How much do esports players get paid?

Esports pay varies enormously. Amateur and semi-pro players often earn little or nothing; players on established teams receive a salary, and top players in the biggest games can earn six figures a year in salary alone. On top of that come prize money, sponsorships and streaming income, which make a small number of stars millionaires.

Where the money comes from

• Team salary. Most professional income comes from a contract with an organization. Pay depends on the game, league, region and the player's reputation.
• Prize money. Winnings are usually split among the team, often with a share kept by the organization. Dota 2's The International has had the largest prize pools in esports history.
• Sponsorships. Hardware, peripheral, energy drink and apparel brands pay teams and well-known players.
• Streaming and content. Twitch and YouTube income from subscriptions, ads and tips can match or exceed salary for popular players.
• Merchandise. Jerseys and personal merch add income for the most famous players.

What affects pay

Game popularity and the size of the league, the team's success, the player's skill and fame, and the region all matter. Careers are short: many pros peak in their late teens or early twenties.

Who earns the most

By prize money, the top all-time earners are Dota 2 players who won The International, such as Johan "N0tail" Sundstein. Players in games like Counter-Strike, League of Legends and Valorant can earn more from salaries and sponsorships than from prizes, but those figures are rarely public.

FAQ

What does it take to become a professional esports player?

Top-tier skill, thousands of hours of practice, results in online and amateur tournaments, teamwork and visibility to scouts.

At what age do teams recruit players?

Usually from the late teens; many leagues set a minimum age, often 16 or 17, depending on the league.

Who sponsors esports?

Hardware and peripheral makers, energy drinks, telecom companies, car brands and betting companies where it's legal.

Is esports profitable?

For game publishers and some top organizations, yes, but many teams have struggled to turn a profit and rely on investors and sponsors.