The 13 Sporting Events With the Largest Prize Pools
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
World Series (Baseball)
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.
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NBA Finals (Basketball)
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.
No-Limit Hold’em World Championship (Poker)
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.
US Open (Tennis)
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.
Australian Open (Tennis)
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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.
French Open (Tennis)
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.
Wimbledon (Tennis)
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.
UEFA Europa League (Football)
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.
Read also: Ranking Every El Clásico Hat-Trick
Tour Championship / FedEx Cup (Golf)
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.
UEFA Champions League (Football)
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.
FIFA World Cup (Football)
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.
Gamers8 Tournament (Esports)
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).
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Formula One (Motorsport)
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.
