Esports continues to captivate millions worldwide, with its competitive edge and high-energy gameplay. As we delve into 2024, the esports calendar is brimming with exhilarating tournaments across various games. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the most anticipated esports events of the year, complete with predictions and highlights.
1. The International 2024 – Dota 2
The International is the pinnacle of Dota 2 esports, renowned for its staggering prize pool, often exceeding $40 million. This year’s event will be held in Seattle, Washington, attracting top teams from around the globe. Teams like OG, Team Secret, and Virtus.pro are expected to bring their A-game, making this tournament a must-watch for all Dota 2 enthusiasts.
- Date: August 2-12, 2024
- Location: Seattle, Washington, USA
- Prize Pool: Over $40 million
- Predictions: With OG’s recent resurgence and Team Secret’s consistent performance, the competition is expected to be fierce. Watch out for emerging teams like Tundra Esports, who have shown remarkable potential in the last few seasons.
2. League of Legends World Championship
The League of Legends World Championship, commonly known as Worlds, is the crown jewel of the competitive League of Legends scene. Scheduled to take place in South Korea, the birthplace of League of Legends, this event promises an electrifying atmosphere. Teams like Gen.G, T1, and JD Gaming are favorites, but expect surprises as underdogs like Cloud9 and Fnatic have the capability to pull off stunning victories.
- Date: September 15 – October 10, 2024
- Location: South Korea
- Prize Pool: $2.2 million
- Predictions: Gen.G, with their strategic prowess, and T1, with their star-studded lineup, are the favorites. However, keep an eye on emerging teams from regions like the LPL and LEC, who have been making significant strides.
3. PGL Major Antwerp – CS
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive’s PGL Major Antwerp is one of the most eagerly awaited events in the CS
calendar. Hosted in Antwerp, Belgium, this tournament will see 24 of the world’s top teams compete for a slice of the $1 million prize pool. Legendary teams like Astralis, FaZe Clan, and Natus Vincere will battle it out, making it a spectacle of skill and strategy.
- Date: May 6-19, 2024
- Location: Antwerp, Belgium
- Prize Pool: $1 million
- Predictions: Astralis’ tactical brilliance and FaZe Clan’s aggressive playstyle make them strong contenders. However, new teams like Heroic and G2 Esports have shown tremendous growth and could disrupt the usual power dynamics.
4. Overwatch League Grand Finals
The Overwatch League Grand Finals will conclude the 2024 season, bringing together the best teams worldwide. With a new format and exciting rosters, the finals promise to be a high-octane showcase. Teams like San Francisco Shock, Shanghai Dragons, and Dallas Fuel are expected to dominate, but watch for surprises from underdog teams like Atlanta Reign.
- Date: October 20-22, 2024
- Location: Los Angeles, USA
- Prize Pool: $2 million
- Predictions: The San Francisco Shock’s consistency and Shanghai Dragons’ star power make them the favorites. However, teams like London Spitfire and Atlanta Reign have been improving rapidly and could very well turn the tables.
5. Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) Finals
The Valorant Champions Tour Finals will feature the top Valorant teams from around the world. Set in Berlin, Germany, this event will showcase thrilling matches as teams like Sentinels, Fnatic, and LOUD vie for the championship and a share of the $1.5 million prize pool. Valorant’s tactical depth and fast-paced gameplay ensure that this will be a tournament to remember.
- Date: December 5-10, 2024
- Location: Berlin, Germany
- Prize Pool: $1.5 million
- Predictions: Sentinels, with their star-studded roster, and Fnatic, known for their strategic gameplay, are the favorites. However, teams like LOUD from Brazil and DRX from Korea have shown remarkable potential and could be dark horses in this tournament.
6. PUBG Mobile Global Championship
The PUBG Mobile Global Championship is a premier event for mobile gamers. Scheduled to take place in Jakarta, Indonesia, this tournament will feature the top mobile teams worldwide, competing for a $3 million prize pool. Teams like Nova Esports and Zeus Esports are favorites, but expect fierce competition from new teams emerging from regions like South America and Southeast Asia.
- Date: November 1-10, 2024
- Location: Jakarta, Indonesia
- Prize Pool: $3 million
- Predictions: Nova Esports’ experience and Zeus Esports’ aggressive playstyle make them the favorites. However, keep an eye on emerging teams from regions like Latin America and Southeast Asia, who have been making significant strides in the competitive scene.
7. Rocket League World Championship
The Rocket League World Championship will take place in Miami, USA. Featuring the best teams worldwide, this event is known for its high-energy matches and incredible skills. With a $1 million prize pool, teams like Cloud9, Dignitas, and G2 Esports are expected to shine, but surprises from newer teams are always possible.
- Date: June 15-18, 2024
- Location: Miami, USA
- Prize Pool: $1 million
- Predictions: Cloud9’s consistency and Dignitas’ tactical gameplay make them strong contenders. However, teams like G2 Esports and Team BDS have been showing exceptional form and could very well clinch the title.
8. Call of Duty League Championship
The Call of Duty League Championship will bring together the top Call of Duty teams globally. Taking place in Toronto, Canada, this event promises thrilling matches and fierce competition. With a $2 million prize pool, teams like Atlanta FaZe, OpTic Texas, and Toronto Ultra are favorites, but expect surprises from teams like London Royal Ravens and Seattle Surge.
- Date: August 23-26, 2024
- Location: Toronto, Canada
- Prize Pool: $2 million
- Predictions: Atlanta FaZe’s aggressive playstyle and OpTic Texas’ strategic depth make them the favorites. However, teams like Toronto Ultra and London Royal Ravens have been improving rapidly and could very well disrupt the usual dynamics.
9. Rainbow Six Siege Major
The Rainbow Six Siege Major is set to take place in São Paulo, Brazil. This tournament will feature the world’s top Rainbow Six Siege teams competing for a share of the $500,000 prize pool. With its tactical gameplay and intense matches, this event is a must-watch for any Rainbow Six Siege fan. Teams like G2 Esports, Team Liquid, and Ninjas in Pyjamas are expected to perform strongly.
- Date: October 5-12, 2024
- Location: São Paulo, Brazil
- Prize Pool: $500,000
- Predictions: G2 Esports’ tactical brilliance and Team Liquid’s aggressive playstyle make them the favorites. However, keep an eye on Ninjas in Pyjamas, who have been showing exceptional form and could make a deep run in the tournament.
10. Hearthstone World Championship
The Hearthstone World Championship will be the culmination of the Hearthstone competitive season. Held in Taipei, Taiwan, this tournament will feature the best Hearthstone players globally competing for a share of the $1 million prize pool. It’s a great event for fans of card games and strategic gameplay. Expect to see top players like TH0R and Orange battling it out for the title.
- Date: November 15-18, 2024
- Location: Taipei, Taiwan
- Prize Pool: $1 million
- Predictions: TH0R’s aggressive playstyle and Orange’s strategic depth make them the favorites
