Connect with us

Latest News

Esports earnings: Top 25 Highest Paid Players in 2020 So Far

Published

on

Reading Time: 4 minutes

 

 > Five teenagers, including a 15-year-old, among the best
> Two chess players make the list
> No League of Legends players in top 25

2020 has hit a lot of industries very hard – but not esports.

The lockdown has brought huge growth in viewers to professional gaming as millions flock to watch the world’s best players in action.

This new level of interest will only help the industry grow, along with the pay packets of the gamers themselves.

But, how much do they earn?

New research by esports bookmakers Unikrn shows just how much the top 25 players have been winning in tournament prize money so far this year.

In 2019, there was a total prize pool of $227m shared between over 25,000 players playing in 5,000 tournaments.

Six months into 2020 and there’s still been $32.5m in prize money – despite the cancellation and postponement of many events.

Of that pot, the highest earning player has taken home $300,000 so far.

Brazilian Paulo Damo Da Rosa, known as PVDDR, won Magic: The Gathering Arena’s, Magic World Championship XXVI in February – pocketing the huge fee in one lump sum.

The five members of Spacestation Gaming’s Rainbow Six Siege team  – Bosco, Rampy, Thinkingnade, Fultz and Canadian – also feature in the top 10.

Their victories in this year’s Six Invitational 2020 and Pro League Season 11 have earned them $210,000 each.

With a combined age of 47, teenagers Wolfiez, Furious and JannisZ are in the top 16 for their big Fortnite wins.

The UK’s Wolfiez, 16, has taken home $130,000 so far this year from two tournaments coming second in both FNCS Invitationals: Europe last month.

JannisZ, 15, from Germany, won one of those tournaments, while American 16-year-old Furious secured victory in the FNCS Grand Finals in North America – both earning $120,000+.

Among the top 25, Chess24 stars Hikaru Nakamura and grandmaster Magnus Carlsen have also taken home over $100,000 each in prize money.

STATISTICS

The average age of the top 25 earning players so far in 2020 is 24 years old.

So far this year, the top country for earning prize money is the United States with players making over $6million between 1,870 of them.

However, the best average prize winner per country belongs to Jordan.

Six players earned an average of $33,000 each – made up mostly by Doha 2 players Yapzor and Miracle-, who claimed $175,000 of the total $200,000.

Bear in mind all of these earnings do not include their sponsorships, bonuses or salaries – some of which are rumoured to be around the $500,000 mark.

So there will be players easily taking home close to $1,000,000 a year.

The highest earning esports player of all-time is Danish Dota 2 player Johan Sundstein.

Going by player ID N0tail, the 26-year-old has amassed $6.9m in prize money from 117 tournaments and been a winner at the International 2018 and 2019.

Ryan Jurado, esports analyst with the industry juggernaut Unikrn, said: “As impressive as the prize earnings are in esports, they’re just the tip of the iceberg.

“In reality, thousands of players around the world make additional income by building their brand and fan bases with non-competition activities such as gaming streams, earn income with sponsorship deals and receive a salary to play as part of an organized team.

“Amazon’s Twitch alone has 22,000 partnered streamers, most of whom are playing games and earning cash outside of tournaments. When you add in Microsoft’s Mixr, Google’s YouTube, Facebook, plus non-American platforms like Huya, plus thousands of yearly video game tournaments, the number of players making some form of income by gaming is likely well over 100,000 worldwide. For most, this is a paying hobby rather than a career, but some players do reach multi-millionaire status before they even graduate high school.”

