10 Best Games With Real Money Tournaments in the US

Best Games With Real Money Tournaments in the US now offer professional pathways and established prize pools, demonstrating how competitive gaming in the US has advanced significantly from casual play.

Strong esports ecosystems, official league backing, and skill-based competition are all combined in the top real-money tournament games.

These games, which range from battle royale to tactical shooters and sports simulations, give players real-world income prospects, global recognition, and the opportunity to transform their gaming prowess into quantifiable financial and professional achievement.

Key Point

Game / Platform	Key Point (US Real Money Tournaments)
Fortnite	Hosts official cash tournaments including FNCS with large prize pools and verified competitive structure in the US.
Call of Duty: Warzone	Regular US cash tournaments via third-party platforms and official competitive Call of Duty events.
Apex Legends	Features ALGS tournaments with real money prizes for US players.
League of Legends	US-based tournaments through Riot’s official circuits and amateur cash competitions.
Dota 2	Offers prize pool tournaments including US regional qualifiers and third-party events.
Counter-Strike 2	US esports tournaments with real cash prizes across multiple competitive leagues.
Valorant	Hosts official Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) events with US prize competitions.
Rocket League	RLCS tournaments and US cash prize competitions available for competitive players.
Madden NFL 24	Official Madden Championship Series offers US-based real money tournaments.
NBA 2K24	NBA 2K League and online US tournaments provide real cash prize opportunities.

1. Fortnite

Developed by Epic Games, Fortnite is one of the most famous games with real money tournaments in the US. It hosts the Fortnite Champion Series (FNCS) where cash prizes reach millions of dollars.

Players fight in solo, duo, or group matches over multiple qualifiers to win a final match. The game has a new seasonal structure that gives players the chance to compete each season.

With high quality esports production, Fortnite continues to be a popular choice among US competitors. It has officially sanctioned tournaments that are skill-based and open to all players throughout the country.

Fortnite Key Features

1. Money tournaments for FNCS
2. Unique mechanics for building
3. Ability to compete across all platforms
4. Ranked mode for each season

👍 Pros

1. Prize pools are massive
2. Everyone can play for free
3. Plenty of players are active

👎 Cons

1. Everyone is very skilled
2. Beginners have a very hard time building

2. Call of Duty: Warzone

Activision’s Call of Duty: Warzone is one of the most prominent real money tournament offerings in the US gaming market. Warzone events require players to combine strategy, shooting, and teamwork, providing an experience that appeals to most players.

Cash events are a regular occurrence, both with third-party organizers and with official Call of Duty leagues. These events have varying prize pools, with some events having region-based qualifiers that lead to bigger championships.

Warzone’s place within the overall Call of Duty ecosystem allows it to maintain competitive balance and high-level play. Its large player base and consistent tournament offerings makes it one of the most competitive FPS battle royale games in North America.

Call of Duty: Warzone Key Features

1. Cash tournaments (both official and 3rd party)
2. FPS mechanics are realistic
3. Competitions based on squads
4. Call of Duty esports is integrated

👍 Pros

1. Plenty of tournaments in the US
2. Viewers engage very easily
3. Tactical gameplay and fast pace

👎 Cons

1. You need good hardware
2. The meta often changes

3. Apex Legends

Electronic Arts’s Apex Legends has become an important title for US real money tournaments. The Apex Legends Global Series (ALGS) offers substantial cash competitions, enticing highly skilled players and teams.

US players fight each other online and at the LAN competitions, aiming to get enough points to qualify for the championship brackets. Apex’s combination of diverse character abilities and tactical fighting encourages high level juggling and teamwork.

The competitive ranking system is seasonal, providing new ranking resets and money earning opportunities throughout the year. ALGS events stream live with commentary and highlights.

Apex Legends Key Features

1. Global tourney circuit for ALGS
2. Abilities for each hero
3. Ladder for ranked
4. Focus on team strategy

👍 Pros

1. The ecosystem of competition is very balanced
2. Teamwork mechanics are very strong
3. Events each season

👎 Cons

1. The learning curve is steep
2. Coordination is key for teams

4. League of Legends

Among the various segments of the gaming industry, Riot Games has accustomed players to some of the best cash tournament offerings in the country. The biggest draw within the Riot Games portfolio is League of Legends.

