The esports industry in 2025 saw unprecedented growth in prize money, with top titles distributing tens of millions of dollars through competitive tournaments worldwide. Counter-Strike 2 emerged as the undisputed leader, but mobile and battle royale giants also claimed significant shares. Below is a ranking of the top 5 games by total prize pools, based on aggregated tournament earnings for the full year.
| Rank | Game | Total Prize Pool |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Counter-Strike 2 | $32.27 million |
| 2 | Dota 2 | $23.14 million |
| 3 | Honor of Kings | $21.77 million |
| 4 | Fortnite | $15.64 million |
| 5 | PUBG Mobile | $15.31 million |
5. PUBG Mobile ($15.31 million)
PUBG Mobile maintained its stronghold in the mobile battle royale category, hosting a packed schedule of major LAN events. Standouts included the PUBG Mobile World Cup 2025, Peacekeeper Elite League Summer 2025, and PUBG Mobile Global Championship 2025. Chinese teams dominated, securing millions in winnings and underscoring the game's massive Asian fanbase.
4. Fortnite ($15.64 million)
Epic Games' battle royale continued to thrive with a blend of online and offline competitions. The FNCS 2025 series boasted larger pools than in previous years, complemented by Cash Cups and community-driven events. Fortnite's accessibility and frequent updates kept player engagement high throughout the year.
3. Honor of Kings ($21.77 million)
This mobile MOBA exploded in popularity, particularly in China, proving the scale of competitive mobile gaming. The King Pro League 2025 set a world record for the largest offline esports audience, filling arenas with over 60,000 fans. Its blend of strategic depth and massive viewership solidified its top-tier status.
2. Dota 2 ($23.14 million)
The MOBA veteran delivered another stellar year, highlighted by The International 14, which drew record viewership. Organizers like PGL, BLAST, and Fissure hosted numerous Tier 1 events. Team Falcons reigned supreme, pocketing over $3 million, including a major International victory.
1. Counter-Strike 2 ($32.27 million)
CS2 claimed the crown with relentless high-stakes action, featuring monthly Majors and other elite tournaments. Team Vitality's dominant run - winning both Majors, the Intel Grand Slam, and nearly $4 million - epitomized the year's excitement. Its tactical precision and consistent global appeal earned it the nickname "the chess of esports."
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