TL;DR<\/span><\/h2>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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• Centralized tournaments are controlled by a single entity (usually the game publisher), offering structure, high production quality, and reliable sponsorship \u2013 but limiting access for smaller teams.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
• Open tournaments welcome all players through qualifiers, promoting new talent and community engagement, though they often lack consistent funding and regulation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
• Hybrid models are emerging, blending the stability of centralized formats with the accessibility of open ones to attract wider audiences.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
• Viewer experience varies: centralized formats offer polished, predictable events, while open formats deliver surprise matchups and grassroots excitement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
• Future trends suggest more collaboration between publishers and communities, which could lead to decentralized, blockchain-powered events.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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  Centralized and open tournaments are the main types of tournaments in esports. For example, the League of Legends World Championship and Call of Duty League are centralized events created by the publishers. Meanwhile, tournaments like the Evolution Championship Series and Fortnite Champion Series are open and allow anyone to apply and test their skills.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n

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  With esports already a multi-billion dollar industry, thanks to sponsorships and broadcasting rights, new and existing tournaments are finding ways to appeal to new viewers and players almost every year. <\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n

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  However, with the business constantly changing, what is the preferred tournament format in esports in 2025 and beyond? We\u2019ve created a guide to help lay out what centralized and open tournaments mean and what their respective future trends could be in the coming years.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n

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  Understanding centralized tournaments in esports<\/span><\/h2>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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  What are centralized tournaments in esports?<\/strong>
  Centralized tournaments in esports are structured events arranged by a single governing body, making sure that rules and schedules are followed at all times. <\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n

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  Those who compete or attend these tournaments will likely see consistent branding by the event sponsors and a standardized qualification structure for competing players.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n

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  Examples of centralized tournaments usually consist of the most popular esports games, such as:<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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  • Call of Duty League<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Overwatch Champions Series<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • League of Legends World Championship<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Valorant Champions Tour<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

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