In recent years, eSports and iGaming have evolved from niche segments into two global ecosystems: on one side, the competitive spectacle of professional video gaming; on the other, competitions connected to online gaming circuits (especially poker, which boasts a long-standing tradition of both live and digital tournaments). What they share are increasingly professional formats, structured rules, major sponsors, high-level streaming and broadcast productions, and a truly international audience.
As with traditional sports, their popularity has also generated a broader informational landscape: statistics, rankings, pre-match analysis, and—within regulated environments—odds markets, including betting on esports on the most important online portals.
Below is a structured overview of the competitions that, due to their history, prestige, audience reach, or competitive format, are considered among the most relevant worldwide.
The Major “World Championships” of eSports
League of Legends World Championship (LoL Worlds)
One of the most iconic events in the entire industry, the League of Legends World Championship is held annually and brings together the best teams from regional leagues. Its competitive narrative builds throughout the season and culminates in high-stakes knockout stages. Over time, LoL Worlds has become a benchmark for production quality, opening ceremonies, storytelling, and global media impact.
The International (Dota 2)
For Dota 2, “TI” represents the pinnacle of the competitive season. Established in 2011 and organized by Valve (with modern production support from PGL), it has become a historic cornerstone of the esports calendar. The event consistently draws global attention from the competitive gaming community.
Counter-Strike Majors (Valve Majors)
In the Counter-Strike ecosystem, Valve-sponsored Majors represent the highest level of prestige. With only a limited number of events each year and a highly selective qualification path, winning a Major is often considered a career-defining achievement. For many teams and players, it means entering the history books of the discipline.
The Institutional Circuits: Where Tradition Builds Reputation
Intel Extreme Masters (IEM)
Intel Extreme Masters is often described as the longest-running global pro gaming tour, launched in 2006 by ESL. Its strength lies in continuity: legendary stops, packed arenas, and a strong identity, particularly around Counter-Strike competitions.
VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) and VALORANT Champions
Riot Games has built a structured competitive ecosystem for VALORANT, organized into leagues and international events. The season culminates in VALORANT Champions, the world championship event that crowns the year’s best team and defines the competitive hierarchy.
Evolution Championship Series (Evo)
Evo stands apart because it is not tied to a single title. Instead, it serves as the global home of fighting games. Known for its open tournament format—where anyone can register—Evo represents a cultural pillar of competitive gaming, especially for franchises like Street Fighter and Tekken.
Large-Scale Multi-Title Events
Esports World Cup (EWC)
The multi-game festival model has grown significantly, and the Esports World Cup is one of the most discussed examples. Featuring a broad calendar of different disciplines and emphasizing club rankings, the event has attracted international attention for its ambitious scale and prize pool announcements, as well as for the strategic investment of Saudi Arabia in the global esports sector.
iGaming: The Tournaments That Set the Standard (Especially in Poker)
When discussing competitive iGaming, poker remains the clearest example. It is a game with structured circuits, codified rules, professional players, advanced statistics, and an annual calendar resembling that of traditional individual sports.
World Series of Poker (WSOP)
The WSOP is arguably the most recognizable name in poker. Structured as a festival of tournaments awarding coveted gold bracelets, it culminates in the Main Event—an iconic competition that has transcended the game itself to become a cultural milestone. Each year, it attracts thousands of participants and widespread media coverage.
European Poker Tour (EPT)
The EPT is Europe’s premier poker circuit, known for prestigious stops and premium-level organization. Its continental identity, iconic locations, and recurring calendar create a strong blend of professionals and qualified amateurs.
World Poker Tour (WPT)
The WPT has played a historic role in shaping poker as a televised entertainment product. With international events and a focus on narrative storytelling around final tables, rivalries, and personalities, it remains one of the most influential brands in the industry.
World Championship of Online Poker (WCOOP)
If the WSOP represents the cathedral of live poker, WCOOP is one of the flagship online series. Held annually, it aims to crown digital champions across multiple formats and buy-in levels, offering a dense and diverse competitive schedule.
The Industry Dimension: Events and Awards Beyond Tournaments
Beyond direct competition, there is another layer of rivalry: that between companies, platforms, and service providers. Major trade shows and industry awards play a crucial role in defining reputation, innovation, compliance standards, and trust.
ICE (now hosted in Barcelona) is one of the central global gatherings for the broader gaming sector. Business-oriented events such as SBC Summit and iGB L!VE also serve as major international meeting points. Meanwhile, recognitions like the iGB Affiliate Awards highlight excellence among operators and affiliate projects within the ecosystem.
