Saloni Shankar
eSports has grown into a global phenomenon, drawing millions of viewers across the world. From gripping finals to record-breaking tournaments, the top 10 most viewed eSports events of all time underscore the rising dominance of competitive gaming.
Notably, recent tournaments have continued to push the boundaries of online and in-person viewership, highlighting the unstoppable growth of this industry. Let’s dive into these iconic events.
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League of Legends 2019 World Championship – Paris, France
The League of Legends 2019 World Championship set the standard for eSports, amassing over 100 million viewers globally.
Held in Paris, the tournament featured 24 teams from across the world. Fans tuned in to witness FunPlus Phoenix defeat G2 Esports in a thrilling 3-0 series. This event highlighted the sheer scale of global fandom surrounding League of Legends.
Online streams and arena broadcasts combined to make this the most viewed eSports event ever.
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Free Fire World Series 2021 – Singapore
The Free Fire World Series 2021 took place in Singapore and reached a staggering 5.4 million peak concurrent viewers, securing its spot as one of the most watched and most-watched arts in history.
This intense battle royale tournament featured teams from over 18 regions, competing for a $2 million prize pool. Team Phoenix Force emerged victorious, marking a milestone for mobile eSports.
Its unique accessibility and thrilling gameplay made this event resonate with fans worldwide.
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PUBG Mobile Global Championship 2020 – Online
The PUBG Mobile Global Championship 2020 recorded 3.8 million peak viewers. The event brought together 32 teams, with Nova Esports claiming victory and a $700,000 prize.
The tournament’s success was partly driven by the pandemic, as more people turned to online gaming. It also showcased the massive global appeal of mobile eSports, particularly in Southeast Asia and South Asia.
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Valorant Champions 2023 – Los Angeles, USA
Valorant Champions 2023 shattered records, drawing 4.4 million concurrent viewers, surpassing its inaugural tournament. Hosted in Los Angeles, the event featured 16 teams competing for a $2.25 million prize pool.
Evil Geniuses triumphed in the finals, defeating Paper Rex in a close 3-1 series. This tournament cemented Valorant as a powerhouse in the FPS eSports genre and proved its global popularity is only growing.
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League of Legends 2023 World Championship – Seoul, South Korea
The League of Legends 2023 World Championship brought together 22 teams to compete for the Summoner’s Cup, drawing over 4 million peak viewers.
Held in Seoul, South Korea, the final match between JD Gaming and T1 saw JD Gaming clinch their first title. It was an unforgettable showdown that solidified League of Legends as a dominant force in eSports.
The incredible production quality and passionate fanbase made this event another landmark for the franchise.
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Fortnite World Cup 2019 – New York City, USA
The Fortnite World Cup 2019 attracted 2.3 million peak viewers globally, focusing on both solo and duo competitions.
The solo final was particularly iconic, with 16-year-old Bugha taking the crown and a $3 million prize. The event featured 40 million players competing in qualifiers before the main tournament, showing the game’s massive appeal.
Its emphasis on young talent and creative gameplay made this event a milestone for Fortnite.
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Dota 2 The International 2021 – Bucharest, Romania
With 2.7 million concurrent viewers, The International 2021 remains a key moment in eSports history. It boasted a $40 million prize pool, the highest ever recorded in eSports.
Team Spirit claimed the title, defeating PSG.LGD in a nail-biting 3-2 final. The event featured teams from six regions, attracting millions of viewers to its Twitch and YouTube streams.
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Mobile Legends M5 World Championship 2024 – Manila, Philippines
The Mobile Legends M5 World Championship, hosted in Manila, Philippines, is already one of the most anticipated events of 2024. Organisers project viewership numbers to surpass 2 million concurrent viewers, based on the success of the M4 championship in 2023.
With 16 teams set to compete for a massive prize pool, this tournament will likely solidify Mobile Legends as a dominant force in mobile eSports.
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CS:GO BLAST Paris Major 2023 – Paris, France
The BLAST Paris Major 2023 became one of the most iconic CS:GO tournaments, reaching 1.7 million peak viewers.
With 24 teams competing, Vitality emerged victorious in front of a passionate home crowd. This event marked the end of an era as it was the final major before CS2’s transition.
The success of the BLAST Paris Major demonstrated CS:GO’s enduring popularity and global fanbase.
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Overwatch World Cup 2023 – Anaheim, USA
The Overwatch World Cup 2023 garnered 1.4 million viewers, marking its resurgence after a three-year hiatus.
Held in Anaheim, California, the USA team claimed the championship, defeating South Korea in a dramatic final. The tournament featured 36 countries, showcasing the global appeal of Overwatch.
Its strong comeback shows that Overwatch still has a vibrant community ready to embrace the next era of competitive play.
The Future of eSports
From mobile gaming to FPS titles, the top 10 most viewed eSports events of all time demonstrate the massive growth of competitive gaming. With games like League of Legends and Valorant consistently breaking records, the future looks brighter than ever.
As 2024 unfolds, expect more milestones that will continue to define eSports as a leading global entertainment medium.
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