Gaming Gold: Top 10 Highest Paid eSports Players

Discover the financial success stories behind eSports as we unveil the world's 10 highest-paid gamers

PUBLISHED OCT 13, 2023

French DOTA 2 player Sebastien Debs (7ckngMad) at The International DOTA 2 Championships at Key Arena on July 19, 2014 in Seattle, Washington. Getty Images | Photo by Suzi Pratt

Gaming Gold: Unveiling the Top 10 Highest Paid eSports Players Globally

Lasse Urpalainen (L) of Team Liquid talks with team captain Kuro Takhasomi after their victory over OpTic Gaming during the first day of the International 2018 Dota 2 Championships at Rogers Arena on August 20, 2018 in Vancouver, Canada. Team Liquid won their best of three match 2-0. Getty Images | Photo by Jeff Vinnick — Lasse Urpalainen (L) of Team Liquid talks with team captain Kuro Takhasomi after their victory over OpTic Gaming during the first day of the International 2018 Dota 2 Championships at Rogers Arena on August 20, 2018 in Vancouver, Canada. Team Liquid won their best-of-three match 2-0. Getty Images | Photo by Jeff Vinnick

eSports, once regarded as a pastime for kids, has evolved into a dynamic industry with staggering revenues and a growing global fanbase. In recent years, the world of competitive video gaming, or eSports, has witnessed unprecedented growth. The revenue generated by eSports has surpassed $1.5 billion, making it one of the fastest-growing sectors in the sports and entertainment world. The world's top eSports players are not only achieving fame but also accumulating substantial wealth through various tournaments and sponsorships.

1. Johan Sundstein –The Dota 2 Champion

Sébastien "Ceb" Debs and Johan "N0tail" Sundstein after winning the final match during the ESL One Stockholm Dota Major at Hovet Arena on May 22, 2022, in Stockholm, Sweden. Getty Images | Photo by Joe Brady

Johan "N0tail" Sundstein, Denmark's pride, has etched his name as one of the world's most successful eSports players. Specializing in Dota 2, N0tail boasts an impressive overall earnings tally of over $3.7 million. However, his crowning achievement came in 2018 when he, alongside his team OG, secured a staggering first prize of more than $11 million at The International, which is considered the Super Bowl of Dota 2. This historic win not only made him a millionaire but also solidified his legacy as one of the game's greatest players. His skill as a support player and his unwavering dedication to the game has made him a fan favorite and an inspiration to aspiring eSports athletes.

2. Jesse Vainikka – The Finnish Dynamo

Jesse "JerAx" Vainikka, hailing from Finland, is another remarkable talent in the world of eSports, particularly Dota 2. With an overall earnings total surpassing $3.3 million, JerAx's journey to success is nothing short of extraordinary. His standout moment arrived in 2018 when he and his teammates at OG clinched victory at The International, bagging an impressive prize pool. This win catapulted him to fame and fortune. JerAx is renowned for his exceptional gameplay and the strategic insights he brings to his team. His story exemplifies the boundless opportunities in eSports for players who possess the skills, determination, and teamwork required to reach the highest echelons of competitive gaming.

3. Anathan Pham – The Australian Prodigy

Anathan Pham (L) and Topias Taavitsainen of OG hug after their 3-2 win over PSG.LGD in their grand final Dota 2 match on Day 6 of The International 2018 at Rogers Arena on August 25, 2018 in Vancouver, Canada. OG won $11,210,380 with the victory. Getty Images | Photo by Jeff Vinnick — Anathan Pham (L) and Topias Taavitsainen of OG hug after their 3-2 win over PSG.LGD in their grand final Dota 2 match on Day 6 of The International 2018 at Rogers Arena on August 25, 2018, in Vancouver, Canada. OG won $11,210,380 with the victory. Getty Images | Photo by Jeff Vinnick

Australia's very own eSports sensation, Anathan "Ana" Pham, has emerged as a shining star in the Dota 2 scene. With a staggering overall earnings total exceeding $6 million, he has proven his mettle as a position 1 hero for OG, one of the most dominant teams in Dota 2. Ana's most significant victory was at The International 2019, where he helped secure a massive prize pool of $3.1 million. Known for his aggressive gameplay and incredible skills, Ana has been an integral part of OG's eSports dynasty. Although he's currently taking a break from competitive Dota, his return is highly anticipated, and he's expected to continue making waves in the eSports world.

4. Sebastien Debs – The French Phenomenon

Sebastien "Ceb" Debs, a player hailing from France, has become an integral part of the OG dynasty in Dota 2. With an overall earnings figure exceeding $5.5 million, Ceb has been an essential component of the team's incredible success. He joined OG in 2018 and, since then, they have won numerous major tournaments in Dota 2. Initially, Ceb joined OG as a coach but ended up as a permanent offlaner player, showcasing his adaptability and skill. His contributions to the team's victories highlight the importance of teamwork and strategic gameplay in the world of eSports.

