eSports

Revealed: What does it take to become an esports star?

Published

5 years ago

September 14, 2020

George Miller

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Johan Sundstein aka ‘N0tail’ is the top-ranking esports player of 2020, with $6.9 million in prize money to his name
The average age of a top-ranking esports player is 24 for male players and 27 for female
Popular streaming sites have experienced a 20% increase in the number of hours streamed in lockdown

Esports have accelerated into the mainstream in recent years, providing many avid gamers with the opportunity to turn their passion into a career. And with prize funds reaching the millions, being on top of your game certainly pays off. So, what does it take to make it big in esports and how has the industry evolved? Intel explored the ins and outs of the growing esports world.

The making of an esports star

The most top-ranking male players of 2020 are from China (26%), and the most top-ranking female players are from the USA (42%)
Physical health must also be a priority when training for esports, as well as in-game performance

As an avid gamer, what would it take to break into the esports industry and what exactly does an esports star look like today?

Based on the 100 top-ranking male and female esports players of 2020, the average age is 24 for male players and 27 for female. Some are even as young as 16, demonstrating that progression is very possible at a young age.

To climb the ranks, players must be committed to perfecting their game and putting in the necessary training, both in-game and physically. Professionals specialise in one or two games, focusing their time and energy on perfecting their performance.

“The best game to get into when moving into professional gaming or streaming is something you actually enjoy,” explains Chris Ball aka ‘Sacriel’. “It’s clear to see when a streamer is forcing themselves to play a type of game they don’t enjoy just because they feel a ‘big’ game is their only option – so instead find something that you can be passionate about.”

Healthy eating and a good night’s sleep are also recommended for optimal performance.

Esports host, Frankie Ward says “Esports teams are beginning to bring their routines in line with more traditional sports. Counter-Strike team Astralis, for example, has a coach, sports psychologist, and a physiotherapist. They also have a nutritionist and a sleep doctor that they can access, should they need extra help.”

Aoife Wilson, Head of Video at Eurogamer also stresses the importance of physical health, adding that players should “make physical training a priority alongside in-game training, which can not only help with focus and mindset, but in preventing strain or injuries that can come with sitting at your computer for prolonged periods of time.”

The esports industry in 2020

The industry, which is currently worth $1.1 billion in 2020, is projected to be worth $1.8 billion by 2022
The top competing countries are the USA, China and The Republic of Korea

Esports have come a long way since their conception – from ‘Spacewar’ played on the first ever computer to ‘Dota 2’, best enjoyed on a specialist gaming PC. So, what does the industry look like in 2020?

Today esports have the potential to fill huge arenas with thousands of fans. Not to mention the additional at-home audience watching live competitions streamed online. The Intel® Extreme Masters, held in Katowice in 2017, was one of the largest esports events in history, with a live attendance of 173,000 and viewership of 46 million.

While many live 2020 esports events were forced to cancel in response to the coronavirus pandemic, some went ahead in a virtual format. In fact, popular streaming sites such as Twitch and YouTube experienced a 20% increase in the number of hours streamed in lockdown, suggesting gaming provided solace to many throughout quarantine.

The esports industry has grown by epic proportions in recent years. Over the last five years, revenue has tripled from $325M to $1.1 billion and audience size has quadrupled from 120M to 495M. What’s more, the industry is projected to be worth a huge $1.8 billion by 2022.

While the esports world is very much a global playing field, with players hailing from all around the globe, the top competing countries are the USA, China and The Republic of Korea. 2019 winnings totalled $41.3 million, $18.5 million and $16.5 million for the respective nations.

Streamer Chris Ball aka ‘Sacriel’ says, “as the technical limits on game engines get pushed further and further back with breakthroughs in computing prowess, I think esports and streaming is going to become more mainstream and I look forward to what the new technology brings us.”

You can view the full list of those make it to the top in the eSport industry here.

eSports

Yalla Group Announces Strategic Partnership with Saudi Esports Federation

Published

24 hours ago

February 3, 2026

Wladimir P.

yalla-group-announces-strategic-partnership-with-saudi-esports-federation

Yalla Group Limited, the largest Middle East and North Africa (MENA)-based online social networking and gaming company, has announced a strategic partnership with the Saudi Esports Federation (SEF) to drive the continued expansion of Saudi Arabia’s national esports ecosystem, broaden opportunities for local talent and promote greater inclusivity in competitive gaming. The partnership represents a key element of Yalla’s strategy to deepen engagement in Saudi Arabia, one of the region’s most important growth markets.

Supporting the aims of Vision 2030 and the National Gaming and Esports Strategy, SEF and Yalla Group signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to further develop esports within the Kingdom and establish new pathways for aspiring talent to develop key skills and experience.

Under the partnership agreements, Yalla has been appointed Official Event Partner of the Saudi eLeague (SEL) 2026, the Kingdom’s premier national esports competition. Support for the Women’s Saudi eLeague will be a key focus of the partnership, aligning with Yalla’s dedication to promote inclusion, community development and broader participation in digital entertainment. By cultivating female talent and establishing structured pathways for women’s participation in competitive esports, Yalla aims to contribute to the growth and vitality of Saudi Arabia’s gaming sector.

In addition, Yalla will launch a talent development programme in collaboration with the SEF’s Saudi Esports Academy, designed to foster local esports talent through training, mentorship and competitive experience. The initiative aims to strengthen foundational talent pipelines and improve the long-term competitiveness of Saudi Arabia’s esports ecosystem.

Saifi Ismail, President of Yalla Group, said: “This partnership marks an important step in our engagement with Saudi Arabia’s esports sector. By supporting both national competitions and talent development, we are proud to contribute to the sustainable growth of the Kingdom’s gaming ecosystem.”

