In today’s sports world, winning is about more than just trophies and legacy — it’s about serious money. With billions of dollars flowing through global tournaments, the financial stakes have never been higher.
From football’s biggest international showdowns to high-stakes golf and even esports, prize pools have reached staggering levels. Some athletes walk away with multimillion-dollar paychecks; others see their federations or teams claim a fortune on their behalf.
This list breaks down the 13 sporting events with the largest prize pools in the world — ranked by how much cash is on the line. Whether you dream of lifting a cup, swinging a club, or clicking your way to the top, here’s where sport meets fortune.
Total prize pool: $160 million To the winning team: $52 million American baseball still brings in big money — and even though it’s mostly a domestic spectacle, the winning team gets a generous slice of the pie.
12. NBA Finals (Basketball)
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Total prize pool: $40 million To the winning team: approx. $7.1 million The NBA’s playoff bonuses don’t reach Champions League levels, but lifting the trophy still means millions — especially after 82 games of effort.
11. No-Limit Hold’em World Championship (Poker)
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Total prize pool: $140 million To the winner: $18 million One hand, one bluff, one monster check. The world’s biggest poker tournament hands out more cash than many traditional sports.
10. US Open (Tennis)
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Total prize pool: $64 million To the winner: $3.9 million Every late summer, Flushing Meadows heats up — and so does the winner’s bank account, if they’re holding the trophy come finals weekend.
Total prize pool: $76.5 million To the winner: $2.9 million Sun, stardom, and aces. The Australian Grand Slam is both hot and highly lucrative — and it’s the year’s first big cash injection for players.
8. French Open (Tennis)
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Total prize pool: $81.7 million To the winner: $3.7 million Clay in Paris may be romantic — but it’s also seriously profitable. A tournament where sweat and grind from the baseline truly pay off.
7. Wimbledon (Tennis)
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Total prize pool: $86 million To the winner: $4.5 million The world’s most prestigious tournament also has the richest reward. Wimbledon blends tradition and prize money like no other event.
Total prize pool: $766 million To the winner: $25 million Europe’s “second-tier” competition? Maybe — but $25 million for the title makes Thursday nights a whole lot more interesting.
5. Tour Championship / FedEx Cup (Golf)
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Total prize pool: $112 million To the winner: $27 million Golf isn’t just about low scores — it’s about high payouts. The FedEx Cup prize is so massive, even the putter feels the pressure.
4. UEFA Champions League (Football)
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Total prize pool: $3.3 billion To the winner: up to $139 million (final win alone: $33 million) The world’s biggest club competition is also a financial juggernaut. Win from group stage to final, and you could walk away with over $139 million.
3. FIFA World Cup (Football)
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Total prize pool: $658 million To the winner: $66 million The world’s largest single sporting event brings more than glory — it also brings $66 million to the champions.
Total prize pool: $67.2 million To the winner: not publicly disclosed Esports is booming, and Gamers8 leads the cash charge. No one knows exactly how much the winners get — but it’s more than enough for a new gaming rig (and then some).
1. Formula One (Motorsport)
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Total prize pool: $1.3 billion To the winning team: up to $298 million Speed, glamour, and obscene prize money. Formula 1 is in a league of its own, where even second place (Ferrari) can earn more than the champions (Red Bull). It’s a billion-dollar race on wheels.