Top 25 Highest Paid Esports Players in 2020 (By Prize Money)
Real name Player name Game Nationality Age Prize Money 2020 Tournaments Prize Money (Overall)
Paulo Damo da Rosa PVDDR Magic: The Gathering Arena Brazil 32 $300,000.00 1 $337,800.00
Troy Jaroslawski Canadian Rainbow Six Siege Canada 23 $210,000.00 2 $317,628.57
Dylan Bosco Bosco Rainbow Six Siege United States 25 $210,000.00 2 $275,750.00
Nathanial Duvall Rampy Rainbow Six Siege United States $210,000.00 2 $261,060.00
Javier Escamila Thinkingnade Rainbow Six Siege El Salvador 21 $210,000.00 2 $261,030.00
Alec Fultz Fultz Rainbow Six Siege American $210,000.00 2 $238,966.67
Lee, Byung Ryul Rogue Starcraft II Korea 26 $155,128.20 9 $832,543.20
Marcio Carvalho Marcio Carvalho Magic The Gathering Arena Portugal 34 $150,000.00 1 $214,900.00
Jaden Ashman Wolfiez Fortnite UK 16 $130,000.00 2 $1,300,026.67
Lasse Urpalainen Matumbaman Dota 2 Finland 25 $122,413.40 7 $3,684,194.44
Clement Ivanov Puppey Dota 2 Estonia 30 $122,413.40 7 $2,783,899.63
Ludwig Wåhlberg Zai Dota 2 Sweden 22 $122,413.40 7 $2,443,054.42
Yazied Jaradat YapzOr Dota 2 Jordan 25 $122,413.40 7 $1,452,524.07
Michał Jankowski Nisha Dota 2 Poland 19 $122,413.40 7 $852,679.11
Furious Fortnite United States 16 $121,500.00 3 $122,400.00
JannisZ Fortnite Germany 15 $120,000.00 1 $131,362.42
Asger Larsen AcilioN CS:GO Denmark 23 $117,688.05 6 $205,471.35
Lucas Andersen Bubzki CS:GO Denmark 21 $113,800.00 5 $186,770.86
Frederik Gyldstrand acoR CS:GO Denmark 22 $113,800.00 5 $183,034.72
Rasmus Beck sjuush CS:GO Denmark 21 $113,800.00 5 $178,613.09
Fredrik Jørgensen roejJ CS:GO Denmark $113,800.00 5 $167,242.03
Hikaru Nakamura Hikaru Chess24 Japan 32 $102,632.19 10 $148,117.61
Sven Magnus Carlsen DrNykterstein Chess24 Norway 29 $101,170.48 7 $130,928.92
Seth Manfield Seth Manfield Magic: The Gathering Arena United States 29 $100,000.00 1 $141,900.00
David Wang Aqua Fortnite Austria 18 $98,750.00 4 $1,868,341.23

 

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————–
Top 10 Highest Earning Countries in 2020 (By Prize Money)
Country Prize Money Players Average per
United States $6,340,646.89 1870 $3,390.72
China $2,918,944.04 340 $8,585.13
Brazil $2,161,506.14 401 $5,390.29
Korea, Republic of $2,067,293.52 455 $4,543.50
France $1,516,403.65 419 $3,619.10
Russian Federation $1,495,117.67 440 $3,397.99
Denmark $1,472,041.31 173 $8,508.91
Germany $1,262,670.52 483 $2,614.22
United Kingdom $1,255,641.62 333 $3,770.70
Canada $1,170,591.49 308 $3,800.62

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

Highest Earning Players of All Time (By Prize Money)

Real name Player name Game Nationality Age Prize Money Overall Tournaments
Johan Sundstein N0tail Dota 2 Denmark 26 $6,895,040.18 117
Jesse Vainikka JerAx Dota 2 Finland 28 $6,470,000.02 65
Anathan Pham ana Dota 2 Australia 20 $6,000,411.96 24
Sébastien Debs Ceb Dota 2 France 28 $5,501,233.01 54
Topias Taavitsainen Topson Dota 2 Finland 22 $5,415,046.17 21
Kuro Takhasomi KuroKy Dota 2 Germany 27 $5,177,764.81 110
Amer Al-Barkawi Miracle- Dota 2 Jordan 22 $4,743,118.88 57
Ivan Ivanov MinD_ContRoL Dota 2 Bulgaria 25 $4,534,193.36 67
Maroun Merhej GH Dota 2 Lebanon 24 $4,137,126.44 44
Lasse Urpalainen Matumbaman Dota 2 Finland 25 $3,674,181.04 69

**Stats taken from www.esportsearnings.com and do not include salaries, bonuses or sponsorships

Powered by WPeMatico

Continue Reading
Advertisement

content strategy

DuelBits says UFC creator campaign delivers 122m verified video views

Published

on

duelbits-says-ufc-creator-campaign-delivers-122m-verified-video-views

DuelBits has published results from its JUSTIN2026 marketing campaign, saying the UFC-focused activation generated more than 122 million verified video views and contributed to one of the company’s strongest MMA betting events “in recent years.”

The crypto sportsbook and casino operator said the campaign launched ahead of UFC event Freedom 250 at the White House and centred on former UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje. DuelBits framed the partnership as an early bet on Gaethje, before broader commercial interest.

