25 Most Successful Esports Countries by Prize Money so far in 2020

Published

6 years ago

July 15, 2020

George Miller

Reading Time: 3 minutes

– United States leads the way winning $7.2m

– Brazilian players most in form this year

– Bulgarian and Danish players win the most prize money per person on average

– Only 60% of tournaments played compared to this time last year

New Unikrn research shows players are winning MORE on average so far in 2020 than 2019 – despite pandemic

Esports players from the top 25 countries are earning more average prize money in 2020 so far than at the same point in 2019, new research shows.

Despite a number of tournaments being cancelled, professional gaming is still thriving during a global pandemic.

So much that despite playing 40% less tournaments than at this point last year, players are earning more money on average per tournament.

World-leading esports bookmakers Unikrn have revealed the finding after analysing the top 25 countries for prize money so far this year.

By the end of June last year, $67million had been won by more than 26,000 players from 2,715 tournaments across the esports circuit.

Whereas by the same time this year, only $38.8m was won by almost 11,000 players in 1,622 tournaments.

The average tournament prize pool was very similar each year – in 2019 it sat at $23,988, compared to $23,920 in 2020.

However, in the first half of 2019, players were only winning on average $2,492 compared to individuals taking home $3,652 in 2020.

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The research also found that like last year the United States leads the way at the halfway point of 2020 with players winning a massive $7.2m in prize money.

Identical to the first six months of 2019, China and Korea make up the top three.

Brazil are the biggest movers in 2020 rising from 9th to 4th in the rankings helped by Magic World Championship XXVI champion PVDDR’s $300k victory.

The highest prize money to player ratio sits with Bulgaria, maybe surprisingly. Their top 5 players including Complexity’s poiz0n are spread across CS:GO, DOTA2 and League of Legends.

The Danish also have a high turnover on prize money with 173 players averaging $9,564.

In 2019, the prize money across esports increased heavily from huge tournaments such as DOTA2’s The International setting a prize pot of $35million and the Fortnite World Cup Finals.

But with both of these tournaments cancelled and many others postponed, total prize money for 2020 is estimated to be considerably lower than 2019.

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Most Successful Countries By Prize Money Won (All Esports)

	2019 (Jan-July)					2020 (Jan-July)
	Country	Total Prize Money	Players	Average prize money		Country	Total Prize Money	Players	Average prize money
1	United States	$10,079,707.15	5902	$1,707.85	1	United States	$7,280,222.31	1999	$3,641.93
2	Korea	$5,438,336.48	1377	$3,949.41	2	China	$3,093,705.23	379	$8,162.81
3	China	$4,876,979.55	1027	$4,748.76	3	Korea	$2,356,078.82	573	$4,111.83
4	France	$2,290,981.17	1378	$1,662.54	4	Brazil	$2,284,006.59	420	$5,438.11
5	Denmark	$2,234,162.91	652	$3,426.63	5	Russian Federation	$1,718,361.31	454	$3,784.94
6	Russia	$2,179,829.93	855	$2,549.51	6	France	$1,703,512.13	441	$3,862.84
7	Canada	$2,011,038.76	884	$2,274.93	7	Denmark	$1,654,614.71	173	$9,564.25
8	Sweden	$1,933,771.15	712	$2,715.97	8	United Kingdom	$1,327,882.15	348	$3,815.75
9	Brazil	$1,861,949.00	989	$1,882.66	9	Canada	$1,307,092.60	319	$4,097.47
10	Germany	$1,824,623.63	1032	$1,768.05	10	Germany	$1,304,784.38	500	$2,609.57
11	Finland	$1,672,037.47	405	$4,128.49	11	Sweden	$1,176,960.10	215	$5,474.23
12	United Kingdom	$1,438,156.76	915	$1,571.76	12	Australia	$891,602.63	359	$2,483.57
13	Australia	$1,278,719.22	838	$1,525.92	13	Thailand	$826,835.23	314	$2,633.23
14	Poland	$1,158,065.87	624	$1,855.87	14	Finland	$792,457.03	96	$8,254.76
15	Philippines	$1,106,753.39	200	$5,533.77	15	Poland	$596,336.18	221	$2,698.35
16	Japan	$973,735.09	406	$2,398.36	16	Ukraine	$574,589.16	112	$5,130.26
17	Thailand	$882,805.98	350	$2,522.30	17	Norway	$439,630.18	67	$6,561.64
18	Bulgaria	$860,229.50	118	$7,290.08	18	Netherlands	$399,067.54	150	$2,660.45
19	Norway	$714,775.28	225	$3,176.78	19	Japan	$325,085.28	223	$1,457.78
20	Spain	$625,412.64	392	$1,595.44	20	Bulgaria	$310,401.72	24	$12,933.41
21	Ukraine	$623,458.01	278	$2,242.65	21	Philippines	$290,771.52	71	$4,095.37
22	Taiwan	$600,532.10	211	$2,846.12	22	Turkey	$281,767.76	128	$2,201.31
23	Netherlands	$519,272.80	451	$1,151.38	23	Malaysia	$252,612.81	43	$5,874.72
24	Italy	$490,560.54	137	$3,580.73	24	Argentina	$251,784.40	79	$3,187.14
25	Malaysia	$463,826.66	175	$2,650.44	25	Estonia	$240,863.04	37	$6,509.81

