When you look at the earnings of your favorite pro gamers, the numbers can feel almost impossible to believe. There was a time when winning a local LAN party meant free pizza. It is honestly wild to think about how much cash is floating around in the esports industry. The highest-paid esports players are earning paychecks that rival those of traditional athletes, completely changing what a career in video games looks like.
Many websites display a list of tournament winnings and leave it at that. That barely scratches the surface because it ignores the massive salaries and sponsorship deals that pros sign behind closed doors. The highest-paid esports players know that steady income matters just as much as a lucky weekend. You can’t really judge wealth if you are only looking at one piece of the pie.
In this article, you will find a curated list of the 18 top earners of every primary genre ranked by their winnings. It provides a clearer understanding of where the money is actually coming from.
The 18 Biggest Earners in Esports
To keep things simple, the list is divided by game genres so you can easily compare earnings across Dota 2, Fortnite, CS2, League, and PUBG.
A. The MOBA Titans (Dota 2)
If you follow the money in esports, it almost always leads back to one game: Dota 2. Thanks to “The International,” a tournament famously funded by the community, this game has handed out more cash than any other title in history. That is why the top of our list is packed with Dota legends. In fact, the highest-paid esports players in terms of pure prize money are almost exclusively from this scene.
Here are the top five earners who made their fortune in the battle of the Ancients:
1. Johan “N0tail” Sundstein (Denmark)
- Total Earnings: $7.18 Million
- Status: Retired / OG Founder
Johan sits alone at the peak of financial success in gaming. He started as a chaotic core player in Heroes of Newerth before switching to Dota 2 and eventually becoming the best captain the game has ever seen. His leadership style was all about keeping vibes high and trusting his teammates, which paid off when OG pulled off the impossible by winning The International twice in a row. That historic run solidified his position as one of the highest-paid esports players in the history of the sport. Even though he stepped back from competing, his influence as the founder of OG keeps him relevant today.
2. Jesse “JerAx” Vainikka (Finland)
- Total Earnings: $6.48 Million
- Status: Retired / Coach
Jesse was the engine that made the legendary OG roster work. He played the roaming support role with a level of creativity that frustrated opponents and delighted fans. You would often see him diving past towers or initiating fights from angles that made zero sense until they worked perfectly. He walked away from the pro scene shortly after securing his second world title because he felt he had achieved everything possible. Leaving at the absolute peak of his career was a bold move, but it secured his legacy as one of the most talented and highest-paid esports players ever to touch a mouse.
3. Yaroslav “Miposhka” Naidenov (Russia)
- Total Earnings: $6.22 Million
- Status: Active (Team Spirit)
Yaroslav represents the new generation of wealth in Dota. He led Team Spirit to a shocking victory at TI10, where they defeated the heavily favored Chinese giants in the grand finals. That single win netted the team millions, but he did not stop there. Unlike the OG squad, who made their money years ago, Miposhka is still winning massive checks in 2025. His recent dominance at the Esports World Cup in Saudi Arabia proves that his hunger for victory has not faded at all. Yaroslav is the perfect example of a modern captain who knows exactly how to draft and lead his squad to glory.
4. Anathan “ana” Pham (Australia)
- Total Earnings: $6.02 Million
- Status: Inactive
The community often refers to him as the humble god for a reason. Anathan had a terrifying reputation for taking months off to live an everyday life, only to return right before the biggest tournament of the year. He would shake off the rust in a week and then proceed to dominate the world’s best teams. His performance on heroes like Io remains legendary. This unique approach to his career allowed him to become one of the highest-paid esports players while playing a fraction of the matches that his rivals did. He treated professional Dota like a seasonal job that paid millions.
5. Sébastien “Ceb” Debs (France)
- Total Earnings: $5.94 Million
- Status: Active (OG)
Sebastien is the emotional heartbeat of the OG organization. His story is arguably the best in esports history because he transitioned from a coach back to a player right before the team needed a miracle. His legendary Axe call play is a moment that fans still rewatch today. While his former teammates retired to enjoy their winnings, Ceb could not stay away from the competition. He still grinds in the European qualifiers and mentors younger players. Sebastien’s passion for the game is unmatched, and that drive is precisely why he has remained near the top of the earnings leaderboard for so long.
B. The Battle Royale Stars (Fortnite)
Battle Royale games have redefined competitive gaming, and Fortnite stands at the center of that wave. It’s a game where raw skill meets creative building, turning high-pressure moments into jaw-dropping plays. The massive prize pools, combined with the ability to build personal brands, mean that some of the highest-paid esports players come from this solo-focused arena. Their earnings reflect not only wins but also their ability to connect with millions of fans.
