6 Highest-Paying Esports Games Of 2020 So Far

Published

6 years ago

June 4, 2020

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Despite the world grinding to a halt, esports continues to thrive.

In 2019, global revenue from esports topped $1billion and with the popularity of competitive increasing, gamers and sponsors continue to see the benefits.

But, what about during a pandemic?

Though many big tournaments have been cancelled, the gaming goes on at home and viewing figures are rising each month.

New research from esports betting company Unikrn has revealed the biggest esports of 2020 so far by prize money won**.

1. DOTA 2

Prize money (2020): $6,000,000

Tournaments: 54

Average prize: $111,111

Prize money (all-time): $224,300,000

The highest-paid game in esports continues to lead the way when it comes to prize money in 2020.

Last year, the game offloaded $52million in prize money with The International 2019 contributing to $34.3million of that.

Winning team OG picked up $15.6million between their five members, each taking home more than Tiger Woods at the 2019 Masters ($2.07million)

2. CS:GO

Prize money (2020): $4,900,000

Tournaments: 96

Average prize: $51,042

Prize money (all-time): $96,200,000

The most active game in 2020, CS:GO has had tournaments going out almost every week.

Since the start of the year, the average number of Twitch viewers watching streamers and matches has almost tripled from 45,000 viewers in January to 120,000 viewers in April.

3. Rainbow Six Siege

Prize money (2020): $4,000,000

Tournaments: 18

Average prize: $222,222

Prize money (all-time): $12,100,000

This year’s Six Invitational 2020 in February saw a $3million prize pot, higher than any previous year.

Despite being released in 2015, Rainbow Six Siege’s popularity continues to grow.

As of this month, the game has surpassed 60 millions players worldwide.

4. League of Legends

Prize money (2020): $2,900,000

Tournaments: 26

Average prize: $111,538

Prize money (all-time): $75,600,000

The real-time strategy game developed by Riot Games is the fourth highest-paying game in history with over $75million in prize money.

The publisher announced last month that it was having to cancel this year’s Mid-Season Invitational (MSI), the game’s second largest international annual event.

However, fans will be excited for the start of the LPL that begins this weekend.

5. Rocket League

Prize money (2020): $1,500,000

Tournaments: 17

Average prize: $88,235

Prize money (all-time): $8,900,000

Rocket League has recently stepped into the mainstream with the BBC broadcasting the European Spring Series last month.

Previously, Season 9 of the Rocket League Championship Series (RLCS) saw almost $1million paid out across the tournament from February to April.

6. PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG)

Prize money (2020): $1,500,000

Tournaments: 21

Average prize: $71,429

Prize money (all-time): $22,000,000

Another esport that has had to cancel a big tournament. In PUBG’s case, the PGS 2020 in Berlin was set to go ahead in April.

The creators have since committed to hosting four events around the world in 2020 as long as it adheres to government advice.

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A spokesperson for Unikrn said: “Postponing The International 2020 was the responsible choice from Valve, and it is only making this event larger and more anticipated.

“In the first 24 hours, The International compendium earned $24,000,000 from fans supporting the event, putting it on pace to be the largest esports prize in history.

“This enthusiasm isn’t unique to DOTA 2. Esports are continuing to accelerate in popularity, especially during these unprecedented times.”

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** Statistics taken from www.esportsearnings.com (does not include charitable prize money, salaries, earning reductions)

HIGHEST-PAYING ESPORTS OF 2020 (BY PRIZE MONEY)

	2020 prize money	No. of tournaments	Average prize money
Game
DOTA2	$6,000,000	54	$111,111
CS:GO	$4,900,000	96	$51,042
Rainbow Six: Siege	$4,000,000	18	$222,222
League of Legends	$2,900,000	26	$111,538
Rocket League	$1,500,000	17	$88,235
PUBG	$1,500,000	21	$71,429
Hearthstone	$1,200,000	8	$150,000
Magic The Gathering	$1,100,000	1	$1,100,000
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare	$1,100,000	19	$57,895
Arena of Valor	$827,000	2	$413,500

HIGHEST-PAYING ESPORTS OF ALL-TIME (BY PRIZE MONEY)

	Total Prize Money	2020 prize money	No. of tournaments	Average prize money
Game
DOTA2	$224,300,000	$6,000,000	54	$111,111
CS:GO	$96,200,000	$4,900,000	96	$51,042
Fortnite	$85,300,000	$600,000	3	$200,000
League of Legends	$75,600,000	$2,900,000	26	$111,538
Starcraft	$32,800,000	$500,000	46	$10,870
PLAYERUNKNOWN	$22,000,000	$1,500,000	21	$71,429
Overwatch	$21,700,000	$12,000	2	$6,000
Hearthstone	$21,200,000	$1,200,000	8	$150,000
Heroes of Storm	$18,100,000	$4,000	1	$4,000
Arena of Valor	$14,600,000	$827,000	2	$413,500

Merkur Group Strengthens Global Compliance Strategy

Published

42 minutes ago

July 16, 2026

Wladimir P.

merkur-group-strengthens-global-compliance-strategy

Under the theme “Perspectives,” a total of 43 compliance staff members from the Merkur Group across various countries gathered from 30 June to 1 July to further develop compliance processes in a sustainable manner. Colleagues from Germany, Spain, England, Malta, Australia and the US traveled to the two-day meeting at Benkhausen Castle, the in-house training centre of the Merkur Group. The workshop set the stage with expert presentations on global and digital topics such as cybersecurity, risk management and artificial intelligence. A panel discussion featuring representatives from various international companies within the Merkur Group, as well as a digital quiz, rounded out the programme.

