Esports has grown from a niche hobby into a global phenomenon, captivating millions of fans and players across the world. As the industry has evolved, so have the moments that have shaped its history. From jaw-dropping comebacks to unexpected upsets and unforgettable performances, some esports moments have become legendary. These are the moments that transcended gaming and made a lasting impact on the esports world. Let’s dive into some of the biggest and most unforgettable moments in esports history.
1. “The International 3: Alliance vs. Na’Vi” – The Pinnacle of Dota 2
One of the most iconic moments in esports history occurred at The International 3 (TI3) in 2013, when Alliance faced off against Na’Vi in the grand final of the Dota 2 World Championship. After a hard-fought series, the grand final became legendary for its intense, high-level strategy, and drama. What made this moment so special was not just the quality of the play, but the sheer tension and emotion that poured out from both teams.
The game that captured everyone’s attention was Game 5, where Alliance pulled off an incredible strategy known as the “Rat Dota” — a tactic designed to outlast and outmaneuver opponents rather than directly confront them. The series was so close, and the finale was a true display of esports at its finest, with Alliance securing the victory and a prize pool of over $1 million.
Why It’s Iconic:
This moment not only showcased the skill and strategy involved in competitive Dota 2 but also helped establish The International as one of the biggest events in esports. The match is still widely regarded as one of the most exciting and emotional esports moments of all time.
2. “The League of Legends 2018 World Championship: Faker’s Fall”
In the world of League of Legends, few names are as synonymous with excellence as Faker (Lee Sang-hyeok). He is widely considered one of the greatest players in the history of the game, but at the 2018 League of Legends World Championship, a historic upset occurred. Invictus Gaming (IG), a Chinese team, faced SK Telecom T1 (SKT), with Faker leading the charge for his squad. After an intense series, IG delivered a crushing 3-0 sweep, knocking out Faker’s SKT from the tournament and securing their first World Championship victory.
The moment marked a significant shift in the competitive League of Legends scene, signaling the rise of Chinese dominance in the esports scene and the end of an era of SKT’s repeated dominance at Worlds.
Why It’s Iconic:
Faker’s uncharacteristic fall from grace at the 2018 Worlds was a turning point for the League of Legends competitive scene. It signified the evolution of the game and how the global balance of power had shifted, with IG dethroning SKT’s dominance.
3. “CS:GO – Virtus.Pro’s ‘The Greatest Comeback’ at ELEAGUE Major 2017”
The Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) ELEAGUE Major in 2017 will forever be remembered for Virtus.Pro’s dramatic comeback in the grand final against FaZe Clan. FaZe had the upper hand, leading 10-5 in the second half of the final map. Virtus.Pro, however, put together an unbelievable comeback to win the game 16-14, taking the Major victory and delivering one of the most heart-stopping finishes in the game’s history.
The series was filled with incredible individual plays, clutch moments, and a level of teamwork and composure that elevated the match into esports lore. Virtus.Pro’s ability to remain calm and execute under pressure was a testament to their skill and mentality, marking a defining moment for CS:GO esports.
Why It’s Iconic:
This moment not only secured Virtus.Pro‘s place in esports history but also emphasized the unpredictability and drama of competitive Counter-Strike. The comeback was one of the most thrilling finishes in a Major, proving that anything can happen in esports.
4. “Call of Duty: Optic Gaming’s Dynasty and the Rise of Green Wall”
Optic Gaming, one of the most legendary brands in esports, has been a dominant force in Call of Duty for over a decade. However, their success wasn’t just about winning tournaments; it was about the cultural impact they made on the Call of Duty scene. One of the most defining moments of Optic’s legacy was their victory at the Call of Duty Championship 2017.
Led by Seth “Scump” Abner, Optic’s dynasty was solidified during this period, as they established themselves as the face of Call of Duty esports. Their dominance, combined with their unique fanbase — known as the “Green Wall” — made them a juggernaut in the scene, and their victory at the 2017 World Championship was the cherry on top.
Why It’s Iconic:
Optic Gaming’s success transcended just winning tournaments; it helped cement esports as a legitimate and entertaining competitive industry. Their influence over Call of Duty and the rise of their fanbase showed the power of team culture in esports, and their legacy continues to live on.
5. “PUBG – The First Ever Battle Royale World Championship”
When PUBG (PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds) became the first game to popularize the Battle Royale genre, it ushered in a whole new era of competitive gaming. The 2018 PUBG Global Invitational (PGI) in Berlin, which featured the first-ever Battle Royale World Championship, made history in esports. The event saw 20 of the best teams from around the world compete for the ultimate prize, with Cloud9 emerging as the champions.
What made this event particularly historic was the sheer scale of the competition, which included some of the best PUBG players and teams in the world. The tournament proved that competitive Battle Royale could be just as exciting and strategic as traditional esports titles, paving the way for future Battle Royale games to enter the competitive space.
Why It’s Iconic:
The PGI 2018 was a landmark event in the esports world, proving that Battle Royale games could thrive in a competitive environment. The event’s success laid the foundation for the rise of Fortnite, Apex Legends, and other Battle Royale games that followed.
6. “Overwatch – The Overwatch League Inaugural Season”
The launch of the Overwatch League (OWL) in 2018 was a game-changing moment for esports, representing one of the first times a game developer invested in a fully franchised esports league. The inaugural season of OWL brought teams from cities all over the world, from Los Angeles to Seoul, and showcased Overwatch as a mainstream esports title. The final, which saw London Spitfire defeat Philadelphia Fusion 3-1, was the culmination of years of planning and development, not just for Blizzard but for the esports ecosystem at large.
The OWL’s structure and broadcast approach brought in traditional sports elements like team branding, city-based teams, and regular seasons, making it one of the most successful esports leagues in history.
Why It’s Iconic:
The Overwatch League set the blueprint for the future of esports leagues, bringing traditional sports-style infrastructure and viewership to the esports world. Its impact helped push esports further into the mainstream and showed that competitive gaming could be treated like a major global sport.
7. “Fortnite – Ninja’s Stream with Drake”
Though Fortnite’s rise to prominence has been marked by many incredible in-game moments, one of the most unforgettable esports moments happened outside the game itself: the legendary stream featuring Tyler ‘Ninja’ Blevins and Drake in 2018. The two gaming icons teamed up for a Fortnite duo, drawing millions of viewers as the stream became the most-watched event in Twitch history at the time. The collaboration between a gaming streamer and a global pop star marked the intersection of gaming and mainstream culture.
Why It’s Iconic:
This moment was pivotal because it brought gaming into the cultural mainstream, with a massive crossover appeal that drew non-gamers into the world of esports. It helped establish Fortnite as not just a game but a cultural phenomenon, further solidifying its place in esports history.
Conclusion: The Ever-Evolving Esports Landscape
Esports has evolved in leaps and bounds over the years, with each tournament and event contributing to the growth of the industry. From strategic triumphs to emotional victories, the biggest moments in esports history have shaped the world of competitive gaming and pushed it into the global spotlight. As esports continues to grow, we can only imagine what the next legendary moments will be. Whether you’re a fan of Dota 2, CS:GO, or Fortnite, the future of esports is filled with endless possibilities and more moments to create history.
