The world of eSports is dynamic and ever-evolving, with tournaments and leagues taking place throughout the year across various games and platforms. Whether you’re a fan of MOBAs, FPS titles, battle royales, or sports simulations, keeping track of all the events can be challenging. That’s why we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to help you stay updated on the biggest eSports competitions, their schedules, and where to watch them. Never miss a match with our complete calendar!
Major eSports Events
League of Legends World Championship (Worlds)
- When: Annually, typically from late September to early November
- What: The pinnacle event for League of Legends, featuring the top teams from regional leagues around the world competing for the championship title.
- Where to Watch: LoL Esports, Twitch, and YouTube
The International (Dota 2)
- When: Annually, usually in August
- What: Hosted by Valve, this tournament boasts one of the largest prize pools in eSports history, bringing together the world’s best Dota 2 teams.
- Where to Watch: Dota 2 Official Website, Twitch, and YouTube
CS
Major Championships
- When: Twice a year
- What: Premier tournaments for Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, sponsored by Valve, featuring top-tier teams from around the globe.
- Where to Watch: CS
Esports, Twitch, and YouTube
Overwatch League (OWL)
- When: Regular season from February to August, followed by playoffs
- What: A professional eSports league for Overwatch, with city-based teams competing in a structured format.
- Where to Watch: Overwatch League Website, YouTube
Call of Duty League (CDL)
- When: Season typically runs from January to August
- What: The official professional league for Call of Duty, featuring franchised teams competing in a regular season and playoffs.
- Where to Watch: Call of Duty League, YouTube
Fortnite Champion Series (FNCS)
- When: Multiple events throughout the year, aligning with in-game seasons
- What: Epic Games’ official competitive series for Fortnite, open to qualified players worldwide.
- Where to Watch: Fortnite Official Site, Twitch, and YouTube
Rocket League Championship Series (RLCS)
- When: Seasonal splits throughout the year, culminating in the World Championship
- What: Professional teams compete in high-octane matches combining soccer and vehicular mayhem.
- Where to Watch: Rocket League Esports, Twitch, and YouTube
Valorant Champions Tour (VCT)
- When: Year-long circuit with stages leading up to the Valorant Champions event
- What: Riot Games’ official competitive circuit for Valorant, featuring regional and international competitions.
- Where to Watch: Valorant Esports, Twitch, and YouTube
Monthly Breakdown of eSports Events
January – March
- League Seasons Begin: Start of spring splits for regional leagues in League of Legends (LCS, LEC, LCK, LPL)
- Overwatch League Preseason: Teams prepare for the upcoming OWL season
- Call of Duty League Kickoff: CDL begins its regular season matches
- Dota Pro Circuit: Regional leagues commence, leading up to Major tournaments
April – June
- Mid-Season Invitational (MSI): International League of Legends tournament featuring top teams from each region
- Dota 2 Majors: Major tournaments offering qualification points for The International
- Valorant Masters: International events where top teams compete for VCT points
July – September
- Summer Splits: Regional leagues conclude their regular seasons and head into playoffs
- The International (Dota 2): The biggest annual event in Dota 2, with massive prize pools
- Fortnite Seasonal Events: FNCS tournaments corresponding with in-game seasons
October – December
- League of Legends World Championship: Teams compete for the Summoner’s Cup
- CS
Majors: Second Major of the year, featuring top CS
teams
- Rocket League World Championship: The best teams vie for the world title
- Overwatch League Grand Finals: Top teams battle for the championship
Regional Leagues and Circuits
League of Legends
- LCK (Korea)
- LPL (China)
- LEC (Europe)
- LCS (North America)
- PCS (Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, and Southeast Asia)
- CBLOL (Brazil)
Dota 2 Pro Circuit (DPC)
- Regional leagues in:
- Europe
- CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States)
- China
- Southeast Asia
- North America
- South America
Overwatch Contenders
- Developmental leagues across various regions supporting the Overwatch League
Valorant Regional Leagues
- North America Challengers
- EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) Challengers
- Korea Challengers
- Japan Challengers
- Southeast Asia Challengers
Staying Updated
Official Websites and Social Media
- Follow Official Channels: Keep an eye on the official websites and social media accounts of your favorite games and leagues for the latest news and schedule updates.
- Subscribe to Newsletters: Many eSports organizations offer newsletters that deliver updates directly to your inbox.
eSports News Platforms
- Esports Insider
- Dot Esports
- The Esports Observer
- HLTV.org for CS
- GosuGamers for various titles
Event Calendars and Apps
- Liquipedia.net: A comprehensive wiki for eSports schedules and results across multiple games.
- eSports Calendar Apps: Mobile apps that allow you to set reminders for upcoming matches and events.
Tips for Watching eSports
- Adjust for Time Zones: International events may occur outside of your local time zone. Use world clock apps to convert times.
- Streaming Platforms: Create accounts on Twitch and YouTube to follow channels and receive notifications.
- Engage with the Community: Join Discord servers, Reddit communities, or Twitter discussions to share excitement and insights.
- Watch VODs: If you can’t catch the live broadcast, most events offer video-on-demand replays.
- Attend Live Events: When possible, experience the excitement firsthand by attending events in person.
Why Keep Up with eSports Schedules?
- Support Your Favorite Teams and Players: Show your fandom by staying engaged with their matches.
- Stay Competitive: For aspiring eSports athletes, understanding the competitive landscape is crucial.
- Entertainment: Enjoy high-level gameplay, learn new strategies, and be part of a global community.
Conclusion
The eSports scene is rich and diverse, offering countless events that cater to fans of all genres. By keeping track of competition schedules, you ensure that you never miss the thrilling moments that make eSports so captivating. Use this guide as a starting point to plan your viewing and immerse yourself fully in the exciting world of competitive gaming.