According to the company, the campaign set a KPI to exceed 100 million impressions across owned, paid and partnered media, and ultimately delivered more than 122 million verified clip views via a network of more than 140 creators. The asset mix included a hero film, six short-form cutdowns, behind-the-scenes content and still imagery, distributed via DuelBits’ social channels, MMA publishers, creator partnerships and clipping pages.

DuelBits said the hero content was also integrated into Gaethje’s “Art of Violence” YouTube series. The operator added that the activation drove promotional code engagement and helped convert attention into sportsbook activity.

Jasper Hoekert, Chief Marketing Officer at Duelbits, said: “We wanted to support Justin before everyone else recognised the opportunity. Instead of following the hype once he has already achieved greatness, we wanted to back a champion before anybody else did.

“The campaign wasn’t measured purely on views. Of course, surpassing 122 million verified views and exceeding our 100 million KPI was a huge achievement, but the real success was seeing that attention convert into one of our strongest UFC betting nights in recent years.

“It also reinforced something that’s key to DuelBits as a brand, which is that we don’t do small campaigns. Whether it’s the production quality, creator network, or distribution strategy, we want every activation to show what’s possible when sportsbook marketing is treated like premium entertainment.”

The post DuelBits says UFC creator campaign delivers 122m verified video views appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Continue Reading

iGaming

Slotegrator now provides native app experience for iGaming platforms with PWA function

Published

on

slotegrator-now-provides-native-app-experience-for-igaming-platforms-with-pwa-function

Slotegrator’s platform solution now offers progressive web app (PWA) functionality, enabling operators to provide installable casino apps with push notifications, flexible branding, and seamless access across changing domains. 

The Casino Builder module in Slotegator’s platform solution has been upgraded with a Progressive Web Application (PWA) feature that allows casinos to deliver an app-like experience without relying on the App Store or Google Play. 

Native apps are powerful tools for building customer loyalty and enhancing engagement. However, iGaming brands face serious obstacles, such as strict marketplace policies, long review processes, geographic restrictions, and the constant threat of app removal. Slotegrator’s PWA functionality eliminates these barriers, allowing players to install a casino app directly from their browser and enjoy many of the same benefits as a native app.

After installation, the PWA opens from the user’s home screen, loads fast, and supports push notification integration that enhances player engagement and retention.

“Mobile is still the leading channel for user acquisition and retention; however, it’s difficult to distribute native apps in iGaming,” says Olga Ivanchik, COO at Slotegrator. “Our new PWA feature gives operators an alternative that will be familiar to their players, while eliminating the complications related to conventional app stores. Operators can launch quickly, retain full control over updates, and ensure a perfect mobile gaming experience for any market.”

Within the next 2 months, operators will also have the ability to determine when the PWA install bar will be visible to the player. For example, displaying the install bar immediately after the first deposit, as part of a broader retention strategy, helps drive long-term player LTV. The operator can also set up frequency of the install offer — daily, weekly, just once, etc. 

Some operators have to consider UX for multiple frontends. Luckily, the installation widgets are highly flexible, helping them drive maximum conversion without sacrificing user experience. Operators can select a top bar or a top banner installation widget, both of which are fully customizable with branded icons, messaging, and backgrounds.

Operators can limit the visibility of their installation campaigns to specific devices — desktop, mobile, Android, or iOS — thanks to special targeting options. Operators can also design acquisition strategies specific to each platform, driving installs only where they offer the best user experience.

When players install the PWA, operators can connect it to push notification services, so they can re-engage them even when the application isn’t actively open. 

Mirror domain compatibility addresses a common operational challenge in restricted markets. If an operator has to change domains due to licensing or regulatory requirements, players who have already installed the PWA will be able to continue using it without reinstallation.

Unlike native applications, PWAs don’t require App Store or Google Play approval, effectively eliminating possible delays and the risk of removal from the market. Instead, operators can deploy updates instantly to every user.

The new PWA functionality is now available in Slotegrator’s Casino Builder module, alongside other tools for improving mobile acquisition, engagement, and player retention.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Since 2012, Slotegrator has been one of the iGaming industry’s leading software and business solution providers for online casino and sportsbook operators.

The company’s main focus is software development and support for online casino platforms, as well as the integration of game content and payment systems.

The company works with licensed game developers and offers a vast portfolio of casino content: slots, live casino games, poker, virtual sports, table games, lotteries, casual games, and data feeds for betting.

