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.

—————————————————————————————————————————————–

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

Riot Games and 1000 Dreams Fund Expand Talent Pipeline in Esports Broadcasting, Accepting Two New Cadets to their Specialized 2026 Program

Published

2 days ago

January 16, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

riot-games-and-1000-dreams-fund-expand-talent-pipeline-in-esports-broadcasting,-accepting-two-new-cadets-to-their-specialized-2026-program

1000 Dreams Fund (1DF), a nonprofit that empowers talented women and students in need with scholarships, mentorship and other critical resources to help them reach their dream careers, has announced that two new cadets have been selected to its 2026 Riot Games Esports Broadcasting Cadetship at Riot Games’ Remote Broadcast Center (RBC) powered by AWS in Seattle.

The cadets selected for the three-month, paid cadetship position are:

• Marissa M. – Indiana University Bloomington

• Kevin D. – University of North Florida

The cadetship program runs in partnership with Riot Games—a leading video game developer, publisher and esports tournament organizer—and their global partner, AWS. Together with 1DF, the partners are committed to expanding access and creating pathways for individuals aspiring toward a career in esports broadcasting and production.

“We’re excited to host the Esports Broadcasting Cadetship in our Seattle Remote Broadcast Center for the first time. This facility has revolutionized how we produce esports at scale, and the Esports Broadcasting Cadetship brings that innovation to life by connecting emerging talent directly to the future of the industry. Through our partnership with 1000 Dreams Fund, we’re not only investing in today’s talent but also building a pipeline of leaders equipped to shape what comes next in global esports production,” said Allyson Gormley, Global Operations Director, Esports Broadcast & Production for Riot Games.

As Gen Z and early-career professionals increasingly rethink traditional career tracks, demand continues to grow for hands-on, skills-driven roles that offer clear pathways into competitive industries. In response, innovative workforce programs are materializing to bridge the gap between aspiration and opportunity, prioritizing real-world experience over linear career models.

The Riot Games Esports Broadcasting Cadetship exemplifies this new model of workforce development in emerging fields. Launched in 2023 as part of 1000 Dreams Fund’s broader commitment to workforce access and equity, the program was built to meet this moment — long before non-traditional career pathways became a mainstream conversation. By placing early-career students inside a global esports operation, the Cadetship provides a proven pathway, offering the training, mentorship and live production experience needed to launch careers in esports broadcasting.

“This year marks 10 years of 1000 Dreams Fund building programs that create real access to opportunity for students and early-career talent. The Riot Games Esports Broadcasting Cadetship reflects the kind of long-term, impact-driven work we’ve been committed to since day one, and in a time of deep transition in the workforce, these programs are more important than ever. We’re proud to continue expanding pathways, especially within emerging industries, that help students turn ambition into lasting careers,” said Christie Garton, founder and CEO of 1000 Dreams Fund.

For the selected cadets, this investment creates immediate momentum and removes common barriers to entry while positioning participants for long-term growth in a highly competitive field.

The post Riot Games and 1000 Dreams Fund Expand Talent Pipeline in Esports Broadcasting, Accepting Two New Cadets to their Specialized 2026 Program appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

Berlin Gaming Industry

Tom Achsel Joins FACTORY-C to Spearhead “Home of Indies” Communications

Published

2 weeks ago

January 7, 2026

Wladimir P.

tom-achsel-joins-factory-c-to-spearhead-“home-of-indies”-communications

FACTORY-C, the Berlin-based communications powerhouse specializing in gaming and esports, has announced the appointment of Tom Achsel as Event Communications Manager. Achsel will join the “Home of Indies” team alongside project initiator Christiane Gehrke, focusing on the platform’s global expansion and upcoming presence at Gamescom 2026.

With over a decade of experience in the tech and gaming sectors, Achsel brings a massive professional network and deep operational expertise to the agency.

