tournament, Sentinels showcased impressive strategy and adaptability. Their mix of aggressive plays and disciplined defense overwhelmed their opponents, especially in the grand final against Gen.G. Sentinels’ utility usage, including smokes and flashes, allowed them to maintain control over key areas of the map, shutting down Gen.G’s advances.
Zekken’s performance was the talk of the tournament, especially in clutch situations where his quick decision-making and precision made the difference. His ability to frag consistently and support his team in high-pressure rounds was a key factor in Sentinels’ success.
The International 2024 (Dota 2)
The International 2024 (TI), held in Copenhagen from September 4 to 15, brought together 16 of the best Dota 2 teams in the world. Team Liquid emerged victorious, defeating Gaimin Gladiators in the grand final to claim the prestigious Aegis of Champions. This win marked a significant achievement for Team Liquid, as they delivered consistent performances throughout the tournament.
Gaimin Gladiators, who had an outstanding run in 2023, came into the finals as favorites but fell short in the intense series against Team Liquid. The final showdown saw Liquid employ a diverse draft strategy, adapting their hero picks to counter Gaimin’s aggressive playstyle.
In a decisive Game 4, Team Liquid secured early map control and key objectives, shutting down Gaimin’s cores and outmaneuvering them in team fights. Liquid’s ability to rotate effectively and capitalize on Gaimin’s mistakes was crucial in their victory.
Final Thoughts
The biggest esports tournaments of 2024 have already provided unforgettable moments across multiple titles, from Natus Vincere’s triumph at the first Counter-Strike 2 Major to Team Liquid’s victory at The International 2024. These events have showcased the sheer skill and adaptability of the top teams, with each winner demonstrating remarkable strategy and teamwork in their respective games.
As the year progresses, esports fans have even more to look forward to. Major events like the BLAST Premier: World Final 2024 in November and the Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024 in December promise to deliver even more thrilling competition. With these upcoming tournaments, the stage is set for a strong finish to what has been an exciting year in esports.
