He made his international debut on 24 November 1989 against Bulgaria. His first major tournament was the 1992 Summer Olympics, where the Hungarian team placed seventh. One year later he participated on the 1993 World Championship in Sweden, where despite Hungary finished on a disappointing eleventh place, Éles topped the scoring charts with 41 goals. On the 1997 World Championship he was in inspired form once again and finished second on the top scorers' list with 59 goals, only three short to Yoon Kyung-shin. He was present on further two World Championships in 1995 and 1999, and also played on the 1994 European Championship.