Introduction
Esports has grown from small LAN gatherings into a global phenomenon with million-dollar tournaments, millions of viewers, and international prestige. Among the most exciting and celebrated events in this world are invitational tournaments — exclusive competitions that bring together the best teams or players from across the globe by invitation only.
Unlike open qualifiers where anyone can participate, invitational tournaments feature the elite — the champions, the veterans, and rising stars who have already proven themselves in other leagues or events. These tournaments often serve as showcases of skill, strategy, and innovation, pushing esports to new heights.
In this blog, we’ll explore the best invitational tournaments in esports, their significance, unique formats, and why they hold a special place in both players’ and fans’ hearts.
What Makes an Invitational Tournament Special
Before we dive into the top events, it’s worth understanding why invitational tournaments stand out in the crowded esports calendar.
- Exclusive Competition: Only top-tier teams or players are invited, guaranteeing world-class performances.
- Unique Formats: Invitational events often experiment with new formats, game modes, or regional matchups that fans wouldn’t normally see.
- Prestige and Legacy: Even though they might not always carry the biggest prize pools, invitational trophies are highly respected due to the level of competition.
- Entertainment Factor: Invitational events are often designed with fans in mind — featuring show matches, celebrity appearances, and live audience interactions.
- Innovation and Testing Ground: Game developers and organizers use invitationals to test new patches, maps, and strategies before major tournaments.
Now, let’s look at the invitational tournaments that have set benchmarks across the esports world.
1. League of Legends Mid-Season Invitational (MSI)
Game: League of Legends (LoL)
Organizer: Riot Games
The Mid-Season Invitational, or MSI, is one of the most prestigious events in the League of Legends competitive calendar. It brings together the top team from each regional league (such as the LCS, LEC, LCK, and LPL) to compete for global dominance before the World Championship.
Why It Stands Out:
- Elite competition: Only the best from every major region qualify.
- Strategic diversity: Different regions bring unique playstyles — Korean precision, Chinese aggression, European creativity, and North American adaptability.
- Historic rivalries: MSI often produces unforgettable clashes, like T1 vs. G2 Esports and RNG vs. DWG KIA.
- Prestige: Winning MSI cements a team’s status as a world leader in League of Legends.
Memorable Moment:
In 2019, G2 Esports shocked the world by defeating the mighty SK Telecom T1 (T1), marking Europe’s first international trophy since Season 1.
2. CS:GO BLAST Premier: Spring and Fall Finals
Game: Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) / Counter-Strike 2 (CS2)
Organizer: BLAST
BLAST Premier is one of the most visually stunning and professionally organized esports circuits. Its Spring and Fall Finals are invitational-style tournaments where top teams from earlier group stages or partner organizations battle for major titles.
Why It Stands Out:
- Cinematic production: BLAST is known for its unmatched stage design, lighting, and audience experience.
- Elite rosters: Only the world’s top teams — like NAVI, FaZe Clan, Vitality, and G2 — make the cut.
- Fan engagement: The events are structured to maximize viewer excitement, with storylines that build across the season.
Memorable Moment:
FaZe Clan’s victory at the BLAST Fall Final 2022 in front of a roaring Copenhagen crowd was one of the most electric atmospheres ever seen in esports.
3. Dota 2: The ESL One Series
Game: Dota 2
Organizer: ESL
The ESL One series represents some of the longest-running and most prestigious invitationals in esports. While The International is Dota 2’s main event, ESL One offers high-quality, invite-only tournaments throughout the year, often hosted in iconic arenas like Hamburg, Birmingham, and Katowice.
Why It Stands Out:
- Global reach: ESL events bring together teams from every major region.
- Historic venues: Matches are played in front of massive, passionate crowds.
- Prestige: ESL One titles are seen as symbols of consistency and dominance outside of The International.
Memorable Moment:
OG’s dramatic win at ESL One Frankfurt 2016 set the tone for their dominance in years to come, leading eventually to their back-to-back TI championships.
4. Valorant Invitational Events (Red Bull Home Ground & VCT LOCK//IN)
Game: Valorant
Organizer: Riot Games & Red Bull
Riot’s Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) has brought competitive Valorant into the spotlight, and its invitational events — particularly the VCT LOCK//IN tournament and the Red Bull Home Ground — have captivated fans with thrilling matchups and innovation.
Why It Stands Out:
- Experimental formats: Red Bull Home Ground rewards dominant performances on a team’s “home map.”
- Global representation: VCT LOCK//IN gathers top teams from every major region for early-season bragging rights.
- Showmanship: Riot’s production value ensures a premium viewing experience.
Memorable Moment:
In 2023, Fnatic’s victory at VCT LOCK//IN in São Paulo became an instant classic — a heart-pounding 3–2 win against LOUD in front of a wild Brazilian crowd.
5. PUBG Global Invitational (PGI)
Game: PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG)
Organizer: Krafton
The PUBG Global Invitational is one of the premier events for battle royale esports, featuring the world’s top teams in a high-stakes, invitation-only showdown.