“Partnering with a MENA leader like Yalla Group brings valuable regional expertise to the Saudi eLeague. This collaboration is crucial for amplifying the league’s prestige and ensuring it delivers a world-class experience for players and fans,” said Ibrahim Alsheddi, Chief Shared Services Officer at the Saudi Esports Federation.

The post Yalla Group Announces Strategic Partnership with Saudi Esports Federation appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

eSports

Martin Lycka Joins Oddin.gg as Vice President of Institutional Affairs

Published

1 day ago

February 3, 2026

Wladimir P.

martin-lycka-joins-oddin.gg-as-vice-president-of-institutional-affairs

Oddin.gg has named Martin Lycka as Vice President of Institutional Affairs, enhancing the firm’s knowledge in regulation and responsible gambling as esports wagering grows in regulated markets worldwide.

Lycka offers over 15 years of high-level regulatory and responsible gambling expertise in Europe, North America, and Latin America. Most recently, he held the position of Senior Vice President for American Regulatory Affairs and Responsible Gambling at Entain, where he directed regulatory strategy throughout the Americas and oversaw global esports regulatory issues. He additionally sits on the Board of Directors for the American Gaming Association.

Before joining Entain, Lycka had high-level regulatory positions at GVC Holdings and Paddy Power Betfair, overseeing licensing initiatives and regulatory strategy in various jurisdictions.

In his new position at Oddin.gg, Lycka will collaborate with regulators, policymakers, publishers, tournament organizers, and integrity bodies, making sure the company’s esports betting solutions keep up with changing compliance standards. Situated on the U.S. East Coast, Lycka will aid the company’s growth into more regulated markets worldwide, with this new role highlighting the increasing industry need for suppliers with substantial institutional trustworthiness.

Martin Lycka, VP Institutional Affairs at Oddin.gg, said: “Esports betting has experienced significant development within fully regulated environments. This has been the outcome of proactive engagement, education, transparency, and open dialogue with regulators. Oddin.gg, as an industry pioneer, has built its approach around those principles, and I’m looking forward to supporting the company as it scales across many more global markets.”

Marek Suchar, Co-Founder and Managing Director at Oddin.gg, added: “As esports betting continues to scale, institutional credibility becomes just as important as product quality. Martin brings deep regulatory experience and a practical understanding of what regulators seek to become comfortable with innovative betting products. His appointment strengthens our ability to engage constructively with regulators, addressing integrity, governance, and technological concerns, and to support partners operating in complex regulatory environments.”

The post Martin Lycka Joins Oddin.gg as Vice President of Institutional Affairs appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

2026 summit

HIPTHER Prague Summit Unveils 50% of Its Dynamic 2026 Agenda

Published

5 days ago

January 30, 2026

Wladimir P.

hipther-prague-summit-unveils-50%-of-its-dynamic-2026-agenda

The HIPTHER Prague Summit is shaping up to be one of the most comprehensive events of the year, with an agenda that reflects the fast-evolving landscape of iGaming, fintech, compliance, AI, media, and beyond. With four distinct stages and content spanning two days, the summit promises high-impact insights, cutting-edge knowledge sharing, and actionable strategies for stakeholders across the digital industries.

While only half the agenda has been released so far, what’s already on the table reveals an ambitious and future-forward program. Attendees can expect the remaining schedule—focused on the Expert Panel Stage and HIPTHER Academy—to further raise the bar with industry-leading panels and advanced learning formats.

Stage 1: Compliance & Regulation

This track offers a robust dive into both regional and global regulatory trends, aimed at compliance professionals, legal experts, and decision-makers navigating complex frameworks.

Day 1 will focus on market updates, regulators’ panels, and regional compliance outlooks. Highlights include a Czech Market update, a panel featuring European regulators, and regional overviews from Germany and the Balkans.

Day 2 expands into the global picture, covering enforcement trends, jurisdiction updates from Southern Europe, the USA, and LatAm, and a deep-dive GLI session on certification and trust. The day wraps with an IMGL-led masterclass exploring the intersection of AI, automation, and accountability.

Stage 2: Expert Panels Stage

This track is a powerhouse of innovation-focused dialogue.

Day 1 will feature panels on iGaming, fintech, AI, media, SEO, esports, and business growth. Industry disruptors and thought leaders will gather to unpack the trends driving momentum across verticals.

Day 2 will turn the spotlight to deep-dive panels with operators, suppliers, and advisors sharing battle-tested strategies, future bets, and lessons from scaling globally.

Stage 3: Main Focus Stage

This stage is split into two powerful themes across both days.

Day 1 is the Keynote Arena, with standout talks on branding, visibility, growth, and deal-making. Sessions like “LinkedIn as a Dealflow Engine” and “Branding in the Attention Economy” offer tactical insights for companies looking to sharpen their competitive edge.

Stage 4: HIPTHER Academy

Designed for hands-on learning and skill development, this stage blends education with real-world application.

Day 1 offers masterclasses, workshops, and practical learning sessions, setting the tone for deep engagement.

Day 2 will feature advanced education formats, including certification-oriented sessions, ideal for professionals looking to level up with verified credentials.

Don’t Miss Out – Secure Your Spot Now

With limited availability and high interest across the industry, now is the perfect time to register. Be among the first to access cutting-edge insights, connect with top-tier professionals, and help shape the future of digital industries.

Register today for HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026 and be part of the conversation that drives the next wave of innovation.

The post HIPTHER Prague Summit Unveils 50% of Its Dynamic 2026 Agenda appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.