Counter-Strike 2 Dominates 2025 Esports Prize Pools with Record $32 Million+
In a standout year for competitive gaming, Counter-Strike 2’s professional scene claimed the top spot for total prize money distributed, surpassing $32 million (roughly £24 million) across 2025 tournaments.
This impressive figure, sourced from analytics platform Esports Charts, highlights CS2’s commanding lead over other major esports titles.
Did you see our list of the TOP esports games by prize pool in 2025? 💰
1⃣ @CounterStrike
2⃣ @DOTA2
3⃣ @HonorOfKingsIf you missed it you can check out the full report on our website 👇https://t.co/3cpRogwzKP pic.twitter.com/yLtclxpF8P
— Esports Charts 🇺🇦 (@EsportsCharts) December 21, 2025
VRS Reforms Fuel CS2’s Prize Pool Surge
Esports Charts reports a robust 41.5% year over year increase for CS2’s prize pools, reaching $32.27 million.
This boom stems from a denser, more competitive event schedule enabled by Valve’s introduction of the Valve Regional Standings (VRS) system.
VRS disrupted the long standing exclusive partnerships between ESL, BLAST, and Valve, forcing organizers to compete fiercely for top teams. Prize money became a critical draw, directly influencing VRS rankings and team invitations.
In response, major players like BLAST, ESL, and newcomer PGL rolled out events with prize pools frequently exceeding $1 million. Additionally, innovative revenue models such as ESL’s Club Share have shifted previously private funding into public prize pots, inflating visible totals (though not necessarily overall scene investment).
Other Titles Trail Behind, But Show Gains
Dota 2 secured second place with a steady prize pool, bolstered by new BLAST Slam series events offering $1 million each. The International (TI) dished out $2.29 million, but it was outpaced by the Esports World Cup’s massive $3 million payout.
League of Legends ranked sixth despite its massive audiences, yet enjoyed a sharp 59.6% prize pool jump. Highlights included MSI’s escalation from $250,000 to $2 million, doubled winnings at Worlds and the Esports World Cup, plus the debut $1 million First Stand tournament.
Valorant saw a 23.7% rise to $11.25 million, marking its Esports World Cup debut where Team Heretics claimed $500,000 from the $1.25 million pool. Investments in Game Changers further amplified support for women’s competition.
Rocket League rounded out notable climbers with a 45% increase to $9.78 million, powered by an expanded Esports World Cup and the innovative $1.2 million 1v1 World Championship.
Counter-Strike 2’s dominance underscores a thriving ecosystem, where strategic shifts and big money events are reshaping professional esports.
Since: October 29, 2025
