Professional gaming has come a long way from basement tournaments with modest prize pools.
Today’s elite esports athletes earn millions of dollars, rivaling earnings from traditional sports stars.
Some have made enough money from tournament winnings alone to retire comfortably before hitting 30.
The esports industry has exploded over the past decade, transforming from a niche hobby into a billion-dollar global phenomenon.
Massive tournaments now fill arenas with thousands of screaming fans, while millions more watch online.
The prize pools have grown exponentially, with some events offering tens of millions of dollars to competitors.
For comprehensive coverage of esports tournaments, player profiles, and the latest competitive gaming news, etruesportslive.com is your go-to destination for staying connected with the world of professional gaming.
What’s particularly interesting about the highest-earning esports players is that they almost exclusively come from one game: Dota 2.
Thanks to The International’s innovative crowdfunding model, Dota 2 tournaments consistently offer the largest prize pools in competitive gaming history.
When you look at purely tournament earnings—not including salaries, sponsorships, or streaming revenue—Dota 2 players dominate the entire top 10.
Top 10 Highest Earning Esports Players of All Time
These aren’t just skilled gamers who got lucky.
These are athletes who’ve dedicated thousands of hours to mastering one of gaming’s most complex titles, competed under immense pressure on the world’s biggest stages, and delivered championship-winning performances when it mattered most.
Let’s explore the 10 highest-earning esports players based on tournament prize money and discover what makes them legends in competitive gaming.
Top 10 Highest Earning Esports Players of All Time
Johan “N0tail” Sundstein – $7 Million+
Country: Denmark
Primary Game: Dota 2
Notable Teams: OG (Co-founder), Fnatic, Team Secret
Johan “N0tail” Sundstein isn’t just the highest-earning esports player in history—he’s the embodiment of resilience and leadership in competitive gaming. With over $7 million in tournament winnings, N0tail has earned more prize money than any other esports athlete across all games.
His journey to the top wasn’t straightforward. After playing Heroes of Newerth, N0tail transitioned to Dota 2 in 2012 and competed for several top-tier organizations. In 2015, he co-founded OG, and what happened next became esports legend.
Career Highlights:
- 2× The International Champion (2018, 2019)
- First team to win The International twice
- Multiple Dota Major championships
- Over $7 million in prize money
- Featured in Forbes’ 30 Under 30
OG entered The International 2018 as underdogs. They’d struggled throughout the season, made last-minute roster changes, and few gave them a chance. Yet they fought through the lower bracket and won the entire tournament, with N0tail’s emotional “Ceeeeeeeb!” celebration becoming one of esports’ most iconic moments.
The following year, they did it again—becoming the only team at that time to win back-to-back Internationals. N0tail’s leadership, strategic mind, and ability to keep his team motivated through adversity proved that esports success requires more than just mechanical skill.
Jesse “JerAx” Vainikka – $6.4 Million+
Country: Finland
Primary Game: Dota 2
Notable Teams: OG, Team Liquid, Evil Geniuses
If you’ve ever wondered what perfect support play looks like, watch JerAx. This Finnish player redefined the support position in Dota 2, making plays that seemed impossible and turning defensive heroes into aggressive playmakers.
JerAx’s signature heroes—Earth Spirit and Rubick—became weapons in his hands. His positioning, timing, and willingness to take calculated risks created opportunities for his team that other players wouldn’t even attempt.
Major Achievements:
- 2× The International Champion (2018, 2019)
- Revolutionary support playstyle
- Over $6.4 million in career earnings
- Multiple MVP-worthy performances
As part of OG’s championship roster, JerAx was instrumental in both International victories. His ability to create space, initiate fights, and save teammates in crucial moments made him invaluable. The synergy between JerAx and N0tail was particularly special—they understood each other’s playstyles perfectly.
After winning The International twice, JerAx retired in 2020 at the peak of his career. He briefly returned to compete with Evil Geniuses before transitioning to coaching with Team Liquid. His decision to step away after achieving esports’ highest honor shows remarkable self-awareness—he’d accomplished everything he set out to do.
