Over the years eSports prize pools have gone up and down with the successes and failures of tournament organizations. eSports was also effected by the global economic recession which is visible in the numbers.
| ESL IEM | Total Prize Pool |
| Season 1 | $209,974.49 |
| Season 2 | $285,000.00 |
| Season 3 | $750,000.00 |
| Season 4 | $530,000.00 |
| Season 5 | $400,000.00 |
| Season 6 | $635,000.00 |
| MLG Season | Total Prize Pool |
| 2005 | $250,000.00 |
| 2006 | $800,000.00 |
| 2007 | $1,000,000.00 |
| 2008 | $680,500.00 |
| 2009 | $800,000.00 |
| 2010 | $500,000.00 |
| 2011 | $1,000,000.00 |
| CPL Season | Total Prize Pool |
| 2004 | $400,000.00 |
| 2005 | $1,300,000.00 |
| 2006 | $230,000.00 |
| 2007 | $60,000.00 |
| CGS | Total Prize Pool |
| 2007 | $1,000,000.00 |
| 2008 | $1,000,000.00 |
| ESWC | Total Prize Pool |
| 2003 | $204,635.95 |
| 2004 | $275,459.33 |
| 2005 | $393,513.33 |
| 2006 | $393,513.33 |
| 2007 | $180,000.00 |
| 2008 | $230,000.00 |
| 2009 | $70,828.57 |
| 2010 | $280,034.58 |
| 2011 | $200,000.00 |
| WCG | Total Prize Pool |
| 2001 | $338,000.00 |
| 2002 | $300,000.00 |
| 2003 | $350,000.00 |
| 2004 | $412,600.00 |
| 2005 | $435,000.00 |
| 2006 | $462,000.00 |
| 2007 | $448,000.00 |
| 2008 | $470,000.00 |
| 2009 | $283,000.00 |
| 2010 | $222,400.00 |