Total Prize Money, Tournaments and Players (All Esports)

2019 (Jan-July)		2020 (Jan – July)
Total Prize Money	$66,992,940.50	Total Prize Money	$38,798,059.63
Total Tournaments	2715	Total Tournaments	1622
Total Players	26141	Total Players	10625
Average tournament prize pool	$23,987.94	Average tournament prize pool	$23,919.89
Average player prize money	$2,492.18	Average player prize money	$3,651.58

Best Countries By Average Player Prize Money

Country	Average prize money per player
Bulgaria	$12,933.41
Denmark	$9,564.25
Finland	$8,254.76
China	$8,162.81
Norway	$6,561.64
Estonia	$6,509.81
Malaysia	$5,874.72
Sweden	$5,474.23
Brazil	$5,438.11
Ukraine	$5,130.26

**Stats from www.esportsearnings.com – does not include information about salaries, bonuses or sponsorships

Team India and Türkiye Win Gold at the Global Esports Games Mumbai

Published

7 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Wladimir P.

team-india-and-turkiye-win-gold-at-the-global-esports-games-mumbai

Team India and Türkiye won Gold at the Global Esports Games Mumbai, delivering electrifying performances in front of a packed arena and thousands more tuning in online worldwide. India’s Anuhith Gosala edged Kazakhstan 3–2 in a thrilling Clash Royale Grand Final, while Türkiye secured a commanding 3–1 victory over Mongolia in the Dota 2 Grand Final. With a Gold in Clash Royale and a Bronze in Dota 2, Team India was crowned Overall Champion.

India stormed into the Clash Royale Grand Final with a 2–1 win over the USA in a tense lower bracket decider, setting up a rematch with Kazakhstan. Having fallen 0–2 in the upper bracket, India turned the tables when it mattered most, as Anuhith Gosala delivered a clutch performance to seal a dramatic 3–2 victory and the Gold medal.

In Dota 2, Team India secured Bronze after falling to Mongolia in the lower bracket. Mongolia advanced to the Grand Final, where Türkiye asserted its dominance with a composed 3–1 victory to take the title.

Sharing his thoughts on the victory, Team India’s Clash Royale gold medallist, Anuhith Gosala, said: “This moment is surreal. To win the Grand Finals here in India, in front of a home crowd, makes it even more emotional. The preparation was relentless, the pressure was intense, and every match tested my limits—but that’s what makes this victory so special. Hearing the cheers, feeling that energy, and lifting this title for the country is an indescribable pride. This is for India, and for everyone who believes in us. I hope this win inspires many others to follow in our path.”