For a long period of time, League of Legends has hosted professional tournaments within the gaming ecosystem. League of Legends has also pioneered the development of the North American esports ecosystem, showcasing professional match commentary and league analytics. The winner of the tournament and the entire league is awarded cash prizes.

Success requires players to demonstrate a considerable level of individual skill to go along with the team to demonstrate a high level of maturity, and a strong communication foundation.

Key Features

1. Pro League for the LCS
2. Gameplay is 5v5 and very strategic
3. Lots of champions to choose from
4. Tournaments for amateurs and colloegiate players

👍 Pros

1. Well-constructed US esports ecosystem
2. Tactical gameplay on high end
3. Organized yearly tournaments

👎 Cons

1. Player toxicity
2. Matches are too lengthy

5. Dota 2

Dota 2, which is produced by the Valve Corporation, is known for having some of the largest tournament prize pools, including for the US region. The International has one of the highest prize pools in the world, and also has North America regional events and qualifiers that pay out real money to winning teams.

Dota 2 offers complex gameplay mechanics and team strategy, which draws in highly competitive players. Tournaments are hosted both online and at LAN locations, and are community supported.

Many third-party tournament organizers run cash prize events, and successful teams are given sponsorships as well as a sizable fan base. The competitive scene is very deep, which provides highly skilled players with a plethora of ways to earn money through their skills.

Dota 2 Key Features

1. Open tournament qualifiers
2. High prize money tournaments
3. Advanced competition in the North America
4. Complex mechanics per hero

👍 Pros

1. Community-funded competitions
2. Significant economic reward
3. High level of skill to play

👎 Cons

1. Smaller population of NA players compared to League of Legends
2. Extremely challenging for novice players

6. Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2, also published by the Valve Corporation, continues the prestigious history of the competitive US real money tournament scene of Counter-Strike titles. With a focus on precision, tactics, and coordination, the CS2 tournaments provide large cash rewards as part of their league structure with partners in esports like ESL.

US teams are able to compete at both a national and international level, and the tournament structure provides a bracket, qualification, and playoff system.

The game provides online qualifiers and features with the community high level participation for the major LAN tournaments, and that will help attract players to earn money through their skill and the competitive integrity of the title.

Counter-Strike 2 Key Features

1. Online and LAN tournaments
2. Cash prizes and ESL tournaments
3. Shooting based on precision
4. Tactical gameplay on 5 vs 5

👍 Pros

1. Established esports industry in the US
2. Legacy of first-person shooters
3. Strong competitive integrity based on skill

👎 Cons

1. In-play deception and cheating
2. High level of mechanical skill needed
3. Long duration of matches

7. Valorant

In less than two years since its formal launch, Valorant has become one of the fastest-growing real money tournament games in the United States. The Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) provides an opportunity for players and teams to earn real money by competing in the tournament.

In the tournament, players are able to combine tactical gameplay and agent abilities to create an environment rich in competition, strategy, and the need for precise gameplay. Regional leagues in the United States feed to international competitions where players can win real money.

The organizer of the tournament, Riot Games, has implemented player thorough tournament integrity, rules consistency, and online vs. offline tournaments to create a rich environment for tournament integrity. With its organized esports system and loyal viewer base, Valorant has become a competitive platform for esports players.

Valorantn Key Features

1. Champions Tour
2. Region-based leagues
3. Ranked competitive play
4. Abilities based on agents

👍 Pros

1. Developer-supported esports
2. Increasing US player demographic
3. Balanced tactical gameplay

👎 Cons

1. Team communication is needed
2. Shifting meta based on agents

8. Rocket League

As a combination of cars and soccer, Psyonix has made competitive esports and soccer mobile. The main source for real money tournaments for players in the United States is The Rocket League Championship Series (RLCS).

In RLCS, players are able to show their skills and compete for large cash prizes in a fast environment that requires a high level of coordination among their teammates. RLCS is able to attract a large number of viewers, and has, in some cases, provided financing for players in the lower tiers of the tournament.

Rocket League offers a unique system of gameplay and a strong competitive environment for players who are searching for a source of entertainment combined with professionalism.

Rocket League Features

1. RLCS tournament structure
2. 3v3 competitive format
3. Cross-platform matchmaking
4. Mechanical skill-based gameplay

Pros

1. Easy to learn basics
2. Fast-paced matches
3. Strong US competitive scene

Cons

1. Hard to master advanced mechanics
2. Limited gameplay variety

9. Madden NFL 24

In Madden NFL 24 by Electronic Arts, participants can engage in the **Madden Championship Series (MCS)**, an event that has a highly regarded competitive circuit in the United States that involves real cash prizes. Players can participate in person and online in event setups that replicate professional American football.