Anathan “ana” Pham – $6 Million+
Country: Australia
Primary Game: Dota 2
Notable Teams: OG, T1, Royal Never Give Up
Ana is esports’ quiet assassin. While other players seek the spotlight, ana prefers letting his gameplay speak for itself. His calm demeanor under pressure and ability to make clutch plays in critical moments made him OG’s secret weapon.
The Australian carry player joined OG in 2016 and immediately contributed to Major championships. But it was The International victories in 2018 and 2019 that cemented his legacy as one of Dota 2’s greatest carry players.
Career Accomplishments:
- 2× The International Champion (2018, 2019)
- Known for ice-cold composure
- Over $6 million in tournament earnings
- Multiple Major championships
What made ana special was his calculated risk-taking. He made plays that looked reckless to observers but were actually brilliant when they succeeded. His ability to farm efficiently while remaining aware of opportunities separated him from other carry players.
Ana’s approach to esports is unique—he’s taken multiple breaks throughout his career, stepping away completely when feeling burnt out. This maturity shows he understands that longevity requires balance. When he returned to compete for teams like T1 and Royal Never Give Up, he brought the same elite-level play that made him a two-time champion.
Yaroslav “Miposhka” Naidenov – $5.9 Million+
Country: Russia
Primary Game: Dota 2
Notable Teams: Team Spirit (Captain), Team Empire
As Team Spirit’s captain, Miposhka has demonstrated that leadership and strategic thinking can elevate an entire team to championship level. His journey from regional competitions to two-time International winner showcases the importance of persistence and smart decision-making.
Starting his professional career in 2014, Miposhka gained experience through various teams before finding his home with Team Spirit. Under his captaincy, Team Spirit achieved what only one other organization had done before—win The International twice.
Major Wins:
- 2× The International Champion (2021, 2023)
- Team Spirit’s captain and shot-caller
- Over $5.9 million in career earnings
- Second team ever to win TI twice
Miposhka’s strength lies in his ability to read opponents, make crucial in-game calls, and keep his team focused under pressure. During high-stakes matches, his calm leadership prevents panic and ensures Team Spirit executes their strategies effectively.
The 2021 victory was particularly impressive—Team Spirit entered as underdogs but systematically defeated favorites through superior teamwork and preparation. Their 2023 championship proved it wasn’t a fluke, establishing Team Spirit as one of Dota 2’s great dynasties.
Sébastien “Ceb” Debs – $5.9 Million+
Country: France
Primary Game: Dota 2
Notable Teams: OG
Ceb’s esports story is genuinely inspiring. He started as a player, became a coach, then returned to playing and won back-to-back International championships. That versatility demonstrates a deep understanding of Dota 2 at every level.
After coaching OG to multiple Major victories, Ceb stepped back into a playing role in 2018 when the team needed him. He became OG’s aggressive offlaner, complementing N0tail’s captaincy with his own strategic insights and fearless playstyle.
Career Highlights:
- 2× The International Champion (2018, 2019)
- Multiple Majors as both player and coach
- Returned from retirement to win ESL One Stockholm 2022
- Over $5.9 million in prize money
Ceb’s 2022 comeback became legendary in Dota 2 circles. He’d retired, OG was struggling, and veteran comebacks rarely succeed at the highest level. Yet Ceb returned and helped OG win the ESL One Stockholm Major, creating one of the most memorable storylines in competitive Dota.
His aggressive offlane play and willingness to sacrifice for his team exemplified OG’s philosophy. Ceb proved that experience, game knowledge, and teamwork can overcome younger players with faster reflexes.
Topias “Topson” Taavitsainen – $5.8 Million+
Country: Finland
Primary Game: Dota 2
Notable Teams: OG, T1, Tundra Esports
Topson’s rise reads like a fairy tale. In early 2018, he was a talented but relatively unknown European player. OG took a chance on him just months before The International, and that gamble resulted in two championship victories.
His unconventional approach to the mid lane kept opponents guessing. Topson played heroes and used strategies that other mid players avoided, giving OG an unpredictable edge that was nearly impossible to prepare for.
