Which tournament awarded the largest esports prize pool, exceeding $40 million, in 2021?

The International 10 awarded the largest esports prize pool, exceeding $40 million, in 2021. Valve’s Dota 2 championship distributed a total prize pool of $40,018,195, setting a record for an esports tournament at the time.

The unusually large sum came primarily from the Battle Pass crowdfunding system. A portion of sales from the in-game compendium and related content was added to Valve’s base contribution, allowing the community to fund much of the championship’s prize money.

The event was originally scheduled for Stockholm, Sweden, but competitive and public-health complications led to the final being held in Bucharest, Romania. The tournament was played without a live audience after plans for spectators were cancelled.

Team Spirit won the championship by defeating PSG.LGD in the grand final. Prize-pool records can change, so this fact refers specifically to the 2021 edition and its officially reported total.