Professional gaming is a huge industry that holds events every year for players to compete and fans to come and watch their favorites. It is full of nail-biting action as some of the best in the world go head-to-head in various games. Gamers can connect with others who have the same passions for games as they do, as well as gain a new respect for these types of games.
Several events have been canceled, or closed to spectators, due to the recent Coronavirus outbreak. Luckily, there are several later in the year that fans should be able to attend. Keep reading to learn about ten esports events you should attend this year!
10 10. League Of Legends World Championship (TBD)
This tournament is huge and gives teams a chance to win enormous cash prizes. The winners receive $1 million, the Summoner’s Trophy, and the title of champion in the world of League of Legends. It will be held in Shanghai, China so it might be a good idea to buy a plane ticket if you plan on attending.
The last tournament held in this country saw an outpouring of support as over 40,000 seats in the stadium were filled. This is one event you won’t want to miss as the best players compete for this prestigious title.
9 9. ESL One Rio (May 21-24)
A total of 24 teams battle it out for a $1 million prize and this year fans can watch the action live in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It spans a total of four days and there are plenty of activities for guests like player signing sessions, photo booths, airbrush tattoos, and so much more.
They will compete in the game of Counter-Strike in order to win the enormous grand prize. The great thing about this location is that the city is filled with fun things to do and see, and so far this city has not yet canceled the event due to the virus.
8 8. Blast Premier Spring Series Showdown (June 2-7)
The team who wins this event is automatically qualified for the Global Final, which is where big money can be won. 10 teams compete and the more games they win, the bigger the prize they can take home from the $325,000 prize pool.
The location for this event has not yet been announced, but we can be certain it will be epic. We will just have to wait and see what else this event has in store for eager fans of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.
7 7. DreamHack Jönköping 2020 (June 12-14)
This event is to be held in Jönköping, Sweden and it is currently still on as they expect the large event ban to be over by this time. This is basically a gaming festival with tournaments, LAN parties, cosplay, and live music for the guests to enjoy.
They will be hosting tournaments with large cash prizes for Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Hearthstone, Warcraft II: Reforged, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. The company hosting the event has expressed that if they cannot hold it on this date, then they hope to reschedule for later in the year.
6 6. Mid-Season Invitational (July 3-19)
This League of Legends tournament has already been postponed to later in the year due to the outbreak of the virus. It has been going on since 2015 and is a crucial event for professional gamers.
A lot is still unknown about this tournament, including where it will take place, but we expect more information to arise in the coming months. The company hopes that more travel bans will be lifted as the months go by, which will allow for more fans to attend this event.
5 5. EVO 2020 (July 31-August 2)
This event will take place in Las Vegas, Nevada and their goal is to bring together like-minded individuals to share in their passion together. A variety of tournaments will take place with games like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Soul Calibur VI, and so many more.
Attendees will receive special rates at the hotel in Mandalay Bay and anyone can participate in the festivities as it is open to the public. Sponsors will be selling merchandise for passionate players and we hope they have a pre-party event this year to start off the festivities.
4 4. IEM Melbourne (August 18-23)
A total of 16 teams will compete in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive for $250,000. It will be held in Melbourne, Australia and there will be a ton of other things going on for guests to enjoy.
They plan to have an inflatable obstacle course, a variety of open tournaments, and so much more. It only runs for two short days, but that is plenty of time for gamers to get their fill. It will be an event to remember as passionate gamers congregate in Rod Laver Arena.
3 3. The International (August 18-23)
Stockholm, Sweden will be the host of this event at the end of August as players congregate in the Ericsson Globe Arena. We expect them to use the same format in the past, which showcases 16 different teams going head-to-head.
They compete in a game called Dota 2 and players will be invited based on their standing in the Dota Pro Circuit. We don’t have a lot of information as of yet, but with it being held in this location we can bet it will be one to remember.
2 2. BlizzCon 2020 (Early November)
The dates for this event have not been announced to the public yet, but we expect an answer in the next few months. It is being held in Anaheim, California at the convention center in celebration of this company’s multitude of games.
They have everything from tournaments to cosplay competitions, as well as plenty of merchandise for super fans. There is so much going on that it will make this event one any gamer can’t miss.
1 1. Dreamhack Atlanta (November 13-15)
This is another event hosted by Dreamhack, but this time it is located in Atlanta, Georgia. It is set up similarly to the other with cosplay, live music, and huge LAN parties where gamers can meet likeminded people.
Not as much information is known about the details of this event, but rest assured it will be awesome. Gamers can download the app to check for updates as more details come to light about the state of this event.
NEXT: League Of Legends: The 10 Best Solo Characters In 2020 (So Far)