Key Achievements:
- 2× The International Champion (2018, 2019)
- Innovative mid-lane playstyle
- Over $5.8 million in career earnings
- Third-place finish at TI 2024 with Tundra
Topson’s adaptability was his greatest strength. Whether OG needed aggressive space-creation or late-game scaling, he could adjust his hero pool and playstyle accordingly. This versatility made him incredibly valuable in draft phases.
After his OG success, Topson competed for T1 and Tundra Esports, helping Tundra secure third place at The International 2024. Following this achievement, he retired to focus on family and fulfill mandatory military service in Finland—a logical decision given his substantial earnings and accomplishments.
Magomed “Collapse” Khalilov – $5.7 Million+
Country: Russia
Primary Game: Dota 2
Notable Teams: Team Spirit
At just 23 years old, Collapse has already achieved what most esports players only dream about. As Team Spirit’s offlaner, his aggressive plays and teamfight dominance have been critical to their championship success.
Collapse gained international recognition during The International 2021 when Team Spirit shocked the Dota 2 world by winning the tournament. His performance throughout the event was exceptional—dominating lanes, making crucial teamfight plays, and showing veteran-level composure despite his youth.
Tournament Success:
- 2× The International Champion (2021, 2023)
- PGL Arlington Major Champion (2022)
- Considered one of the best offlaners globally
- Over $5.7 million in tournament winnings
What separates Collapse from other players is consistency. He doesn’t have occasional great tournaments—he maintains elite performance across multiple seasons. His hero pool is versatile, his mechanics are sharp, and his teamfight awareness allows him to make split-second decisions that swing matches.
Team Spirit’s continued dominance owes much to Collapse’s reliable excellence. Whether he’s playing space-creating initiators or durable frontliners, he executes his role perfectly and enables his teammates to shine.
Illya “Yatoro” Mulyarchuk – $5.6 Million+
Country: Ukraine
Primary Game: Dota 2
Notable Teams: Team Spirit
Yatoro represents the next generation of Dota 2 excellence—young, skilled, and hungry for success. By age 14, he’d reached 6000 matchmaking rating, an achievement that takes most players years to accomplish.
As Team Spirit’s carry player since late 2020, Yatoro serves as the team’s primary damage dealer and late-game insurance. His efficient farming and map awareness allow Team Spirit to execute their strategies while maintaining late-game security.
Career Accomplishments:
- 2× The International Champion (2021, 2023)
- Recognized as one of the best carry players worldwide
- Over $5.6 million in career earnings
- Reached 6000 MMR by age 14
Yatoro’s ability to maintain farm priority while staying involved in teamfights showcases his game sense. He knows when to push lanes, when to join fights, and when to continue farming—decisions that separate good carry players from great ones.
At just 22 years old, Yatoro has many competitive years ahead if he chooses to continue. His earning potential could eventually surpass even N0tail’s record, especially if Team Spirit maintains their championship form.
Miroslaw “Mira” Kolpakov – $5.5 Million+
Country: Ukraine
Primary Game: Dota 2
Notable Teams: Team Spirit, Aurora Gaming
Support players often don’t receive proper recognition, but Mira is an exception. His strategic gameplay and mastery of key support heroes made him essential to Team Spirit’s championship runs.
Starting his professional career in 2019, Mira joined Team Spirit in February 2021—just months before their first International victory. His signature heroes like Rubick, Mirana, and Lion became feared picks when Mira controlled them.
Notable Achievements:
- 2× The International Champion (2021, 2023)
- Expert playmaking support player
- Over $5.5 million in prize money
- Recently joined Aurora Gaming (2025)
Mira’s positioning and spell usage consistently created advantages for Team Spirit. His ability to land crucial stuns, save teammates, and control teamfights demonstrated why elite support play matters just as much as carry performance.
His February 2025 departure from Team Spirit to join Aurora Gaming begins a new chapter. Whether he can replicate his championship success with a new roster remains to be seen, but his experience and skill make him valuable to any competitive team.
Kuro “KuroKy” Takhasomi – $5.3 Million+
Country: Germany
Primary Game: Dota 2
Notable Teams: Natus Vincere, Team Secret, Team Liquid, Team Nigma
KuroKy represents Dota’s veteran class—a player who’s competed at the highest level for over a decade and remains relevant through game knowledge and leadership rather than just mechanical skill.
