Metal Slug Esports Tournaments 2024 Prize Pool Teams Rankings May 2026

2024 proved that Metal Slug: Awakening can draw massive mobile audiences and legitimate sponsors (Red Bull, HyperX, Logitech G). However, traditional fighting game fans argue that "gacha mechanics" (character unlocking) have no place in eSports. SNK mitigated this by providing with all characters unlocked.

| Tournament | Prize Pool | 1st Place Prize | 2nd Place | 3rd Place | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | MSWC 2024 (Global Finals) | $800,000 | $350,000 | $150,000 | $75,000 | | SNK Cup (Regional Finals) | $150,000 | $60,000 | $30,000 | $15,000 | | CJK Invitational 2024 | $200,000 | $100,000 | $50,000 | $25,000 | | Weekly Ladder Cash Cups | $100,000 | $5,000 (per week) | $2,000 | $1,000 | 2024 proved that Metal Slug: Awakening can draw

For over two decades, Metal Slug was synonymous with quarter-munching arcade chaos and cooperative PvE mayhem. However, 2024 marks a radical shift. With the explosive growth of Metal Slug: Awakening (the official Tencent/TiMi Studios mobile and PC title) and the tactical pivot of Metal Slug Tactics , SNK’s franchise has officially entered the competitive gaming arena. | Tournament | Prize Pool | 1st Place

Report compiled December 2024. All figures based on SNK, Tencent, and Esports Earnings data. Report compiled December 2024

| Rank | Player (Tag) | Team | Role | 2024 K/D | Signature Unit | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | #1 | | Nova Esports | Flex/Entry | 3.4 | Slug Gigant | | #2 | SV_001_God | Griffin Gaming | Sniper | 2.9 | Mars People | | #3 | RebelKiller | Team Secret | Raid Captain | 2.7 | Golden Luger | | #4 | Ralf_Jones_USA | FaZe Clan | Tank | 2.5 | Clark (Melee) | | #5 | Eri_CN | Nova Esports | Support/Zoner | 2.4 | Flame Shot |