Here are the top earners who made their name jumping, shooting, and building their way to millions:
6. Kyle “Bugha” Giersdorf (USA)
- Total Earnings: $3.78 Million
- Status: Active (Dignitas)
Bugha shot into the esports spotlight by winning the 2019 Fortnite World Cup with an impressive combination of calm under pressure and aggressive play. That victory instantly made him one of the richest solo players in esports history. Since then, he has maintained his edge in Fortnite, consistently showcasing a strong presence in tournaments while building a loyal community on streaming platforms. His earnings come from a blend of prize money and brand partnerships, showcasing the diverse income avenues for the highest-paid esports players in Battle Royale.
7. David “Aqua” Wang (Austria)
- Total Earnings: $2.16 Million
- Status: Retired
Aqua is best known as the winner of the 2019 Fortnite World Cup Duo event. Paired with fellow pro Nyhrox, his aggressive playstyle favored quick rotations and tight coordination. Although he stepped away from the competition, his earnings have left a lasting impression, proving that skill combined with teamwork can yield significant rewards. His name remains iconic among Fortnite fans and marks him as a top earner of Battle Royale’s heyday.
8. Harrison “Psalm” Chang (USA)
- Total Earnings: $1.87 Million
- Status: Retired
Psalm’s highlight reel comes from consistently placing high in Fortnite tournaments, with his peak coming when he finished second in the 2019 World Cup solo event. Known for his sharp aim and strategic plays, he earned respect for his consistency. Though he has retired from competitive play, his winnings maintain his standing in the list of the highest-paid esports players in the Battle Royale genre.
9. Emil “Nyhrox” Bergquist Pedersen (Norway)
- Total Earnings: $1.54 Million
- Status: Active
Nyhrox is one half of the duo that snagged victory in the 2019 Fortnite World Cup Duo event. His aggressive but imaginative play has earned him continuous success in the Fortnite competitive scene. He remains active in 2025, carving out a reputation for resilience and adaptability as Fortnite continues to change. His steady earnings place him among the top Battle Royale players globally.
C. The FPS Sharpshooters (CS2)
Counter-Strike has been the backbone of competitive shooting games for over two decades. The transition from CS: GO to CS2 has not diminished the earning potential for elite players. What makes this game special is the consistency it demands. You do not win one big tournament and retire. Success here comes from grinding through countless matches, refining aim, and mastering teamwork. The highest-paid esports players in this category earned their money through years of disciplined practice and clutch performances on the biggest stages.
Here are the top sharpshooters who have dominated the FPS scene:
10. Peter “dupreeh” Rasmussen (Denmark)
- Total Earnings: $2.18 Million
- Status: Active
Peter is the only player in Counter-Strike history to win five Major championships. His career with Astralis during their dominant era from 2018 to 2019 was nothing short of legendary. He played the support rifler role with consistency that made him invaluable to every lineup he joined. Even as the game transitioned to CS2, dupreeh adapted his playstyle and remained competitive at the highest level. His longevity in a game where most players burn out within a few years is remarkable. Peter’s ability to stay calm in high-pressure situations earned him the respect of fans and opponents alike in the shooter genre.
11. Andreas “Xyp9x” Højsleth (Denmark)
- Total Earnings: $2.00 Million
- Status: Retired / Coach
Andreas earned the nickname “Clutch Minister” for his ability to win impossible rounds. As part of the Astralis dynasty, he was the backbone of their success, often turning around matches that seemed lost. His four Major titles and countless tournament wins made him one of the wealthiest players in Counter-Strike history. After stepping away from active competition, he transitioned into a coaching role where he continues to influence the next generation of Danish talent. His calculated decision-making and ice-cold composure in clutch situations made him a legend in the FPS community.
12. Nicolai “dev1ce” Reedtz (Denmark)
- Total Earnings: $1.95 Million
- Status: Active (Astralis)
Nicolai is widely regarded as one of the most consistent AWPers ever to touch the game. His ability to hit crucial shots and anchor defensive positions made him a formidable opponent. He was the star player during Astralis’ era of dominance, racking up Major wins and MVP awards. After a brief stint with other teams, he returned to Astralis in 2025 and continues to compete at the top level. His precision and game sense have kept him relevant even as younger players enter the scene. Nicolai’s career earnings reflect his dedication to perfecting his craft over the course of more than a decade.