Starting with the original DotA in 2008, KuroKy transitioned to Dota 2 in 2011 and has remained competitive ever since. His longevity alone sets him apart, but his 2017 International championship cements his legacy.
Career Milestones:
- The International 2017 Champion
- Co-founder of Team Nigma
- Over a decade of top-tier competition
- Over $5.3 million in career earnings
Leading Team Liquid to The International 2017 victory was KuroKy’s defining achievement. The championship proved his leadership abilities and strategic expertise could guide a team to esports’ biggest prize.
After his International win, KuroKy co-founded Team Nigma, showing his entrepreneurial side. While he hasn’t replicated his 2017 success, his continued competitiveness at 32 years old proves esports careers don’t have to end at 25. Game knowledge and leadership can compensate for any decrease in reaction time.
Why Dota 2 Dominates Esports Earnings?
All 10 highest-earning players come from Dota 2—this isn’t a coincidence. The International’s revolutionary prize pool structure creates payouts that dwarf other esports tournaments.
The Crowdfunding Revolution:
Valve pioneered an approach where players purchase in-game Battle Passes, with 25% of sales going directly to The International prize pool. This creates massive pools:
- The International 2021: $40+ million
- The International 2019: $34+ million
- The International 2024: Nearly $40 million
Other esports tournaments typically offer $1-5 million, while Dota 2’s first-place team can win $15-20 million, with each player receiving millions individually.
Why This Model Works:
Dota 2’s passionate community enthusiastically supports this system, knowing their purchases directly increase winnings for their favorite teams. While other games have larger player bases, Dota 2’s community engagement creates unprecedented prize pools.
Players from League of Legends, CS:GO, and Fortnite earn substantial salaries and sponsorships, but tournament winnings alone don’t compare to Dota 2’s massive payouts.
FAQs
- Which esports player has earned the most prize money?
Johan “N0tail” Sundstein holds the record with over $7 million in tournament winnings, primarily from winning The International twice with OG in 2018 and 2019. Including salaries, sponsorships, and streaming revenue, his total earnings are likely significantly higher.
- Why do all top earners come from Dota 2?
The International’s crowdfunded prize pools regularly reach $35-40 million, far exceeding other esports tournaments. While players from League of Legends, CS:GO, and Fortnite earn substantial salaries and sponsorships, their tournament winnings don’t match Dota 2’s massive payouts from The International.
- How do esports players make money besides tournaments?
Professional players have multiple income streams: team salaries (often hundreds of thousands annually for top players), sponsorship deals with gaming brands, streaming revenue from Twitch and YouTube, merchandise sales, content creation, and sometimes ownership stakes in their organizations. For elite players, tournament winnings might represent only 30-40% of total earnings.
- Can esports players have long careers like traditional athletes?
Esports careers tend to be shorter due to demanding reflexes and constantly evolving game strategies, but players like KuroKy (competing at 32) prove longevity is possible. Many players transition into coaching, team management, content creation, or organization ownership, extending their esports careers beyond active competition. The industry is still young, so we’re only beginning to understand the full career lifecycle of professional gamers.
Conclusion:
The top 10 highest-earning esports players represent more than impressive bank accounts; they embody what’s possible when talent meets opportunity in competitive gaming.
From N0tail’s $7+ million to KuroKy’s decade-long career, these players prove that esports offers legitimate career paths with life-changing financial rewards.
These earnings reflect not just individual skill but esports’ industry’s growth. Two decades ago, tournament victories might net a few thousand dollars. Today, a single International win can provide financial security for life.
Beyond money, these players have inspired countless others to pursue competitive gaming seriously.
They’ve shaped how Dota 2 is played, influenced meta developments, and created moments that will be remembered for decades. Their legacies extend far beyond prize pools.
As esports, like other big sports continue growing, prize pools will likely increase further.
Will someone surpass N0tail’s record? Probably. But these 10 players will always be remembered as pioneers who proved professional gaming can lead to extraordinary success.
Whether you’re an aspiring pro or an esports fan, these players’ stories offer lessons about persistence, adaptability, and the importance of great teammates. They didn’t just earn millions—they changed gaming forever.