Photo: ESEA

We’ve come so far. While esports in general has grown, it’s important to note by just how much. The crowds get bigger, the reach expands, and the prize pools get bigger.

While DOTA 2 is far from being toppled in terms of total prize money thanks to The International, Counter-Strike has come a long way.

From small centers and hotel conference rooms or side events at larger conventions, CS:GO now has events that stand on their own and provide years worth of winnings from the past.

Thus far in 2019 (as of May 20th), $7,477,544.42 has been given out in prize money across 109 according to esportsearnings.com. Taking a look into the past for comparison, 2014 upon its completion had seen 157 events awarding a total of $2,710,427.74. In roughly six months time, 2019 has given out $5 million more.

Let’s compare events now. In 2014, there was $47,500 up for grabs at the ESEA S17 LAN Finals, which is the past version of the ESL Pro League prior to expansion and rebranding. In 2019, the ESL Pro League finals are offering $750,000. In five years, the prize pool has increased by $702,500.

In 2013, Valve introduced the CS:GO Majors. They provided $250,000 in prize money and the scene roared in excitement. For a total of six majors, $250,000 was handed down by Valve in support of the games most prestigious event.

Starting in 2016 with the first North American Major, MLG Columbus, Valve bumped this number to $1 million. For seven Majors now and two in the works, Valve has stuck to the $1 million. An increase of $750,000 from each Major in the block of 2013-2015 to 2016-2019.

In 2013, the games first full year being released, a total of 109 events were run (same as Jan-May so far in 2019) with $1,451,869.51 handed out, an amount nearly doubled by the Majors alone we’ll have this year. Counter-Strike has come a long way. We’ve come a long way.

All data gathered from esportsearnings.com.

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