Esports games continue to move astronomical amounts in the competitive scene. In 2025, the global scene delivered thrilling moments, with packed arenas and record-breaking viewership, but it was in the pockets of competitors that some titles shone even brighter. Consolidated data from Esports Charts, a reliable platform for industry analysis, reveals which were the five games that distributed the highest total prize pools throughout last year. These numbers reflect the vigor of the market, which even in 2026 continues to attract massive investments and the passion of fans in Brazil and worldwide.
Counter-Strike 2 led absolutely, with an impressive amount of US$32.27 million (approximately R$160 million) in prizes. Close behind came Dota 2 and Honor of Kings, demonstrating the strength of both PC and mobile devices. This financial disparity occurs due to each game’s solid ecosystem, which combines high-level tournaments sponsored by major brands with a loyal and engaged player base.
The battle for millions: details of each champion
Beyond first place, the fight for the podium was fierce. Dota 2, with its traditional championship The International, secured second place with US$23.14 million in prizes. However, the major mobile highlight was Honor of Kings, which distributed US$21.77 million and broke live audience records in China. Meanwhile, Fortnite and PUBG Mobile complete the list of the top five, with US$15.64 million and US$15.31 million, respectively, proving that genre diversity is a strong hallmark of current esports.
Team performance also draws attention. Team Vitality, for example, had a historic season in CS2, winning both Majors and the Intel Grand Slam to earn nearly US$4 million in 2025 alone. In Dota 2, Team Falcons was the dominant force, even taking the coveted The International. Thus, the numbers show not only rich games but also player careers solidifying as elite athletes, inspiring a new generation in Brazil.
What to expect from the competitive scene in 2026
With the turn of the year, organizers are already targeting the next championships. Epic Games, for example, announced that FNCS 2026 will have an even larger prize pool and will include events for mobile and Unreal Ranked mode players. Therefore, the trend is that competitiveness and the values at stake will continue to rise. For Brazilian fans, this means more exciting broadcasts, national idols representing the country, and the consolidation of esports as one of the main entertainments of today. The journey for the title of the greatest digital athlete of the year has already begun.