The game requires some cash to enter, and typically, there are major cash prizes for the top The increasing popularity of Madden NFL has spawned numerous community tournaments, as well as a rise in collegiate esports.

Madden NFL has established itself as the centerpiece for esports in the gaming industry. Madden NFL continues to gain prominence as a competitive sport, resulting in larger cash prizes and more prestigious championships to be awarded to the top gamers.

Madden NFL 24 Features

1. Madden Championship Series (MCS)
2. NFL simulation gameplay
3. Online qualifiers
4. Official US competitive events

Pros

1. Strong US fan base
2. Realistic football strategy
3. Official esports backing

Cons

1. Limited global appeal
2. Gameplay balance concerns

10. NBA 2K24

2K’s NBA 2K24 is partnered with the NBA 2K League and offers competitive play in cash tournaments for US players. Players can participate as a team or an individual and join the event to compete for a notable cash prize.

The competitive system of NBA 2K24 has a champion, automated ranked season system, and qualifier-based tournaments.

Players can execute their own strategy with a combination of player and team management, skill-based moves, and real NBA regulations that govern the game.

The game allows the player to compete, with thousands of gamers and a large cash prize. NBA 2K24 is in high demand and has a as a result, high demand for tournaments.

NBA 2k24 Features

1. NBA 2K League tournaments
2. Team & solo competitions
3. Ranked competitive modes
4. Realistic basketball simulation

Pros

1. Large US tournament ecosystem
2. Strong esports exposure
3. Real-world NBA integration

Cons

1. Microtransactions impact competitiveness
2. Skill gap in advanced mechanics

Criteria for Selection – Best Games With Real Money Tournaments in the US

Support For Tournaments

Games should have real money tournaments that have been recognized in the US. This means that there should be clear tournament rules, structure for the verification of tournament brackets, and there should be payoff systems for the US players.

Stable US Player Community

A US player community that is strong, large, and consistent means there will be consistently run tournaments, matchmaking will be more balanced/there will be enough players of varying skill levels, and there will be more regional qualifiers.

Prize Pools

All tournaments should have money as the reward for winners and there should be tournaments in which the money reward is large. This should include money for regional championships and finals because there should be consistent opportunities to receive money.

Fair Play

In order to ensure that all players have the same chances to win, there should be clear rules, consistent oversights, and a fair ranking system. These will ensure that the resolution of the system and the competitive integrity is protected.

Printer for Players

In order to have a sustained and long term competitive growth there should be LAN matches, league printing, and qualifiers and there should be a clear structure for tournaments. This includes the support for events that are sponsored and that have been organized for tournaments for players to compete in.

Accessibility & Entry Path

The game should have open qualifiers, ranked ladders, or amateur circuits that let new players participate in competitive tournaments without needing barriers and invitational restrictions.

Skill-Based Gameplay

Real money tournaments should be based on and reward the competition’s skill, strategy, teamwork, and mechanics without luck to promote fairness in and sustain esports ecosystems.

Benefits of Participating in Real Money Tournaments

Real Earning Opportunities

While winning a cash prize is a possibility in these tournaments, obtaining a cash prize becomes more likely as you become better. This makes playing in these tournaments a possible side job or even a full time job if you are consistent enough.

Professional Career Path

Having tournament wins on your resume can help you get noticed by eSports companies. This can lead to your first sponsorship, stream, and even professional team contracts.

Skill Development

Your in game skills will increase, and you will become a better strategic, and analytical thinker. You will also become a better communicator, and team player. This can all happen because of the skills you develop in high level tournaments.

Increased Exposure

Since tournaments get streamed, and are even posted on social media, you are given the chance to promote your social media and build your brand in the eSports community.

Networking Opportunities

During tournaments you will have the chance to meet your future teammates, coaches, sponsors, and other notable people in the eSports community that can help you take your game to the next level.

Structured Competitive Environment

There will be referees, rules, and a ranking system to ensure a professional standard to the level of competition of the tournament.

Motivation & Competitive Experience

Playing in these tournaments will help you develop skills to be focused, disciplined, and motivated. You will feel the professional level competition, and negative or positive emotions that come with it.

Conclusion

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