13. Lukas “gla1ve” Rossander (Denmark)
- Total Earnings: $1.86 Million
- Status: Active
Lukas is the mastermind behind Astralis’ tactical dominance. As the in-game leader, he developed strategies that revolutionized the way Counter-Strike is played at the professional level. His ability to read opponents and adapt mid-match turned Astralis into an unstoppable force during their peak years. Unlike pure aimers, Gla1ve built his legacy through his brain, not just his reflexes. Lukas remains active in 2025, leading Astralis through the CS2 era with the same strategic brilliance that made him one of the highest-paid esports players in the FPS world.
D. The League of Legends Icons
While the prize money in League of Legends might look smaller compared to Dota 2, the reality is different. This game operates on a franchise model where salaries often dwarf tournament winnings. Elite players sign contracts worth millions per year, making them incredibly wealthy regardless of how many trophies they lift. This ecosystem has created superstars who are household names across Asia and the West. The highest-paid esports players in this category are defined by their longevity and massive brand value.
Here are the icons who rule Summoner’s Rift:
14. Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok (South Korea)
- Total Prize Earnings: $2.13 Million (Plus est. $8M+ Salary)
- Status: Active (T1)
Faker is the undisputed most outstanding player of all time. Known as the “Unkillable Demon King,” he has won the World Championship five times, a record that seems impossible to break. While his prize earnings are impressive, his real wealth comes from his loyalty to T1, where he is now a part-owner. The Salary is rumored to be the highest in the entire industry, easily placing him at the top of the highest-paid esports players list if total compensation were public. Even after a decade of play, he remains the face of the sport and continues to lead his team to international glory in 2025.
15. Park “Ruler” Jae-hyuk (South Korea)
- Total Prize Earnings: $1.26 Million
- Status: Active
A ruler is the definition of a mechanical prodigy. He made his name by winning the World with Samsung Galaxy and earning the Finals MVP award for his flawless performance. Since then, he has played for top teams in both Korea and China, commanding huge salaries wherever he goes. His ability to carry games single-handedly has made him one of the most sought-after AD Carries in the world. Whether playing in the LCK or the LPL, Ruler consistently delivers elite performances that justify his massive paycheck and prize winnings.
16. Yu “JackeyLove” Wen-Bo (China)
- Total Prize Earnings: $969,294
- Status: Active
JackeyLove burst onto the scene as a teenage sensation who helped Invictus Gaming win China’s first-ever World Championship. His aggressive playstyle and fearlessness in big moments made him an instant superstar. As one of the most popular players in the massive Chinese market, his endorsement deals and Salary are among the highest in the league. He has remained a top competitor for years, proving that his initial success was not a fluke. JackeyLove represents the financial power of the LPL, where young stars can become some of the highest-paid esports players through skill and charisma.
E. The PUBG Pioneers
While Western media often focuses on Fortnite, the Asian market is dominated by PUBG. Both the PC version and its mobile counterpart generate massive revenue and viewership, particularly in China and Korea. The players here are superstars in their regions, competing in leagues that rival the size of traditional sports. The highest-paid esports players in this category have built their wealth through regional dominance and participation in massive international tournaments, such as the PUBG Global Championship.
Here are the pioneers who mastered the art of survival:
17. Park “Loki” Jung-young (South Korea)
- Total Earnings: $1.25 Million
- Status: Active
Loki is the king of PUBG on PC. He has consistently dominated the Korean and global position, racking up wins that most players only dream of. His tactical awareness and clutch factor in the final circles set him apart from his peers. Park was a key part of Gen. G’s success, helping them secure multiple championships. In a game where randomness can often decide the winner, Loki’s consistency is terrifying. He has proven that skill can overcome luck, earning over a million dollars in prize money and making him one of the highest-paid esports players in the Battle Royale genre.
18. Zhu “Paraboy” Bocheng (China – PUBG Mobile)
- Total Earnings: $1.30 Million+
- Status: Active
Paraboy is more than just a gamer; he is a cultural icon in China. As the star player of Nova Esports, he dominated the Peacekeeper Elite League (the Chinese version of PUBG Mobile) and won multiple global championships. His incredible aim and game sense made him the most feared player on the server. Beyond the game, his model-like looks and popularity have landed him luxury sponsorships that PC players rarely see. He represents the explosive growth of mobile esports.
Conclusion
The earnings of the highest-paid esports players show how far competitive gaming has come. What used to be a small hobby has turned into a serious career that can change a player’s entire life. These pros work hard, deal with pressure, and commit years to staying at the top of their game. Success comes from skill, consistency, and the ability to perform when it matters the most.
Whether they compete in MOBAs, shooters, or mobile titles, each player on this list demonstrates that esports has become a mainstream profession with substantial rewards. Prize money, contracts, and sponsorships all play a role in their journey, and the numbers are expected to rise as the industry expands.
