In recent years, eSports has become a multi-million dollar industry, with professional gamers earning hefty paychecks for competing in various tournaments and leagues. While many people may not realize it, eSports is a serious business, with players dedicating hours of practice and training to excel in their chosen discipline. In this article, we will be taking a closer look at some of the highest-paid eSports disciplines of all time.
1. Dota 2
Dota 2 is one of the most popular eSports disciplines in the world, with players competing for millions of dollars in prize money every year. The International, Dota 2’s premier tournament, boasts some of the largest prize pools in eSports history, with the 2019 edition offering a total prize pool of over $34 million. Professional Dota 2 players like Johan “N0tail” Sundstein and Kuro “KuroKy” Takhasomi have earned millions of dollars throughout their careers, making it one of the highest-paid eSports disciplines of all time.
2. League of Legends
League of Legends is another highly popular eSports discipline, with players competing in various leagues and tournaments around the world. The League of Legends World Championship is one of the biggest events in eSports, with the 2018 edition boasting a prize pool of over $6 million. Professional players like Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok and Yu “JackeyLove” Wen-Bo have earned millions of dollars playing League of Legends, cementing its status as one of the highest-paid eSports disciplines of all time.
3. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, or CS:GO, is a first-person shooter game that has become a staple in the eSports industry. The game has a strong competitive scene, with players competing for large prize pools in tournaments like the ESL Pro League and the Intel Extreme Masters. CS:GO players like Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev and Nicolai “dev1ce” Reedtz have earned millions of dollars playing the game, making it one of the highest-paid eSports disciplines of all time.
4. Fortnite
Fortnite is a relatively new addition to the eSports scene, but it has quickly become one of the highest-paid disciplines in the industry. The Fortnite World Cup, held in 2019, offered a total prize pool of $30 million, with the winner taking home a staggering $3 million. Professional Fortnite players like Kyle “Bugha” Giersdorf and Turner “Tfue” Tenney have earned millions of dollars playing the game, solidifying its status as one of the highest-paid eSports disciplines of all time.
5. Overwatch
Overwatch is a team-based shooter game that has gained a large following in the eSports community. The Overwatch League, the game’s premier tournament, offers a prize pool of over $5 million, with teams competing for a chance to win the prestigious title. Professional Overwatch players like Sung-hyeon “JJoNak” Bang and Matthew “super” DeLisi have earned significant amounts of money playing the game, making it one of the highest-paid eSports disciplines of all time.
In conclusion, eSports has become a lucrative industry for professional gamers, with players in disciplines like Dota 2, League of Legends, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Fortnite, and Overwatch earning millions of dollars throughout their careers. As the industry continues to grow, it is likely that we will see even higher prize pools and salaries for eSports players in the future.
