The Most Memorable Moments in Competitive Esports History

22 May 2025

Competitive esports has cemented itself as a cultural and entertainment phenomenon. From humble beginnings in dark LAN rooms to filling up massive stadiums worldwide, esports has created moments etched into the memories of gamers and fans alike. Whether you’re a die-hard esports enthusiast or someone who just stumbled into this wild world, chances are, you’ve heard whispers or seen clips of jaw-dropping plays, heart-stopping comebacks, or iconic rivalries that stand the test of time.

Let’s take a ride through some of the most memorable moments in competitive esports history. These are the highlights that not only shaped the games but also defined the spirit of esports itself.

1. The Million-Dollar Shot – “The Play” in League of Legends (2013)

If you're a League of Legends (LoL) fan, you’ve probably heard the phrase "The Play." At the Season 3 World Championship quarterfinals, Fnatic faced off against Royal Club in an intense match. But what stood out was one specific moment involving xPeke, a pro player for Fnatic, who delivered what many consider one of the boldest moves in esports history.

Picture this: xPeke, playing Kassadin, was down to the wire. In a high-risk decision that left viewers holding their breath, he executed an insane backdoor play. What does that mean? He sneakily destroyed the enemy’s Nexus (the main objective in LoL) by himself while dodging multiple opponents trying to stop him. The crowd went wild, and the internet exploded. You could almost hear keyboards across the world saying, “What just happened?”

This moment isn’t just iconic for LoL fans—it showed the world just how thrilling esports could be.

2. OG’s Cinderella Story in Dota 2’s The International 2018

Every esports fan loves an underdog tale, and OG’s victory at The International 2018 was straight out of a Hollywood script. Dota 2’s most prestigious event, The International, is where the best teams in the world compete for a jaw-dropping prize pool (we’re talking millions of dollars, folks). Yet, heading into the tournament, OG wasn’t even considered a top contender.

To make matters worse, their team had been shaken up just weeks before TI8. Despite all odds, OG clawed their way through the tournament’s lower bracket and faced PSG.LGD, arguably the strongest team at the time, in the grand finals. What followed was a heart-stopping five-game series filled with incredible plays, nerve-wracking moments, and tons of emotional energy.

In the final moments of Game 5, OG pulled off a miraculous comeback, securing their victory and a $11 million prize. It’s the kind of story you’d share with your grandkids when they ask, “Why do people watch esports?”

3. Daigo’s “Evo Moment 37” – Street Fighter III (2004)

Ah, the classics never die. Even if you’re not into fighting games, you’ve probably heard of Evo Moment 37. It’s the stuff of legend. Back in 2004, at the Evolution Championship Series (Evo), Daigo Umehara faced Justin Wong in Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike semifinals.

Justin Wong had Daigo on the ropes. With Daigo one hit away from losing, Wong unleashed Chun-Li’s super move—a 15-hit combo that seemed impossible to counter. But then, something magical happened. Daigo executed a perfect parry of every single hit in the combo. Oh, you don’t know what that means? It’s like dunking on Michael Jordan while blindfolded: borderline impossible but undeniably awesome.

The crowd erupted as Daigo turned the tables, pulling off a devastating counter-attack and securing the win. The slow-motion parries, the roar of the audience, and Daigo’s composure became the foundation of competitive fighting game highlight reels for decades to come.

4. The Birth of Esports Stardom – Faker’s Zed Outplay (2013)

We can’t talk about esports without mentioning Faker. Known as the “Unkillable Demon King,” Faker is a living legend in League of Legends. But his rise to fame can be pinpointed to one jaw-dropping moment in 2013.

During a match against KT Rolster in the OGN Summer Finals, Faker, playing Zed, faced off in a tense duel with Ryu, also playing Zed. The result? Absolute chaos. In a pure display of mechanical skill and on-the-fly decision-making, Faker outplayed Ryu in one of the flashiest 1v1 encounters to ever grace the game.

You could practically hear the commentator screaming, "Faker! What was that?!" And honestly, everyone watching at home was thinking the same thing.

From that moment on, Faker became the face of LoL esports, and his highlight reel continues to grow to this day.

5. Astralis and the Dominance of CS:GO (2018-2020)

When we think about Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO), one team stands above the rest: Astralis. Between 2018 and 2020, Astralis cemented one of the longest, most dominant runs in competitive esports history.

Why were they so memorable? Imagine a team so good that their strategies became the blueprint for others. They won four Major Championships, countless tournaments, and changed how the game was played. From perfect grenade usage to insane team coordination, Astralis redefined what it meant to be unbeatable.

Their rivalry with teams like Team Liquid and Na’Vi kept fans on the edge of their seats. And even in a sea of skilled teams, Astralis’ era is something CS:GO fans will never forget.

6. Fortnite’s First World Cup – Bugha’s Victory (2019)

When Fortnite held its first-ever World Cup in 2019, no one knew what to expect. Sure, Fortnite was already a global sensation, but could a battle royale game translate into a competitive esport?

Well, spoiler alert: It could. The Fortnite World Cup Finals brought together the best players worldwide, and one name stood out—Bugha. This 16-year-old prodigy dominated the competition with incredible consistency, brilliant decision-making, and jaw-dropping plays. By the time it was over, he had secured the championship and walked away with $3 million in prize money.

Bugha’s victory didn’t just solidify him as a Fortnite star; it also proved that esports had truly become a phenomenon that could turn teenagers into millionaires overnight.

7. Shroud’s Perfect Clutch in CS:GO

We’ve all had moments when we dream of clutching a round single-handedly in games like CS:GO, but Shroud? He actually did it. Known as the “King of Reddit,” Shroud was already a fan-favorite pro player before this iconic moment.

Playing for Cloud9, Shroud was left in a near-impossible 1v4 situation. But with the precision of a surgeon and reflexes faster than a cat on caffeine, he picked off enemy players one by one. In a flash, the crowd erupted as Shroud sealed the clutch, proving why he was considered one of the most entertaining players of his time.

Even after retiring from professional play, Shroud’s highlight reels still circulate among fans, and this moment is undoubtedly one of his finest.

8. Overwatch League’s 2019 Shock Sweep

If you’re into team-based chaos, you’ve probably tuned into the Overwatch League. The 2019 Grand Finals featured a jaw-dropping performance from the San Francisco Shock. Facing the Vancouver Titans, the Shock delivered a clean 4-0 sweep. That’s right—they didn’t just win; they dominated.

The team synergy, strategic play, and sheer dominance of players like Sinatraa and Super made this match a masterclass in Overwatch gameplay. It was a testament to how polished a team could become with hard work and commitment, leaving fans awestruck.

Conclusion

Esports have come a long way, haven’t they? From the early arcade days to multimillion-dollar tournaments, it’s a journey filled with emotional highs, spectacular plays, and unforgettable stories. These moments remind us why we watch—because esports isn’t just about the games. It’s about the stories, the drama, and the thrill of seeing the impossible become possible.

What’s your top esports moment? Maybe it’s already on this list, or maybe it’s still waiting to happen. Either way, one thing’s for sure—esports will keep delivering epic memories for years to come.