Slotegrator also provides consulting services in gambling license acquisition and business incorporation.

The post Slotegrator now provides native app experience for iGaming platforms with PWA function appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Continue Reading

iGaming

Slotegrator now provides native app experience for iGaming platforms with PWA function

Published

on

slotegrator-now-provides-native-app-experience-for-igaming-platforms-with-pwa-function

Slotegrator’s platform solution now offers progressive web app (PWA) functionality, enabling operators to provide installable casino apps with push notifications, flexible branding, and seamless access across changing domains. 

The Casino Builder module in Slotegator’s platform solution has been upgraded with a Progressive Web Application (PWA) feature that allows casinos to deliver an app-like experience without relying on the App Store or Google Play. 

Native apps are powerful tools for building customer loyalty and enhancing engagement. However, iGaming brands face serious obstacles, such as strict marketplace policies, long review processes, geographic restrictions, and the constant threat of app removal. Slotegrator’s PWA functionality eliminates these barriers, allowing players to install a casino app directly from their browser and enjoy many of the same benefits as a native app.

After installation, the PWA opens from the user’s home screen, loads fast, and supports push notification integration that enhances player engagement and retention.

“Mobile is still the leading channel for user acquisition and retention; however, it’s difficult to distribute native apps in iGaming,” says Olga Ivanchik, COO at Slotegrator. “Our new PWA feature gives operators an alternative that will be familiar to their players, while eliminating the complications related to conventional app stores. Operators can launch quickly, retain full control over updates, and ensure a perfect mobile gaming experience for any market.”

Within the next 2 months, operators will also have the ability to determine when the PWA install bar will be visible to the player. For example, displaying the install bar immediately after the first deposit, as part of a broader retention strategy, helps drive long-term player LTV. The operator can also set up frequency of the install offer — daily, weekly, just once, etc. 

Some operators have to consider UX for multiple frontends. Luckily, the installation widgets are highly flexible, helping them drive maximum conversion without sacrificing user experience. Operators can select a top bar or a top banner installation widget, both of which are fully customizable with branded icons, messaging, and backgrounds.

Operators can limit the visibility of their installation campaigns to specific devices — desktop, mobile, Android, or iOS — thanks to special targeting options. Operators can also design acquisition strategies specific to each platform, driving installs only where they offer the best user experience.

When players install the PWA, operators can connect it to push notification services, so they can re-engage them even when the application isn’t actively open. 

Mirror domain compatibility addresses a common operational challenge in restricted markets. If an operator has to change domains due to licensing or regulatory requirements, players who have already installed the PWA will be able to continue using it without reinstallation.

Unlike native applications, PWAs don’t require App Store or Google Play approval, effectively eliminating possible delays and the risk of removal from the market. Instead, operators can deploy updates instantly to every user.

The new PWA functionality is now available in Slotegrator’s Casino Builder module, alongside other tools for improving mobile acquisition, engagement, and player retention.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Since 2012, Slotegrator has been one of the iGaming industry’s leading software and business solution providers for online casino and sportsbook operators.

The company’s main focus is software development and support for online casino platforms, as well as the integration of game content and payment systems.

The company works with licensed game developers and offers a vast portfolio of casino content: slots, live casino games, poker, virtual sports, table games, lotteries, casual games, and data feeds for betting.

Slotegrator also provides consulting services in gambling license acquisition and business incorporation.

The post Slotegrator now provides native app experience for iGaming platforms with PWA function appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

Continue Reading

Trending

Get it on Google Play

Fresh slot games releases by the top brands of the industry. We provide you with the latest news straight from the entertainment industries.

The platform also hosts industry-relevant webinars, and provides detailed reports, making it a one-stop resource for anyone seeking information about operators, suppliers, regulators, and professional services in the European gaming market. The portal's primary goal is to keep its extensive reader base updated on the latest happenings, trends, and developments within the gaming and gambling sector, with an emphasis on the European market while also covering pertinent global news. It's an indispensable resource for gaming professionals, operators, and enthusiasts alike.

Contact us: [email protected]

Editorial / PR Submissions: [email protected]

Copyright © 2015 - 2024 - Recent Slot Releases is part of HIPTHER Agency. Registered in Romania under Proshirt SRL, Company number: 2134306, EU VAT ID: RO21343605. Office address: Blvd. 1 Decembrie 1918 nr.5, Targu Mures, Romania