Sir Paul J. Foster, President & CEO, Global Esports Federation, said: “As the Global Esports Games Mumbai comes to a close, we celebrate not only the incredible performances of our athletes, but the spirit of unity and connection that defines our global community. Mumbai has delivered exceptional energy, passion, and hospitality, reinforcing our belief that esports transcends borders and brings the world together. We are deeply grateful to our partners in India for setting a new benchmark for excellence—and we now look ahead with excitement to Los Angeles, where this journey continues on an even greater stage.”

Shripad Ashtekar, Founder of Eflag Corp, said: “Over the past few days, we have witnessed not just world-class competition, but the coming together of talent, innovation, and community on a truly global stage. We hope to keep delivering such platforms and strong foundations for future growth by unlocking new opportunities for Indian players, creators, and the broader AVGC ecosystem. We are proud to have played a key role and look forward to building on this momentum in the years ahead.”

Organized by the Global Esports Federation in partnership with Eflag Corp, with the support of Maharashtra Tourism, the Global Esports Games Mumbai was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis. Over four days, Mumbai welcomed 48 elite athletes from 19 countries, emerging from a global field of 78 nations in the Regional Qualifiers.

The post Team India and Türkiye Win Gold at the Global Esports Games Mumbai appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Asia

Skyesports and GodLike signs MoU with Maharashtra Cyber to promote esports and cyber hygiene in Maharashtra

Published

2 days ago

March 23, 2026

Wladimir P.

skyesports-and-godlike-signs-mou-with-maharashtra-cyber-to-promote-esports-and-cyber-hygiene-in-maharashtra

India’s esports ecosystem is taking another step forward as Skyesports and GodLike Esports sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Maharashtra Cyber, the Government of Maharashtra’s nodal cybersecurity body. The partnership aims to grow the state’s esports ecosystem while promoting cyber hygiene and responsible digital behaviour among gamers.

The agreement was signed during a closed-door meeting in Mumbai and reflects a broader push by the state to develop its digital and creative industries. As India’s leading state economy, Maharashtra is positioning itself as a hub for esports and gaming, aligning with its wider “orange economy” strategy.

Under the MoU, the three parties will collaborate on esports tournaments, leagues, and community initiatives, while embedding cyber safety messaging into all activities. This includes raising awareness around cyberbullying, fraud prevention, data privacy, and responsible online conduct—key concerns as esports audiences continue to grow, particularly among younger users.

Skyesports will lead tournament organisation and community engagement, while GodLike Esports will support through mentorship programmes, professional player involvement, and grassroots initiatives. Maharashtra Cyber will focus on amplifying cyber awareness and promoting safe digital practices across the ecosystem. Eyrie Entertainment will support outreach efforts and help scale campaign visibility across the state.

Commenting on the initiative, Shiva Nandy, Founder and CEO of Skyesports, said:

“The growth of esports requires strong collaboration between the industry and government stakeholders. This MoU with Maharashtra Cyber represents an important step toward strengthening Maharashtra’s esports ecosystem through responsible gaming initiatives and grassroots engagement. As India prepares to compete at global events such as the Esports World Cup (EWC), Esports Nations Cup (ENC), and the Asian Games 2026, partnerships like this will play a key role in building a stronger pipeline of talent and opportunities for young gamers. With GodLike Esports also joining the initiative, we aim to combine competitive expertise and creator reach to drive deeper community engagement. The MOU is a first-step towards solidifying Maharashtra as an esports hub globally.”

Yashasvi Yadav, Additional Director General of Police at Maharashtra Cyber, added:

“As esports continues to grow rapidly among young audiences, it is equally important to promote safe and responsible digital practices within the gaming ecosystem. Through this collaboration with Skyesports and GodLike Esports, we aim to raise awareness around cyber hygiene, online safety, and responsible behaviour in gaming communities. Initiatives like these will help ensure that the growth of esports in Maharashtra is supported by strong awareness of cybersecurity, digital discipline, and safe online participation.”