5. Topias Taavitsainen – The Finnish Slayer

Johan Sundstein (L) and Topias Taavitsainen of OG hug after their 3-2 win over PSG.LGD in their grand final Dota 2 match on Day 6 of The International 2018 at Rogers Arena on August 25, 2018 in Vancouver, Canada. OG won $11,210,380 with the victory. Getty Images | Photo by Jeff Vinnick — Johan Sundstein (L) and Topias Taavitsainen of OG hug after their 3-2 win over PSG.LGD in their grand final Dota 2 match on Day 6 of The International 2018 at Rogers Arena on August 25, 2018, in Vancouver, Canada. OG won $11,210,380 with the victory. Getty Images | Photo by Jeff Vinnick

Another Finnish talent in the Dota 2 scene, Topias "Topson" Taavitsainen, has been an indispensable part of OG's continued success. Boasting an overall earnings total exceeding $5.4 million, Topson is renowned for his aggressive and strategic gameplay. Since joining OG in 2018, he has been a key player in the team's victories. A trendsetter in kill/death ratio, Topson's expertise has been pivotal in the team's back-to-back triumphs at The International in 2018 and 2019. His journey highlights the potential for young and dedicated eSports athletes to reach the pinnacle of competitive gaming and make a name for themselves on the global stage.

6. Kuro Takhasomi – The German Veteran

Team Liquid captain Kuro Takhasomi watches the screen while playing in their match against PSG.LGD on Day 3 of The International 2018 Dota 2 Championships at Rogers Arena on August 22, 2018 in Vancouver, Canada. PSG.LGD defeated Team Liquid 2-0. Getty Images | Photo by Jeff Vinnick

Kuro "KuroKy" Takhasomi, a seasoned player from Germany, has left an indelible mark on the world of Dota 2. Boasting overall earnings exceeding $4.1 million, KuroKy has established himself as a prominent support player for Team Liquid. His career's pinnacle came in 2017 when Team Liquid secured the championship at The International, Dota 2's premier tournament, with a massive prize pool of over $2 million. Known for his versatility and extensive experience in the eSports industry, KuroKy's success serves as an inspiration for aspiring players, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and teamwork in achieving greatness in competitive gaming.

7. Amer Al-Barkawi – The Jordanian Miracle

Team Liquid captain Kuro Takhasomi (L), Amer Al-Barkawi (C) and Maroun Merhej walk off the stage after their loss to PSG.LGD on Day 3 of The International 2018 Dota 2 Championships at Rogers Arena on August 22, 2018 in Vancouver, Canada. PSG.LGD defeated Team Liquid 2-0. Getty Images | Photo by Jeff Vinnick

Amer "Miracle-" Al-Barkawi, hailing from Jordan, is a remarkable carry player who has made his mark in both Team OG and Team Liquid. With an overall earnings figure of approximately $3.7 million, Miracle- emerged from the pub ranks to become an essential part of some of the strongest professional Dota 2 teams, including Team Liquid, who clinched the 2017 International championship. His journey reflects the path less traveled to eSports stardom and highlights how individual talent, perseverance, and dedication can lead to incredible success in the competitive gaming arena.

8. Ivan Ivanov – The Bulgarian Star

A fan dressed in limited edition DOTA 2 merchandise poses for a photo at The International DOTA 2 Champsionships at Key Arena on July 19, 2014 in Seattle, Washington. Getty Images | Photo by Suzi Pratt — A fan dressed in limited edition DOTA 2 merchandise poses for a photo at The International DOTA 2 Championships at Key Arena on July 19, 2014, in Seattle, Washington. Getty Images | Photo by Suzi Pratt

Ivan "MinD_ContRoL" Ivanov, representing Bulgaria, is a formidable offlaner who has left an indelible mark on the world of Dota 2. His career earnings exceed $3.5 million, with his most significant achievement being Team Liquid's victory at The International in 2017. MinD_ContRoL has long been recognized as one of the top players in the Dota 2 scene. His journey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and teamwork in the eSports world. His role in Team Liquid's success underscores the importance of each player's unique skills and contributions in achieving victory in the competitive gaming arena.

9. Maroun Merhej – The Lebanese Support

Maroun Merhej | Instagram — Maroun Merhej |Instagram

Maroun "GH" Merhej, hailing from Lebanon, is a key support player for Team Liquid in the professional Dota 2 scene. His overall earnings surpass $3.1 million, and his career is marked by a transition from a solo midlaner to a support player. GH's addition to Team Liquid played a crucial role in their victory at The International in 2017. His journey highlights the significance of adaptability and the willingness to take on different roles within a team to achieve success in the dynamic world of eSports.

10. Lasse Urpalainen – The Finnish Carry

Lasse Urpalainen of Team Liquid walks off the stage after losing to PSG.LGD on Day 3 of The International 2018 Dota 2 Championships at Rogers Arena on August 22, 2018 in Vancouver, Canada. PSG.LGD defeated Team Liquid 2-0. Getty Images | Photo by Jeff Vinnick

Lasse "Matumbaman" Urpalainen, another Finnish player, has made his mark in the world of Dota 2 as a carry player for Team Liquid. His career earnings stand at over $3.5 million, with his most significant achievement being Team Liquid's victory at The International in 2017. Matumbaman's journey showcases the potential for players to rise through the ranks and achieve greatness in the eSports world. His contribution to Team Liquid's success emphasizes the importance of teamwork, strategy, and individual skills in the competitive gaming landscape.