It’s a great feeling when you win – it’s one of the factors that makes many of us enjoy gaming so much. For the ultra competitive though, there’s nothing like winning something big! Watching esports stars take down their opponents to claim millions in prize money, watching the calculated final move of a top poker player as they steal the pot, watching the eagle eyes of a chess grandmaster as they announce checkmate — it’s electric. What if you could be one of them? Often there’s a hefty price tag for entering these big competitions, but there are some organisations that make it that bit easier to reach the upper echelons of competition. Let’s take a look at some of the most budget-friendly ways to compete online and aim for the top!
Poker: The Power Path
When it comes to huge poker tournaments, there are few names that stand out like PokerStars. To celebrate this, they’ve launched the Power Path. With this competition, you can work your way up through four competition levels until you eventually claim a Gold Power Pass. With this ticket, you can enter any European Poker Tour competition.
This is one of the most exciting ways for poker enthusiasts to compete globally without needing to pay the often-hefty buy-ins upfront. Start small and gradually build your way to the big leagues — all from the comfort of your own home.
Chess: Chess.com Global Championship
The Chess.com Global Championship is one of the most inclusive pathways for players looking to break into the professional chess scene. Open to all Chess.com members, this tournament features a massive prize pool and allows players of varying skill levels to compete.
What makes it special? It offers an easy way to qualify for higher-stakes rounds through preliminary stages. You’ll battle against players from around the globe, with a chance to progress to the live finals featuring the world’s best competitors. For casual players with professional ambitions, this competition is a golden opportunity.
Esports: Red Bull Solo Q
For competitive gamers, League of Legends’ Red Bull Solo Q is an excellent way to dip your toes into esports without needing a team or expensive gear. This one-on-one tournament allows solo players to shine, and the entry process is simple and (often) free.
The best part? Winners of regional qualifiers advance to compete on a global stage, with opportunities to showcase their skills to professional teams and organizations. For those dreaming of esports stardom, this is a fantastic stepping stone.
Writing: NYC Midnight Competitions
Writers looking for a challenge can participate in NYC Midnight’s short story and screenwriting competitions. These events are renowned for their affordability and accessibility, with entry fees typically under $50 and substantial prizes for winners.
What’s unique about NYC Midnight is its structured format: writers receive a specific prompt and genre, adding an element of creativity under pressure. Winners of each round advance to the next stage, with the final competition attracting international recognition.
Photography: ViewBug Contests
If photography is your passion, ViewBug offers a wide array of contests for amateurs and professionals alike. Many of these contests are free to enter, and the site often partners with big brands to offer valuable prizes like high-end cameras or photography gear.
One standout competition is the People’s Choice Awards, where participants’ work is judged by a global audience. This contest is a fantastic way to gain visibility and compete for prizes — all without spending a dime.
Rocket League: RLCS Open Qualifiers
One for the esports dreamers now! Rocket League’s RLCS Open Qualifiers offer one of the most accessible routes to professional gaming that there is. These online competitions are free to enter (yes really) and specifically designed to allow amateur teams to compete for a spot in the Rocket League Championship Series.
There are regional qualifiers available all around the world and sure, you’ve got to be truly excellent to win, but still this competition lowers the barrier to entry massively. If you want to try gaming at the highest level, then this could be your golden opportunity.
