Summer Showdown: 2023 Esports Major Tournaments and Events You Can’t Miss!

Esports

The eSports industry is experiencing an unprecedented surge in growth, and it shows no signs of slowing down. As the world grappled with strict travel restrictions and lockdowns, many individuals turned to gaming as a source of entertainment and social interaction.

This surge in interest has propelled competitive video gaming onto a global stage, with ever-increasing audiences and lucrative revenue streams. According to predictions, by 2024, the number of eSports enthusiasts will reach 577.8 million.

Amidst this exciting growth, the summer of 2023 promises to be a thrilling season for esports enthusiasts, with major tournaments and leagues taking place across the globe. Regional leagues in North America, Europe, Asia, and other parts of the world are in full swing, with top-tier teams competing fiercely for coveted spots in the playoffs.

Fans can expect to witness high-level gameplay from some of the world’s best esports teams as they engage in intense battles for supremacy during this season.

The League of Legends Championship Series (LCS) Summer Split is a standout event that will captivate fans. As one of North America’s most prestigious esports leagues, the LCS features renowned teams such as Team Liquid, Cloud9, and TSM.

The Summer Split holds significant importance as it determines the teams qualifying for the highly anticipated World Championship later in the year. With so much at stake, fans will witness heart-pounding matches as these talented teams fight relentlessly for glory.

On the other side of the world, Asia boasts several regional leagues that are well worth watching this summer. In South Korea, the League Champions Korea (LCK) commands the spotlight, featuring esports powerhouses like T1 and Gen.G fiercely battling for supremacy.

Esports has transcended geographical boundaries and language barriers, uniting millions of fans with a passion for virtual battles and extraordinary skill displays.

Gamers8 Tournament

The 2023 edition of Gamers8, already in full swing since July 6th and continuing until August 31st in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is a thrilling spectacle within the global esports landscape. Dubbed ‘The Land of Heroes,’ this year’s event is more significant than its inaugural edition in 2022. Organized by the Saudi Esports Federation, Gamers8 encompasses not only esports tournaments but also music concerts and the influential Next World Forum conference. 

With a record-breaking total prize pool of $45 million, the festival embodies gaming excellence. The 2023 Gamers8 has expanded to include twelve esports titles, with games such as CS: GO, StarCraft: Remastered, Starcraft II, Tekken 7, Street Fighter 6, PUBG, R1, and FIFA making their debut alongside returning favorites like Dota 2, Fortnite, Rocket League, Rainbow Six Siege, and PUBG Mobile.

Gamers, spectators, and enthusiasts are undoubtedly witnessing history as the Gamers8 tournament sets new standards and contributes to the unending growth of the esports industry.

Valorant Champions Tour 2023

The Valorant Champions Tour is a global tournament series for the video game Valorant organized by Riot Games. It is the pinnacle Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) event for the 2023 Valorant competitive season. Scheduled to take place in Los Angeles, California, in the United States, the tournament will run from August 6 to August 26, 2023.

Sixteen teams have secured their spots in the tournament thanks to their achievements in the regular season leagues, the 2023 Masters Tokyo, and the regional Last Chance Qualifiers.


Due to the rising popularity of esports, especially Valorant, many online sportsbooks have begun to issue odds for this tournament. It reflects the growing interest in competitive gaming and acknowledges the tournament’s significance within the esports community. So, whether you’re a seasoned esports bettor or a newcomer looking to embrace the thrill, now is the time to ride the wave and experience the rush of betting on the future of competitive gaming.

The International (TI)

The International 2023 is a must-see esports event for Dota 2 enthusiasts, as it is one of the most lucrative esports tournaments worldwide. Scheduled for October 14, 2023, in Seattle, USA, the event marks its grand return to the city after five years, following online editions in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic. 

The prestigious competition attracts top Dota 2 teams worldwide, all vying for a minimum prize pool of $1,600,000. Invitations are extended to teams based on their performance in the Dota Pro Circuit (DPC) and regional qualifiers, creating a highly competitive environment. 

With an astounding viewership reaching over 1.75 million and a record-breaking prize pool in recent editions, TI 2023 is a highlight in the esports calendar.

Pokémon World Championship 2023

Switching gears to another fan-favorite event, the Pokémon World Championship 2023 offers an enthralling experience for Pokémon fans. Scheduled from August 11 to August 13, 2023, in Yokohama, Japan, the championship will witness players from all corners of the globe battling for the top spot. 

Last year’s event, held at the ExCel London convention center, crowned five champions who took home prizes ranging from $10,000 to $25,000. The 2023 edition promises an electrifying in-person experience and will also be live-streamed on the official Pokémon Twitch channel, allowing players and fans worldwide to join in the excitement. 

CS:GO BLAST Premier: 2023

As BLAST Premier: 2023 unfolds, CS: GO fans eagerly await the elite-level Counter-Strike action and world-class entertainment the global circuit of events promises to deliver. The Fall Season, set for November 22 to 26, will feature its showdown. To cap off the year, the World Final will take place from December 13 to 17, featuring the top eight teams from the Spring and Fall seasons. 

The group rounds for both seasons will be held as in-studio events, followed by online Showdowns. At the same time, all finals will be hosted in grand arenas, providing an electrifying atmosphere for players and spectators. With BLAST Premier’s track record of delivering top-tier CS:GO action, 2023 is expected to be another memorable year for esports enthusiasts around the globe.

Final words

The Summer Showdown 2023 is expected to be a watershed season that takes the gaming experience to new heights as we go deeper into esports. The summer tournaments and events are to be noticed, from the intense and thrilling gameplay to the passion and friendship shared by players and spectators. 

Article and permission to publish here provided by Irina O’Connor. Originally written for Supply Chain Game Changer and published on August 3, 2023.

Cover image by byronton from Pixabay