Why It Stands Out:
- Elite competition: Only top-ranked teams from various regions are invited.
- Dynamic gameplay: Battle royale tournaments are inherently unpredictable, ensuring thrilling finishes.
- High production value: PGI events are known for their cinematic coverage and detailed analytics.
Memorable Moment:
The 2021 PGI.S saw Gen.G and Soniqs deliver breathtaking performances, showcasing that PUBG’s strategic depth still thrives at the highest level.
6. Rainbow Six Siege Invitational
Game: Rainbow Six Siege
Organizer: Ubisoft
The Six Invitational, often called “The SI,” is the Super Bowl of Rainbow Six Siege. Although it technically serves as the game’s world championship, its invitation-based format and exclusive feel make it one of the most iconic events in all of esports.
Why It Stands Out:
- World-class teams: The best of the best — from LATAM, NA, EU, and APAC — go head-to-head.
- Passion and fan energy: The Siege community treats The SI as an annual celebration.
- Evolving meta: Each tournament shapes the game’s tactical evolution.
Memorable Moment:
Team Empire’s incredible run in 2019, capped by a thrilling 3–1 victory over G2 Esports, remains one of Siege’s greatest storylines.
7. Fortnite Invitational (FNCS Invitational)
Game: Fortnite
Organizer: Epic Games
The Fortnite Champion Series (FNCS) Invitational is Epic’s showcase event, bringing the top players from regional FNCS circuits to compete for multi-million-dollar prizes and ultimate glory.
Why It Stands Out:
- Massive prize pools: Fortnite events are known for record-breaking payouts.
- Unique competitive style: Mixes solo, duo, and team modes, keeping fans guessing.
- Fan engagement: Spectacular stages, fan zones, and celebrity appearances elevate the experience.
Memorable Moment:
Bugha’s dominating win in the 2019 Fortnite World Cup Final remains one of esports’ most iconic individual performances — a masterclass in skill and composure.
8. Call of Duty: Warzone World Series Invitational
Game: Call of Duty: Warzone
Organizer: Activision
The World Series of Warzone (WSOW) has quickly become one of the most electrifying battle royale invitationals, featuring the biggest streamers, professional players, and celebrity squads.
Why It Stands Out:
- Star power: Mixes entertainment and competition with streamers like Aydan, Scump, and HusKerrs.
- Dynamic format: Combines kill races and placement scoring for nonstop action.
- Community appeal: The open yet elite atmosphere makes it accessible and exciting.
Memorable Moment:
The 2022 WSOW Global Finals featured jaw-dropping plays and a dramatic last-circle showdown that had fans across Twitch and YouTube cheering.
9. Overwatch World Cup and Overwatch Invitationals
Game: Overwatch 2
Organizer: Blizzard Entertainment
The Overwatch World Cup and special Overwatch Invitationals showcase national pride and elite-level play in Blizzard’s hero shooter.
Why It Stands Out:
- National representation: Players compete for their countries, adding emotional depth.
- Fast-paced excitement: Overwatch’s dynamic gameplay ensures thrilling finals.
- Global community: Fans from across continents unite in celebration.
Memorable Moment:
The USA’s 2019 victory over South Korea broke the Korean dynasty, signaling a global shift in competitive balance.
10. Red Bull Kumite (Fighting Games Invitational)
Game: Street Fighter / Tekken / Guilty Gear
Organizer: Red Bull
The Red Bull Kumite is one of the most respected invitational events in the fighting game community (FGC). Hosted in dramatic cage-like arenas, it brings together only the world’s top fighting game players.
Why It Stands Out:
- Prestige: Invitations are limited to elite professionals and legends.
- Unique stage design: The “cage” setup adds intensity and spectacle.
- Legacy: Red Bull Kumite has crowned champions who go on to dominate EVO and other major tournaments.
Memorable Moment:
In 2021, Tokido’s stunning comeback in Street Fighter V left the audience roaring — a reminder of why Kumite remains a fan-favorite spectacle.
The Future of Invitational Esports
Invitational tournaments are evolving rapidly. With advances in technology, cross-platform integration, and global participation, the line between traditional sports and esports continues to blur. Future invitationals will likely feature hybrid formats — blending offline arenas with online accessibility, allowing fans to interact directly through digital platforms.
Game publishers are also using invitational events as testing grounds for new titles, formats, and spectator technologies, ensuring fans always experience something fresh.
Conclusion
From the roaring crowds of MSI to the high-tech stages of BLAST Premier and the emotional narratives of The Six Invitational, invitational tournaments are the beating heart of esports culture. They combine the highest level of skill, prestige, and production into one unforgettable spectacle.
For fans, they represent the ultimate showdown — where only the best face the best. For players, they are the pinnacle of achievement, the moment when talent meets destiny on the world’s biggest stage.
Esports will continue to evolve, but one thing remains certain: invitational tournaments will always be where legends are born, rivalries are ignited, and history is made.
