Esports has evolved from a niche hobby into a billion-dollar industry, attracting top talent from all over the world. The prize pools are massive, and for the best players, the earnings are equally impressive. For those following the scene closely or even thinking about how to withdraw from BetWinner winnings, knowing who the top earners in esports are can be as exciting as gaming on traditional sports.
Here’s a look at the top five highest-paid esports players of 2024, based on tournament winnings and career achievements. Most of them hail from the fiercely competitive world of Dota 2, where legendary tournaments like The International boast prize pools in the tens of millions.
1. Johan “N0tail” Sundstein – $7,184,163
Leading the pack is Johan “N0tail” Sundstein, a Danish professional Dota 2 player. With earnings exceeding $7 million, N0tail has established himself as one of the most successful esports players of all time. His notable achievements include winning The International back-to-back in 2018 and 2019 with his team, OG. Known for his strategic mindset and exceptional leadership skills, N0tail is revered in the gaming community and continues to hold the top spot in esports earnings in 2024.
2. Jesse “JerAx” Vainikka – $6,486,623
Close behind is Finland’s Jesse “JerAx” Vainikka. Like N0tail, JerAx also made his fortune through Dota 2 as part of the OG team, securing two consecutive The International titles. His career earnings exceed $6.4 million, thanks to his unparalleled gameplay as a support player. JerAx briefly retired but returned to esports in 2022, solidifying his legacy as one of the highest-earning players of all time.
3. Anathan “ana” Pham – $6,024,411
Anathan “ana” Pham, from Australia, ranks third with career earnings of just over $6 million. Ana’s journey to the top is impressive—he dropped out of high school to pursue professional gaming and was instrumental in OG’s two The International victories. Despite taking multiple breaks from competitive play, his earnings remain substantial, reflecting his dominance during his active years.
4. Sébastien “Ceb” Debs – $5,900,842
Ceb, another member of OG, holds fourth place. His overall earnings have reached nearly $5.9 million. A former coach turned player, Ceb’s unique career trajectory saw him win The International twice as a player. He remains an influential figure in esports, often contributing to OG’s success both as a coach and a player. His return to playing in 2022 after a brief retirement kept him high on the earnings list in 2024.
5. Topias “Topson” Taavitsainen – $5,726,841
Finland’s Topson is another Dota 2 superstar whose rise was nothing short of meteoric. With career earnings nearing $5.7 million, Topson’s unconventional gameplay and selfless team contributions have earned him a place among the all-time greats. After joining OG, he became instrumental in the team’s back-to-back The International wins. He now plays for Tundra Esports and remains a top earner in 2024.
Why Dota 2 Dominates the Earnings List
You may have noticed a trend—every player in the top five comes from Dota 2. This is no coincidence. The International, Dota 2’s flagship tournament, has consistently boasted the largest prize pools in esports, with some editions exceeding $40 million. Other esports titles like League of Legends, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, and Fortnite are immensely popular but haven’t yet matched the same payout scale.
Esports continues to grow, with new games and titles like Valorant and Rocket League gradually building larger prize pools. However, Dota 2 remains king when it comes to earnings, allowing its players to climb to the top of the financial leaderboard.
FAQ
Who is the highest-paid esports player in 2024?
Johan “N0tail” Sundstein remains the highest-paid esports player, with career earnings over $7 million.
Why are most of the highest earners from Dota 2?
Dota 2 offers massive prize pools, especially through The International, which often exceeds $40 million, dwarfing many other esports tournaments.
Can new esports players earn as much as veterans?
While it’s possible, reaching the earnings level of top-tier players like N0tail or JerAx requires not only exceptional skill but also competing in the biggest tournaments. For newer players, sponsorships, streaming, and smaller tournaments provide avenues to build income.
How much do professional gamers earn outside of tournaments?
Top-tier players supplement their income with sponsorships, streaming, and merchandise deals. For instance, streamers like Shroud and Ninja have made millions outside of tournament play.
Which games offer the highest earnings in 2024?
While Dota 2 dominates in terms of prize money, other games like League of Legends, Counter-Strike, and PUBG Mobile offer substantial payouts.
For a deeper dive into the history and development of esports, check out the article on Wikipedia to learn more about how this industry continues to evolve.
Esports continues to break barriers, proving that video games are no longer just a pastime but a career with high stakes and even higher rewards for the best of the best.
