How do Pro Players Make So Much Money? EXPLAINED

In case you like gaming, you have most likely always wanted to work at playing video games professionally. Regardless of whether they love it or not, this dream is a reality for the world’s top gamers in esports. These gaming gods are making some serious cash–some millions of dollars. But how do they make a living from gaming so lucratively? We’ll look closer.

The Prize Money Jackpot

Perhaps the most familiar way esports players make their fortunes is through tournament prize pools. And let’s just say these pools are no small potatoes. We’re talking prize pots that would make even the wealthiest athletes sneer.

Take Dota 2, for instance. This game’s tournament boasted the largest overall prize pool in esports history in 2019, with USD 34 million at stake. That’s not a typo–thirty-four million dollars for one tournament. Crazy, right?

Some other video games that have big prize pools are Fortnite (PUBG), League of Legends, and Honor of Kings. The top players in these games may be able to survive on prize winnings alone if they consistently score high in major tournaments.

Of course, relying on tournament earnings alone is a gamble as consistency is the key. That’s why most professional esports players and teams have multiple income streams.

The Sponsor Goldmine

What do esports players earn the most from? sponsorships, you guessed it. Major brands are desperate to get in on the esports action with the esports audience approaching 2.5 billion worldwide.

Already huge players like Red Bull, Coca-Cola, Samsung, Intel, and Pepsi have joined the esports sponsorship train and more are certain to follow. Such sponsorship deals operate much like traditional sports, with teams and players effectively becoming walking billboards for their sponsors.

But it isn’t just the big dogs who are joining the fun. Smaller companies are also tapping into the esports sponsorship market with affiliate link deals, where players and teams are paid per click or purchase.

Tournament Advertising Deals

And speaking of tournaments, another way esports players can cash in is by promoting these massive events. Tournament organizers are always looking for ways to increase viewership – and who better to let the players themselves promote the events to their hordes of faithful?

Player participation in these promotions not only boosts the likelihood of landing sponsorships but also could boost the prize pool they’re vying for. That is an all-win scenario.

Merchandising Mania

After an esports player or team gets a large following, merchandising becomes a profitable revenue stream. As with traditional sports teams, fans are obsessed with branded clothing and accessories.

Companies like Team Liquid and Astralis have successfully sold shirts, hats, scarves, and jackets with their branding and logos. Loyal fans will happily shell out money to support their favorite players and teams.

The Streaming Goldmine

Not surprisingly, we have streaming services like Twitch and YouTube. These platforms have become goldmines for professional gamers, allowing them to essentially get paid for practicing their craft.

On Twitch, players can earn money through paid subscriptions, donations, or even Twitch sponsorships. Some of the biggest name streamers earn hundreds of thousands monthly just from this platform alone.

YouTube provides similar opportunities, with players earning from their gameplay videos via adverts, channel memberships, merchandise sales, and sponsorships.

In the eyes of countless esports players, streaming is not just an extra income stream but an actual career.

The Future Looks Bright

Pro gamers will continue to earn more because the esports market will continue to expand at an exponential pace. Data from Comparably shows top esports players in the US already earn between USD 43,169 and USD 471,748 per year. That’s a far cry from the stereotypical broke gamer living in their parent’s basement.

Of course, the player’s actual money is influenced by factors like exactly where they are, what game they participate in, and also just how much effort and time they can afford to invest. One thing is certain professional gaming could be an extremely lucrative profession – provided you have the talent, determination, and a little luck involved.

In case you have always dreamed about breaking into the esports fraternity, this is the time to begin practicing. With a bit of talent, dedication, and a bit of luck – you too could live the dream – and also make a little dough doing it.