Chetan “Kronten” Chandgude, Founder of GodLike Esports, said:

“At GodLike Esports, we have always believed that the true growth of esports in India lies in strengthening its roots at the grassroots level. Through this collaboration with Maharashtra Cyber and Skyesports, we aim to support the state’s vision of building a strong and sustainable esports ecosystem. Our focus will be on engaging young gamers through mentorship, community initiatives, and professional player interactions, while also promoting cyber hygiene and responsible gaming practices. This MoU also marks the first step toward our vision of putting the state on the global esports map, and we look forward to sharing some exciting announcements around this soon.”

The initiative also aligns with global recommendations from organisations such as the International Telecommunication Union, which highlight the importance of cybersecurity awareness as digital participation expands.

For more on esports growth and regulation, see Europa Gaming’s coverage on India Esports Market Growth and Esports Regulation Trends.

As esports continues to scale in India, partnerships like this underline a key industry shift: growth is no longer just about tournaments and audiences, but also about building a safer, more responsible digital environment for the next generation of players.

The post Skyesports and GodLike signs MoU with Maharashtra Cyber to promote esports and cyber hygiene in Maharashtra appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

eSports

Esports community establishes Latin-American Esports Institute (ILAE)

Published

5 days ago

March 20, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

esports-community-establishes-latin-american-esports-institute (ilae)

The Latin-American Esports Institute (ILAE) was established following a General Assembly held on 6 March 2026 in Rio de Janeiro. The organisation was founded with the stated goal of promoting competitive integrity, legal safety, and institutional research within the esports sector.

Carlos Gama, Vice President of Games and Esports at the Rio de Janeiro branch of the Association of Brazilian Information Technology Companies (ASSESPRO) and President of the Advisory Council of FERJEE (Rio de Janeiro Esports Federation, involved with the upcoming IEM Rio) was elected as Executive President to lead a multidisciplinary team tasked with developing frameworks for the industry’s regional growth.

One of the primary objectives of the ILAE is the creation of a local Esports Arbitration Chamber. This mechanism is intended to serve as a specialized venue for the mediation and resolution of conflicts, such as contractual disputes between players and organisations. The model aims to offer a technical alternative to the traditional judicial system, seeking to provide greater legal security and faster resolutions for administrative and professional disagreements within the competitive environment.

The ILAE’s structure is centered on an Executive Board that includes:

Vice-President Marcella Ferreira (former pro player and current sports psychologist),
Administrative-Financial Director Vinicius Verly (FERJEE), and
Project Director Marianna Muniz (FERJEE and OnFire Agency).

Technical oversight is managed by lawyers:

Dr. Antonio Carlos Bratefixe (Research and Knowledge) and
Dr. Osmar Berardo, who will direct the institute’s Arbitration Chamber.

The Fiscal Council is led by: Dr. Soraya Vasconcelos, who also leads Brazilian organisation Galorys, responsible for financial and institutional oversight.

Regarding the institute’s mission, Carlos Gama stated that the organization intends to facilitate dialogue across the Latin American esports community. “We want to bring together athletes, teams, researchers, organizations, companies, and public managers to build a common development agenda for the region,” Gama noted. He also highlighted that a priority for the ILAE will be the production of research on strategic themes, such as social inclusion and competitive integrity policies.

The ILAE’s governance framework also incorporates individuals with competitive backgrounds, aiming to ensure the organisation remains informed by the practicalities of the sector. This includes the participation of former FPS and eFootball pros Marcela “Callax”, Renato “Rentão”, Monik Bisoni, Gabriela Tavas, and Gabriel “Franja” within the various councils and administrative chairs.

By integrating these perspectives alongside legal and academic professionals, the institute intends to address the specific needs of the regional ecosystem. The organization has opened associations to professionals, researchers, and entities.

The post Esports community establishes Latin-American Esports Institute (ILAE) appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.