The esports industry is doling out some massive prize pools, and these are games you probably didn’t know was handing out serious cash.
In the ever-evolving realm of esports, where juggernauts like Dota 2, League of Legends, and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive often take center stage, a new and exciting phenomenon is emerging – the rise of lesser-known games boasting vibrant esports scenes and impressive prize pools.
Beyond the flashing lights and grand arenas lie hidden treasures – games that might not have graced the covers of mainstream magazines or amassed millions of followers on social media, yet have carved out their own niche in the esports landscape. From tactical shooters to unconventional strategy games, these underrated titles have harnessed the passion of dedicated communities and ignited fierce rivalries, culminating in tournaments that offer jaw-dropping rewards for the most skilled and dedicated players.
Huge Prize Pool Tournaments
RFactor 2 – $60,000+
RFactor 2 is a realistic racing simulation game developed by Studio 397. It’s known for its focus on authentic physics, detailed vehicle and track modeling, and modding capabilities. The game aims to provide an immersive and accurate racing experience for both casual players and serious sim racing enthusiasts.
RFactor 2 has gained traction in the esports world, as its realistic physics and focus on accuracy make it an appealing choice for competitive racing. Various esports tournaments and leagues have emerged, organized by the community and official entities. For example, in 2023, the Le Mans Virtual series held four tournaments for different categories with a $62,500 prize pool.
Teamfight Tactics – $400,000
Teamfight Tactics (TFT) is an auto-battler game developed by Riot Games, the company behind League of Legends. TFT combines elements of strategy, deck-building, and tactics, offering a unique gameplay experience. Players assemble teams of champions from the League of Legends universe and deploy them on a grid-based battlefield. The champions fight automatically, with players influencing their performance through positioning, item combinations, and synergy bonuses. The goal is to eliminate opponents by outsmarting them in battles and progressing through multiple rounds until one player remains the victor.
Teamfight Tactics has developed a vibrant esports scene since its launch. Riot Games has been actively supporting the competitive aspect of TFT by organizing official tournaments and partnering with third-party organizers for various events. The competitive scene features regional qualifiers and international championships, where top players from different regions compete for significant prize pools. Like the TFT Open Championship 5, which gave out a $259,805 prize pool, or the recent Monsters Attack! Championship with its $456,000 potential winnings.
Brawl Stars – $1,000,000
Brawl Stars is a mobile multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game developed by Supercell. It offers fast-paced 3v3 and solo gameplay modes, where players choose from a diverse cast of characters called “Brawlers,” each with unique abilities and playstyles. The objective varies depending on the mode, ranging from collecting gems, capturing objectives, or defeating opponents. Matches are short and action-packed, making Brawl Stars easy to pick up for casual players while offering strategic depth for those seeking competitive challenges. The game’s colorful visuals, accessible mechanics, and regular updates have contributed to its popularity among mobile gamers.
Brawl Stars has been gaining traction in the esports scene since its release. Supercell has shown interest in promoting the competitive aspect of the game by hosting official tournaments and collaborating with esports organizations. The Brawl Stars Championship is the flagship global tournament series, featuring regional qualifiers and international championships that offer substantial prize pools that can go from $50,000 to $200,000. But during the annual World Finals, Brawl Stars has offered $1,000,000 three years in a row. This 2023 World Finals offers a prize pool of $750,000 for pro players to battle it out.
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CrossFire – $1,000,000
Crossfire is a tactical first-person shooter (FPS) game developed by Smilegate Entertainment. It’s known for its competitive gameplay and widespread popularity, particularly in regions like Asia. The game features two factions, Global Risk and Black List, and players choose sides as they engage in various game modes, including team-based matches, bomb defusal, and more.
Crossfire has a robust esports scene, particularly in countries like China and South Korea. It hosts numerous competitive events, leagues, and tournaments that attract skilled players and teams. The Crossfire Pro League (CFPL) is one of the most prominent tournaments, featuring top teams from various regions. Prize pools can reach up to $500,000 to over $1,000,000, depending on the tournament.
Clash Royale – $1,000,000
Clash Royale is a real-time strategy game developed by Supercell, the creators of Clash of Clans. It combines elements of collectible card games and tower defense. In Clash Royale, players build decks of cards featuring various troops, spells, and defenses from the Clash of Clans universe. They use these cards to deploy units and spells onto a small battlefield, aiming to destroy their opponent’s towers and ultimately their King’s Tower. The game’s fast-paced battles, strategic card selection, and real-time decision-making create an engaging and competitive experience suitable for both casual players and esports enthusiasts.
Clash Royale has established itself as a notable esports title since its release. Supercell has organized the Clash Royale League (CRL), a global competitive league featuring professional teams and players. The league consists of various regional divisions, and players compete in 1v1 and 2v2 formats to earn points and qualify for playoffs. The CRL offers significant prize pools and showcases the game’s strategic depth and skill-based gameplay. The Clash Royale esports scene also includes various community tournaments, online qualifiers, and major international events. The 2021 CRL World Finals saw an incredible spike in their prize pool, reaching $1,000,000.
