The Most Iconic Moments in Esports History

Competitive gaming has come a long way from LAN cafés and modest tournaments. Esports is now a global industry. It features unforgettable plays, dramatic comebacks, and amazing skills. These iconic esports moments are more than highlights. They have helped shape the foundation of modern esports history.

Whether you’ve loved it for years or just begun, these moments show passion, skill, and performance under pressure. Let’s take a journey through the most legendary chapters in competitive gaming.

1. “The Play” – Dota 2 (2012)

We start with arguably one of the most replayed clips in Dota 2 history. In the upper bracket finals of The International 2012, Na’Vi faced Invictus Gaming. Dendi and Puppey executed a perfect combo with Enigma and Rubick. They wiped out the enemy team in seconds.

Why It’s Iconic:

• Flawless execution under pressure
• Turned the momentum of the entire match
• Helped elevate Dota 2 as a premier esport

“The Play” sticks in the minds of Dota fans everywhere. It’s still a key example of teaching coordination and timing.

2. Faker’s Zed vs. Ryu – League of Legends (2013)

In 2013, SK Telecom T1’s Faker cemented himself as a League of Legends legend. In a 1v1 Zed match with Ryu, Faker’s skill set a new esports highlight standard at the end.

Why It’s Iconic:

• Skill vs. skill — both players were at the top of their game
• A defining moment in Faker’s career
• Became one of the most shared clips in LoL history

This moment made Faker an esports icon. It also helped spread esports replays beyond just gamers.

3. OG’s Cinderella Run – Dota 2 (The International 2018)

In a fantastic underdog story, OG went from being ignored to winning The International. They became the first team to do so as a fully open-qualifier squad.

Why It’s Iconic:

• No major sponsors, last-minute roster
• Defeated all odds and took home over $11 million
• Emotional, raw, and community-driven journey

The 2018 run and their win in 2019 changed the game for Dota.

4. Daigo’s Parry – Street Fighter III (EVO 2004)

EVO Moment #37 is pure esports magic. In the final round of a tense match, Daigo Umehara expertly parried a 15-hit Super Art from Justin Wong’s Chun-Li with Ken. This move needed frame-perfect inputs.

Why It’s Iconic:

• Display of superhuman reflexes
• Saved Daigo from elimination
• Sparked the golden age of fighting games

It’s the most famous moment in fighting games and a top esports highlight.

5. Team Liquid’s 2019 Run at IEM Sydney and MSI

In 2019, Team Liquid ended the North American “curse” in League of Legends. They beat the world champions Invictus Gaming, in the semifinals of the Mid-Season Invitational.

Why It’s Iconic:

• NA’s first real breakthrough at a significant international LoL event
• 3-1 upset against a heavily favored Chinese team
• Inspired a generation of North American esports fans

It showed the world that NA teams could compete on the global stage.

6. Astralis Dominance in CS: GO (2018–2019)

From 2018 to 2019, Astralis changed the Counter-Strike: Global Offensive game. Their tactical, team-focused style of play left competitors in the dust.

Why It’s Iconic:

• Multiple Major wins and top-tier consistency
• Introduced innovative utility usage (e.g., grenade science)
• Elevated CS: GO strategy to a new level

Their dominance is still a blueprint for modern CS: GO teams.

7. Bugha Wins Fortnite World Cup (2019)

At 16, Kyle “Bugha” Giersdorf won $3 million. He achieved this by winning the solo finals of the Fortnite World Cup in 2019. The event was watched by millions and was a pivotal moment for the game’s legitimacy as an esport.

Why It’s Iconic:

• First major Fortnite world champion
• The prize pool brought mainstream media attention
• Made Fortnite more than a cultural trend — a competitive powerhouse

Bugha’s win became a symbol of opportunity in esports for younger generations.

8. Sentinels Dominate VALORANT Masters Reykjavik (2021)

VALORANT had its big break as a competitive game at the 2021 Masters in Reykjavik. Sentinels won without losing a single match.

Why It’s Iconic:

• First international tournament in VALORANT history
• Showcased NA dominance in a new tactical shooter
• Boosted the credibility of Riot’s new esports title

This event proved that VALORANT had real staying power in the competitive FPS scene.

9. The Comeback – Cloud9 vs. FaZe (ELEAGUE Major 2018)

In front of a cheering Boston crowd, Cloud9 made history. They became the first North American team to win a CS: GO Major. They defeated FaZe Clan in a thrilling overtime finish.

Why It’s Iconic:

• Triple OT in the Grand Finals
• Heroic performances from Stewie2k and Tarik
• Massive fan response in the arena and online

The “Boston Major” win is still cited as one of history’s best CS: GO matches.

10. League of Legends Worlds 2022 Opening Ceremony

The 2022 Worlds opening ceremony wasn’t a gameplay but impressive. It featured holographic performances, live music, and advanced AR technology. This event pushed the limits of esports.

Why It’s Iconic:

• Technological innovation in event production
• Massive global audience
• Set a new bar for hybrid entertainment

The ceremony was a cultural milestone, proving esports can deliver Super Bowl-level experiences.

Why These Moments Matter

The moments listed above aren’t just highlights—they’re milestones. They show how esports has grown into a global industry with its own stories, heroes, losses, and big wins.

With its amazing plays or cultural shifts, each event has changed what it means to be in this growing community. From fighting games to tactical shooters, from team strategy to solo brilliance, these stories represent the spirit of modern competitive gaming.

Conclusion: The Most Iconic Moments in Esports History

As the esports industry grows in 2025, we’ll undoubtedly see even more iconic esports moments added to the history books. New stars will rise, new metas will be forged, and passionate fans will keep driving the energy that makes these games more than just games—they’re part of a living, breathing legacy.

Which esports moment gave you goosebumps? Let’s keep the conversation going—share your favourites or suggest a moment you think deserves a spotlight!