If there was any debate about which game still sits at the top of esports, 2025’s prize pool figures settle it pretty convincingly. Counter-Strike once again stands above the rest, pulling in more prize money than any other title this year and doing so by a fairly wide margin.
At the same time, there are some interesting numbers across other esports as well. Established giants like League of Legends continue to grow steadily, while games such as Rocket League have quietly enjoyed some of their strongest years yet.
Counter-Strike Leads By A Distance
With a total prize pool of $32.28 million in 2025 according to EsportsCharts, Counter-Strike sits head and shoulders above the rest of the pack. The esport thrives on a constant stream of tournaments, from elite international LANs down to packed regional circuits, and the packed calendar really helps contribute to this prize pool growth.
While other games fluctuate depending on flagship events, such as LoL Worlds or Dota 2’s The International, Counter-Strike’s ecosystem is much broader.
Behind Counter-Strike, the picture becomes much more varied. Dota 2 concluded 2025 with $23.15 million in prize money, demonstrating that even with fewer tournaments, the game still delivers substantial payouts when it matters. It’s a more concentrated ecosystem, but one that continues to reward top-performing teams.
Meanwhile, Honor of Kings once again proved that mobile esports are serious business. The $21.78 million total is largely driven by Asia, where the game remains a cultural and competitive powerhouse.
Battle royale titles also remain in a healthy spot. Fortnite generated $15.65 million, supported by a mix of open tournaments and creator-focused events, while PUBG Mobile closely followed at $15.31 million, reiterating mobile esports as a major force in the global esports ecosystem.
Huge Gains in League of Legends and Rocket League
Further down the list, League of Legends recorded $14.92 million, an increase of almost 60%.
Riot Games’ other baby, Valorant, reached $11.26 million in 2025 with a 23.7% increase, as its global ecosystem continues to mature.
Elsewhere, Rocket League’s $9.78 million stands out as one of the year’s more positive surprises following a 45% boost.
These are all overwhelmingly positive for the overall esports landscape, where salary cuts and major cost-cutting measures have been implemented across the board. The question is whether 2026 can see a return to a more stable environment for the entire ecosystem.