A Veteran of the Berlin Gaming Scene

Tom Achsel is a well-known figure in the German development community. His career highlights include:

Games Academy: Served as Head of Marketing & Events at one of Europe’s oldest game development institutions.
Games Ground Berlin: Co-founded and led communications for the Berlin Gaming Festival, curating impactful B2B programs and speaker lineups.
IGDA Berlin: Serves as Vice-Chairman, strengthening ties between local developers and the global gaming ecosystem.

Christiane Gehrke, Senior Event Communication & Sales Manager at Factory-C

“Tom knows the indie scene from multiple perspectives and has a sharp understanding of the needs of indie developers,” said Christiane Gehrke, Senior Event Communication & Sales Manager at FACTORY-C. “He brings everything needed to support the continued development of Home of Indies.”

Scaling the “Home of Indies” Platform

Since its debut in 2022, Home of Indies has grown into a central pillar of the Gamescom Indie Area. The platform provides a shared booth for independent developers, lowering the barrier to entry for international studios.

2025 Growth: The booth expanded to 440 square meters, featuring over 50 games from a dozen countries.
New Features: The project recently added a dedicated Spotlight Stage, streaming booths, and professional networking areas via MeetToMatch.

As Event Communications Manager, Achsel will lead the outreach strategy for Gamescom 2026, ensuring that the creative diversity of the global indie scene receives maximum visibility among press, influencers, and players.

The post Tom Achsel Joins FACTORY-C to Spearhead “Home of Indies” Communications appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

BlueBottle

BlueBottle Launches “League Broadcast” SaaS for Streamlined Esports Production

Published

2 weeks ago

January 7, 2026

Wladimir P.

bluebottle-launches-“league-broadcast”-saas-for-streamlined-esports-production

BlueBottle, the Munich-based esports technology innovator, has officially launched League Broadcast, its professional-grade production software, via a new Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) subscription model.

Announced on January 7, 2026, this B2C release moves the platform from selective partner deployments and its long-standing beta phase into a publicly accessible tool for leagues, tournament organizers, and individual content creators worldwide.

Professional Broadcast Tools for All Tiers

League Broadcast is designed to automate and elevate the visual storytelling of competitive gaming, specifically targeting the League of Legends ecosystem. The software bypasses traditional API limitations by using low-level game data collection to provide real-time, high-fidelity visualizations.

At launch, BlueBottle has introduced a tiered pricing structure to suit different operational scales:

Tier	Status	Key Features	Target Audience
Free	Available	Core overlays, essential team/player data, basic game stats.	Grassroots creators & amateur streamers.
Basic	Available	Commercial usage rights, customizable pre-game elements, professional draft tools.	Semi-pro leagues & small event organizers.
Pro	Coming Soon	Advanced analytics, event-driven automation, premium production tools.	Professional leagues & high-scale live operations.

Supported by Creative Europe Media

The transition to a scalable SaaS model was significantly bolstered by funding from Creative Europe Media, the European Union’s flagship program for the audiovisual and creative sectors. This backing allowed BlueBottle to invest in:

Enhanced Stability: Hardening the software for 24/7 live environments.
Improved Infrastructure: Faster development cycles and dedicated customer support.
Accessibility: Lowering the barrier for European creators to produce “broadcast-quality” content that competes with high-budget international productions.

“This launch represents more than a new pricing model — it’s the moment League Broadcast becomes accessible to the wider esports community,” said Lars Eble, CTO at BlueBottle. “We were able to invest in long-term product quality… ensuring that our B2C customers receive the same level of reliability previously reserved for large partners.”

Strengthening the European Esports Ecosystem

By providing affordable, automated tools for real-time data visualization—such as dynamic gold graphs, inhibitor timers, and 3D in-world branding—BlueBottle is positioning itself as a core infrastructure provider for the digital media age. The platform allows smaller organizations to monetize their formats more effectively through professional-looking sponsor placements and deeper viewer engagement.

The post BlueBottle Launches “League Broadcast” SaaS for Streamlined Esports Production appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.