In keeping with its guiding principle, the workshop focused on sharing experiences, fostering global networking and providing impetus for the further development of compliance processes. Because informal exchanges are also key to close cooperation, the evening programme created a relaxed atmosphere and gave participants the opportunity to continue their conversations, make new connections, and further strengthen team spirit across company and national boundaries.

“The ideas and diverse perspectives gained during the workshop will now be incorporated into our day-to-day work and help us to continuously improve collaboration and existing processes,” said Ludwig Beckmann, Chief Compliance Officer of the Merkur Group.

The concluding feedback session also highlighted just how valuable the international exchange is. The term “collaboration” came up particularly often, a clear indication of how highly the participants value working closely together within the international compliance network.

The post Merkur Group Strengthens Global Compliance Strategy appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Anne Marie Caulfield

GRAI Launches New Campaign Helping Parents to Spot the Signs of Underage Gambling

Published

42 minutes ago

July 16, 2026

Wladimir P.

grai-launches-new-campaign-helping-parents-to-spot-the-signs-of-underage-gambling

The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) is encouraging parents and guardians to be alert to the signs of gambling among young people and to intervene early to prevent gambling harm.

The signs of gambling aren’t always visible, the GRAI in partnership with the Health Service Executive Addiction Services have developed dedicated advice on www.grai.ie to equip families with the knowledge to recognise the signs, advice on how to start the conversation with their children about gambling, and where to seek help if required.

To support the guidance, the GRAI has launched a national public awareness campaign across video on demand, radio, digital audio, and social media platforms, bringing this message directly to families across Ireland.

With the lines between entertainment and gambling increasingly blurred, especially online, what may look like harmless fun can still involve risk, money and chance in ways that affect young developing brains. Research commissioned by the GRAI and conducted by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) found that children who gamble are twice as likely to develop a gambling problem as adults.

Anne Marie Caulfield, CEO of the GRAI said: “We have launched this campaign to help parents start an important conversation about the risks of underage gambling. Children and young people are among the most at-risk members of Irish society when it comes to gambling exposure and harm. Children’s brains are still developing the judgement and impulse-control systems used to weigh up risk, which makes gambling appealing to them.

“With online gambling available at any time of the day, it is easy for the warning signs to be hidden. The guidance the GRAI developed with the HSE Addiction Services sets out some of the key behavioural signs to look out for in your child.”

The post GRAI Launches New Campaign Helping Parents to Spot the Signs of Underage Gambling appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Amusnet

Amusnet Launches VIP LIVE Roulette, Bringing a Refined Experience to Live Casino Players

Published

42 minutes ago

July 16, 2026

Wladimir P.

amusnet-launches-vip-live-roulette,-bringing-a-refined-experience-to-live-casino-players

Amusnet has launched VIP LIVE Roulette, a new addition to its Live Casino portfolio, offering a premium European roulette experience designed for players who prefer higher stakes, greater comfort and a sophisticated gaming environment.

Created for those who appreciate a more considered approach to live roulette, VIP LIVE Roulette combines elegant studio production with elevated table limits and an extended betting window. The additional betting time allows players to place larger, more strategic wagers at a comfortable pace, creating a smoother and more engaging experience without changing the familiar flow of the game.

Built on the classic European roulette format, the game enhances traditional gameplay with a range of intuitive features that support both convenience and strategic play. Players can personalise their sessions using Favourite & Special Bets, quickly repeat previous wagers with Auto-Rebet and follow live Statistics to inform their decisions throughout the game.

Set in a dedicated VIP studio, the game delivers a polished live presentation with professional dealers, high-definition streaming and a clean, modern environment that recreates the atmosphere of an exclusive casino floor. Every element has been designed to combine the authenticity of live roulette with the expectations of today’s premium player segment.

VIP LIVE Roulette joins Amusnet’s growing Live Casino portfolio, further strengthening the company’s offering with a title that balances timeless gameplay with contemporary player preferences. As operators continue to expand their live casino proposition, the game provides an opportunity to appeal to high-value audiences looking for an elevated roulette experience that combines premium presentation, seamless gameplay and greater flexibility at the table.

History Re-bet feature

Pick again the lucky numbers for the last spins.

Favourite Bets

This function allows players to save their personally tailored bets or bet combinations for quick access during gameplay.

Game Statistics

Make the strategy with statistics for the last spins.

Jackpot Cards

Once the Jackpot Cards Bonus game is triggered, impressive Jackpots are revealed.

The post Amusnet Launches VIP LIVE Roulette, Bringing a Refined Experience to Live Casino Players appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.