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

Blueprint Gaming releases Wolf Fury Fire Blitz slot

Published

56 minutes ago

July 16, 2026

Wladimir P.

blueprint-gaming-releases-wolf-fury-fire-blitz-slot

New title adds Fire Spins and Blitz Spins bonuses plus Standard, Super and Ultra Power Play modes at 5x, 10x and 20x stake.

Blueprint Gaming has released a new slot, Wolf Fury Fire Blitz, built around an “evolving Fire Blitz mechanic” and two bonus paths: Fire Spins and Blitz Spins.

The game uses a Fire Blitz logo above the reels as a meter. In the base game and Power Play, the supplier said every Cash and Wolf symbol contributes to the meter, with boosts able to add extra symbols and “guarantees either Fire Spins or Blitz Spins.”

Fire Spins triggers when six or more Cash symbols land in view. Each reel position spins independently to add more Cash or Wolf symbols, with new symbols resetting a three-spin counter and locking in place. Blueprint said the Wolf can land on the centre reel to collect all Cash symbols in view, then collect additional prizes that land for the remainder of the feature.

Blitz Spins activates when a Wolf symbol lands on reel three alongside Cash symbols on two adjacent reels. During the bonus, the Wolf collects every Cash symbol that lands before the reels respin, and additional Wolf symbols can lock in place, with up to three collectors active at once.

The title also includes Blueprint Gaming’s multi-level Power Play, offering Standard, Super or Ultra modes at 5x, 10x or 20x the base stake. In these modes, the company said only Cash and Wolf symbols appear on the reels.

Jo Purvis, Director of Marketing, PR and Events at Blueprint Gaming, said: “Wolf Fury Fire Blitz combines several of our most engaging mechanics into a fast-paced experience that offers players frequent feature opportunities and exciting collection gameplay. The Fire Blitz mechanic creates anticipation throughout every session, while the dual bonus structure ensures plenty of variety.

“The addition of our multi-level Power Play further enhances the experience by giving players greater control over how they engage with the game, reinforcing our commitment to delivering innovative, feature-rich content that performs across regulated markets worldwide.”

The post Blueprint Gaming releases Wolf Fury Fire Blitz slot appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

4 Chili Pots: Hold and Win

Playson releases 4 Chili Pots: Hold and Win with dual bonus modes

Published

56 minutes ago

July 16, 2026

Wladimir P.

playson-releases-4-chili-pots:-hold-and-win-with-dual-bonus-modes

Playson has launched 4 Chili Pots: Hold and Win, a new slot built around Hold and Win and Pots mechanics with two bonus modes and jackpots reaching 10,000x.

The game runs on a 5×3 grid and triggers a Hold and Win Bonus Game with Chili Features when red, orange or green Chili Bonus symbols land, combining with enlarged matching chilis above the reels. The chilli colour determines the feature in play: red triggers a Multi Feature that adds multipliers up to 5x; orange triggers a Mystery Feature that can award Mini, Minor or Major jackpot values or a coin value up to 75x; and green triggers a Collect Feature that gathers the value of all symbols in play, including any attached multipliers.

A golden Super Chili Bonus symbol can trigger a Super Bonus Game on an expanded 5×5 grid, with random Multi, Mystery or Collect features, including combinations. During the round, the active Super Chili Feature lands random Chili Bonus symbols until six are present, which then activates a new feature or enhances the current one.

Playson said jackpots can be triggered in both bonus modes. Filling all 15 cells in the classic bonus awards the Grand Jackpot at 3,000x, while filling all 25 cells in the Super Bonus Game awards the Super Jackpot at 10,000x. Skull-themed symbols can also appear in bonus play and transform into red, orange or green Chili Bonus symbols. The title includes two Buy Bonus levels, allowing players to trigger the Bonus Game or Super Bonus Game with one, two or three Chili Features.

Anton Ivannikov, CPO at Playson, said: “Our fiery new title showcases our continued focus on evolving proven mechanics in fresh and exciting ways. By combining two player-favourite features with layered bonus progression, dynamic Chili Features and a Super Bonus Game offering even greater rewards, we have created a title that delivers excitement throughout every stage of play.

“Complemented by its vibrant Mexican fiesta theme and engaging gameplay, we are confident 4 Chili Pots: Hold and Win will prove to be another valuable addition to our partners’ casino offerings.”

The post Playson releases 4 Chili Pots: Hold and Win with dual bonus modes appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Compliance Updates

Merkur Group Strengthens Global Compliance Strategy

Published

2 hours 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.