Whether you’re a high-stakes gamer or a dedicated fan watching from the sidelines, there’s no denying that esports has become one of the world’s biggest industries. It’s a global phenomenon with a $5 billion value and draws more than 1 billion viewers each year. Unlike traditional sports, which rely on the physical realm for their competitions, esports use video game consoles or personal computers to host games that can be played by two or more players simultaneously.

Tournaments are organized by esports governing bodies or professional gaming organizations, which act as a kind of oversight for the industry on a national, regional or global basis. These groups may also provide financial support, prize money or other incentives for competitors, helping them develop from amateur to professional.

Esports tournaments can be broadcast live on a variety of platforms, including YouTube and Twitch, as well as through traditional cable and television networks. As esports grow in popularity, so do their prize pools, with some events offering millions of dollars to the winners. Some of the most lucrative esports tournaments have sold out arenas such as New York City’s Madison Square Garden.

The esports tournament calendar is filled with global competitions that feature the best teams in popular games like League of Legends, Counter-Strike, Call of Duty, and Rocket League. April 2025 is particularly busy, with notable competitions such as VALORANT’s Stage 2 international leagues, BLAST Rivals Spring 2025 and PGL Wallachia Season 4 all kicking off this month. Other major events include the League of Legends World Championship, Capcom Cup 11, and PUBG Mobile’s RLCS 2025 Birmingham Major.