Welcome to the world of professional gaming, where talent meets strategy, passion transforms into a career, and top players earn jaw-dropping amounts. It’s no secret that esports has taken the world by storm in the past few years, with millions of viewers and participants worldwide. But how much do these pro gamers actually make?
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the world of esports and explore the earnings of top professional players, the factors that influence their income, and how they compare to traditional athletes.
The Rise of Esports
Esports has come a long way since its humble beginnings in the late ’90s and early 2000s. Today, it’s a multi-billion dollar industry with numerous leagues, tournaments, and events worldwide. Esports viewership has skyrocketed, with Newzoo estimating the global audience in 2021 to be around 495 million people.
With so much attention and resources invested in esports, it’s no wonder that the best players have transformed their passion into a lucrative career. So, how much do these top esports players earn?
The Big Bucks: Earnings of Top Esports Players
The amount an esports player earns can vary significantly depending on factors such as game title, region, team, and individual performance. However, the most successful players in the industry can earn staggering amounts, primarily through a combination of salary, prize money, sponsorships, and streaming.
- Salary and Prize Money
The base salary of an esports player depends on their contract with a professional team. On average, a professional player earns between $1,000 and $5,000 per month. However, this figure can be much higher for top-tier players, with salaries reaching up to $20,000 per month or more.
In addition to their salary, players also have the opportunity to earn significant prize money from tournaments. For example, Dota 2’s The International 2021 boasted a prize pool of over $40 million, with the winning team taking home over $18 million.
- Sponsorships and Endorsements
Top esports players can also receive substantial income from sponsorships and endorsements, similar to traditional athletes. Companies like Intel, Coca-Cola, and Mercedes-Benz have all invested in esports, sponsoring events, teams, and individual players. These deals can be worth millions of dollars for the players involved.
- Streaming and Content Creation
Streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube provide additional revenue streams for pro gamers. Top esports players often have thousands of followers on these platforms, allowing them to earn money through ads, subscriptions, and donations from fans. Some players even earn more from streaming than they do from their esports contracts.
Ranking the Highest Earners
As of September 2021, the top 10 highest-earning esports players have all earned well over $3 million, with the majority coming from Dota 2. According to esportsearnings.com, Johan “N0tail” Sundstein, a Danish Dota 2 player, tops the list with over $6.9 million in total earnings.
It’s essential to note that these figures are continually changing, as new tournaments and sponsorships are announced, and streaming platforms grow.
Esports Players vs. Traditional Athletes
While the earnings of top esports players are impressive, they still pale in comparison to some of the highest-paid traditional athletes. For example, Forbes listed Lionel Messi, a professional soccer player, as the highest-paid athlete in 2021, with a whopping $130 million in earnings.
However, it’s crucial to consider the relative youth of the esports industry compared to traditional sports. As esports continues to grow and mature, it’s likely that players’ earnings will increase as well.
