How much do eSports players earn? 
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In recent years, eSports has become one of the fastest growing and most profitable industries, attracting the attention of both players and spectators. For a long time, eSports remained a niche, but with the development of the Internet and the popularization of video games, it has turned into a real industry with huge financial opportunities. This question concerning the earnings of eSports athletes worries many: what is the real price of success in this field and how does it differ from traditional sports?
Professional tournaments and prizes
Prize pools at major eSports tournaments can reach millions of dollars. For example, the Dota 2 World Championship, organized by Valve, has become one of the most famous tournaments with impressive prize pools. In 2018, the total prize pool was more than 25 million dollars, and this figure continues to grow every year. Champions of such tournaments can expect rewards of several million dollars, but it is important to note that this money is divided among all team members, which reduces the individual amounts.
The earnings of eSports athletes depend on many factors. One of the most significant is participation in major tournaments, where the prize money can be the largest. However, in addition to tournaments, there are other ways to earn income, such as streaming, sponsorship contracts, and selling merchandise.
Streaming income
Streaming on platforms like Twitch and YouTube has become one of the main sources of income for many eSports players. Even if a player does not win tournaments, he can earn money by streaming for his fans. During broadcasts, viewers can subscribe to the channel, make donations or use paid emotes and stickers, which significantly increases the streamer’s income. Interest in tournaments is fueled by the opportunity to bet on eSports games on specialized platforms.
The Twitch platform, for example, offers a partnership program that allows eSports athletes to earn money from subscriptions and advertising. Depending on the popularity of the channel and the level of viewer engagement, income can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars per month. ESports athletes who have a large audience can earn significantly more.
Sponsorship contracts
Esports players, especially those who have achieved significant success in tournaments, attract the attention of sponsors. Sponsorship contracts are another significant source of income. Industrial brands, computer equipment manufacturers, beverages and clothing manufacturers are interested in promoting their products among the audience that actively follows esports.
For large eSports organizations, sponsorship contracts can bring in multi-million dollar revenues. For individual players, contracts can include not only cash payments, but also the provision of specialized equipment, clothing, and other materials that help in development and improvement of results.
Esports organizations
Many eSports organizations, such as NAVI, Virtus.pro, Team Spirit and others, provide salaries to their players. The size of these payments depends on the level of the team, its success in tournaments and popularity. World-famous teams can offer their players salaries of tens of thousands of dollars per month, which is a stable source of income in addition to prize money.
However, in eSports, not everything is so simple. Even in successful teams, contracts can include variable conditions depending on the results in tournaments. In some cases, players receive bonuses for winning major championships or for a good place in the tournament table.
Investments and development
It’s worth remembering that many eSports players also invest in their careers. They may hire coaches, analysts, therapists, and other resources to help them improve their gaming skills and cope with the psychological strain. These expenses, of course, reduce the bottom line, but are necessary to achieve success at a high level.
An eSports player’s earnings depend on many factors, such as tournament participation, popularity, personal qualities, and the ability to find sponsors. Many players can earn decent money, but it requires a lot of effort and time. Players face competition and pressure on their way to success, but those who reach the top are well rewarded.