Summary:
- Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, and Fortnite lead the gaming industry with biggest prize pools, with CS2 being at the top with $9.2 Million.
- Rainbow Six Siege, Apex Legends, and PUBG continue to grow because of the developers and regular tournaments.
- Mobile games like MLBB and PUBG Mobile gains attention, proving that mobile esports are becoming competitive
- Big events including the Esports World Cup set the standard for the amount of prize money with $60 Million for various titles.
As the world of esports expands, tournaments are becoming popular. Esports continue to amaze with high prize money, setting a new benchmark for global gaming. Due to developer support, fan contributions, and mega events, the financial budget has reached a high level. Let’s take a look at the top Esports Games with the biggest prize pools.
The Counter-Strike (CS2) 
Counter-Strike has been one of the top Esports Games with the biggest prize money. In 2025, CS2 had over $9.2 Million prize money. This comes from major tournaments supported by the game developer, Valve. Each Valve-sponsored tournament gives about $1.25 million, including other events. This makes Counter-Strike the highest paying esports this year.
Dota 2
Dota 2 is still one of the top esports games when it comes to prize money. In 2025, Dota 2 had about $6.89 million prize money in total. Most of this came from The International, its biggest tournament of the year. Even though the prize money is smaller than in 2021, it’s still one of the highest.
The money is mostly raised by fans through in-game purchase. So, although there is a lack of support from fans lately, it remains as one of the biggest prize pools. Dota 2 still offers some of the best earnings in esports.
Fortnite
In 2025, Fortnite gave out around $4.8 million in total prize money. So, Fortnite continues to be one of the top esports games with big prize money. The Fortnite Championship Series (FNCS) is the main tournament for Fortnite. Additionally, the global finals in Lyon this year have a huge 8 million prize money.
With the regular weekly seasonal events, Fortnite is still one of the top esports games that have a high prize pool.
Rainbow Six Siege
Rainbow Six Siege had a prize money of about $3.34 million in 2025. The game has regular seasons, major tournaments, and international events. Rainbow Six Siege is supported by its developer, Ubisoft. So, the steady tournament schedule keeps the prize money stable each year, even without fan donations.
Apex Legends
Apex Legends has quickly grown into a popular esports game since it came out in 2019. In 2025, the game has given out over 2 million prize money through Apex Legends Global Series. Because of its exciting gameplay, and support from different platforms, Apex has become one of the top esports games with the biggest prize money.
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB)
Mobile Esports is as famous as usual esports, and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang is at the top of them. The Mid-Season Cup, MLBB’s flagship event, and various tournaments has a total prize money of nearly $700,000 in 2025. Additionally, MLBB has established its name and fame in Southeast Asia. This shows that mobile titles also offer high earnings as an esport game.
PUBG
PUBG made a strong comeback with tournaments like PUBG Global Championship with a prize money of around $1.4 Million. Furthermore, PUBG Mobile also added about 900,000 as prize money. WIth the regional leagues, and growing fan base, PUBG is still considered as one of the top esports games with high prize money.
League of Legends
League of Legends, one of Riot’s titles, gave out about $1.5 Million in 2025. Though the prize money isn’t the biggest like others, it’s still strong because of the regular leagues like LEC, LCK, LCS and the popular World Champions.
Valorant
Valorant on the other hand, Riot’s shooter game, handed out nearly $1.2 Million of prize money through the Valorant Champions Tour. Even though the prize money are smaller than top games, Valorant shows long-term success and a healthy esports scene.
Bonus: Esports World Cup
Though not only focusing on one esports game, the 2025 Esports World Cup in Riyadh will give out $60 Million prize money across 24 esports games titles. Additionally, $25 Million will support the esports club, making this a significant event in the esports industry.
If you are interested to know more about Esports tournaments this 2025, you may check out: The 10 Best Major Esports Tournaments To Watch In 2025.
Conclusion
Different esports games are more exciting and rewarding this year, especially because of the high prize money. Big games like CS2, Dota 2, Fortnite, League of Legends, Valorant, MLBB, and PUBG continue to offer the biggest prize money in the gaming industry. For players, fans, and investors, keeping track of top esports games prize money updates are encouraged. It shows which games are leading the future of competitive gaming.
