The era where gaming was once regarded as a mere leisure activity confined to the weekends has dissipated into obscurity. The advent of Esports has propelled the sport into the forefront of mainstream entertainment, with adept professional players competing in tournaments and leagues in pursuit of prestige, prosperity, and the coveted title of champion. So, let’s check out what are the biggest Esports leagues in 2023!
League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK)
League of Legends is a worldwide sensation, and the Champions Korea (LCK) is the crème de la crème of Esports leagues for this game. This league is renowned for showcasing the best South Korean teams, and it is revered for its exceptional skill level and fervent supporters.
LCK's prize pool counter is in the millions, which makes it one of the most financially rewarding Esports leagues globally. To put things in perspective, LCK's matches accumulate over 100 million hours of watchtime, which is more than some regular sports have.
Major League Gaming Pro Circuit (MLG)
Since its establishment in 2002, Major League Gaming (MLG) has been one of the most venerable Esports institutions in North America. The MLG Pro Circuit is the epitome of its competition, offering a plethora of diverse games, including Call of Duty, CS:GO, Overwatch, StarCraft, WoW, Hearthstone, Diablo, and Heroes of the Storm..
This brings together elite players and teams from across the world in a frenzy of electrifying Esports action. With its extensive array of games, the MLG Pro Circuit has captured the hearts of Esports enthusiasts globally, making it one of the most enduring and beloved leagues in the industry.
Electronic Sports League (ESL)
Founded over two decades ago in 2000, the Electronic Sports League, or ESL, has become one of the most prominent Esports organizations in the world. Not only does the league host an impressive array of Esports tournaments and leagues, but it has also expanded its reach to include popular games such as CS:GO, Dota 2, and League of Legends.
In 2023, ESL offered a staggering $15 million prize pool, cementing its status as a major player in the Esports world. It's no surprise that ESL is known for attracting some of the world's most skilled players and dedicated fans, who are always eager to participate in this Esports juggernaut.
ELeague
In the summer of 2016, ELEAGUE, a professional Esports league, was born from a joint venture between Turner Broadcasting and WME/IMG, a talent agency. What sets ELEAGUE apart from previous attempts to bring video gaming to the United States is that teams aren't bound to exclusive contracts. The league is so big that they even hosted a CS:GO major tournament in 2018.
On Friday nights, matches air live on TBS and are also available on Twitch for streaming. The matches are held at the prestigious Turner Studios facility in Atlanta, making it the hub of the Esports craze. ELEAGUE aims to revolutionize TBS by introducing Esports programming and expanding its reach to new audiences.
VALORANT Champions Tour
As the newest addition to the rapidly growing Esports universe, VALORANT by Riot Games has already garnered a huge fan base due to its fast-paced gameplay and strategic shooter mechanics. And, at the forefront of professional VALORANT play is the VALORANT Champions Tour.
The competition consists of various regional tournaments that culminate in the ultimate international championship, providing players with a chance to showcase their skills on a global stage. The VALORANT Champions Tour is not just a single tournament, but rather a series of tournaments with a points circuit, all hosted by Riot Games.
Overwatch League
Launched by Blizzard Entertainment in 2017, the Overwatch League is an Esports league for the team-based first-person shooter game Overwatch. The league features 20 teams hailing from North America, Europe, and Asia, making it a global force to be reckoned with.
One of the most distinctive aspects of the Overwatch League is its divisional structure, where teams are separated into two divisions, with the top performers of each advancing to the playoffs. To add to its prestige, the league boasts a total prize pool of $4.25 million, with the champions earning a whopping $1.5 million in prize money.
Summary
With millions of fans all over the globe glued to their screens, cheering on their favorite players and teams as they battle it out on virtual battlegrounds, Esports has become more popular than ever.
The biggest Esports leagues of the year are nothing short of extraordinary, featuring some of the most thrilling and electrifying gameplays. From ELEAGUE to the League of Legends Champions Korea, Major League Gaming Pro Circuit to the Electronic Sports League, the VALORANT Champions Tour to the Overwatch League, the best of the best will battle it out for glory and immense prize pools that would make even the most hardened skeptics' jaws drop.
But it's not just about the money and the fame; it's about the passion and dedication that players bring to the table!