Dota 2 Prize Pools Tops the Charts in 2024

The long-standing debate over the kings of eSports takes an new turn as the numbers for 2024 roll in. In a year marked by evolving industry dynamics and intensifying competition, one title continues to stand unchallenged at the top: Dota 2. Despite facing reduced prize pools and mounting rivalries, this legendary MOBA maintains its position as the highest-grossing eSport, reaffirming its legacy as a dominant force in the gaming world.

Despite prize pool reductions, Dota 2 remains at the top of the leaderboard (credits: eSports Charts)

Dota 2 and Counter-Strike Continue to Dominate

As the eSports landscape evolves, Dota 2 emerges from 2024 holding a tenuous yet resolute lead at the top of the prize pool rankings. Meanwhile, Counter-Strike continues its reign as the most lucrative first-person shooter (FPS), securing the second spot on the list.

Even though both The International and the Riyadh Masters experienced notable reductions in their prize pools, Dota 2 still awarded an impressive $22.68 million in 2024. Counter-Strike, closely trailing behind, contributed a similarly substantial $22.67 million, while Honor of Kings claimed the third spot with $20.61 million.

The International 2024 marked an important moment, with Team Liquid emerging as a standout contender. (credits: dota2ti Flickr)

A fascinating trend to note is that Honor of Kings achieved its prize pool with just 50 events throughout the year, whereas Dota 2 hosted 102 events. In stark contrast, Counter-Strike organized a gigantic 712 events, nearly matching Dota 2’s prize pool despite its immensely higher event count.

This disparity may suggest that event organizers are experimenting with different strategies, splitting budgets between Dota 2 and Counter-Strike to determine which model yields the most success. If this proves true, we may see Dota 2’s tournaments adopt a similar approach to Counter-Strike, with more events but smaller prize pools, as both titles fight for dominance in a competitive market.

Counter-Strike's Shanghai Major proved that Valve's oldest FPS remains a crowd favorite.  (credits: dust2)

Although Valve has shifted away from directly organizing tournaments, it remains firmly in control of both Dota 2 and Counter-Strike prize pools, reinforcing its position as a leading player in the eSports ecosystem. This pivot, though still in its infancy for Dota 2, appears to follow the successful model established by Counter-Strike, indicating that Valve’s legacy as a prize pool powerhouse is far from over.

Emerging Trends in the eSports Prize Pool Landscape

Beyond Valve’s continued dominance, the prize pool data for 2024 reveals a series of interesting trends that reflect shifts in the competitive gaming scene. These trends are even more fascinating when juxtaposed with the 2023 figures.

To begin with, only two games have managed to hold onto their positions at both ends of the Top 10: Dota 2, clinging to its leadership, and PUBG, stubbornly maintaining its place at the bottom.

Dota 2's dominance may face increasing competition in 2025, with Counter-Strike and others poised to close the gap. (credits: eSports Charts)

Additionally, MOBAs are on the rise. Honor of Kings and League of Legends have both made significant strides up the ranks, while shooter games, with the exception of Counter-Strike, have seen a decline in their presence and prize pool contributions.

Mobile games also continue to make their mark on the eSports scene, with Mobile Legends: Bang Bang’s increased prize pool presence pushing Rocket League out of the Top 10. This shift indicates that, while mobile gaming may not be growing as rapidly as its initial explosion in popularity, it is still carving out a lasting niche in the competitive landscape.

Rocket League’s drop from the Top 10 could mark the beginning of a decline, or it may be an anomaly in the larger trends. (credits: Vecteezy (spidygraphics))

What can we expect in 2025?

According to eSports Charts, Dota 2’s prize pool dropped by 28% compared to 2023, largely due to reductions in The International and the Riyadh Masters. The question now arises: will Honor of Kings continue to close the gap and challenge Dota 2 for the top spot in 2025, or will Valve’s titles, including Dota 2 and Counter-Strike, continue to dominate the eSports prize pool rankings?

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Featured image credits: Dota2ti on Flickr

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