Esports has become a massive global industry. The casual hobby of "playing games with friends" now has professional teams, tournaments, sponsorships, and millions of fans watching from all over the world.
The question that people always ask is straightforward: Can you make money playing esports? Yes you can. But, it depends on your own skill, dedication, and the route you choose to take. There are opportunities in esports for players, content creators, coaches, commentators, and those behind the scenes. With the right approach, gaming can be much more than a joyful pastime or hobby and can even be a source of income.
Fifteen years ago, it was extremely rare to find an overall living through gaming. Today there is an entire esports economy with income produced from sponsorships, merchandise, broadcasting rights, ticket sales, and advertising. Big brands like Adidas, BMW, and Red Bull dump millions into esports teams and tournaments. Before streaming channels like Twitch and Youtube gaming have also made it possible for everyday gamers to reach global audiences and build profitable careers.
The increase has brought about many potential roles for both players and non-players alike. Whether you are at the highest level of competition, creating content around gaming, or working in event production, there is opportunity to earn regardless of whether you are participating in esports or not.
One of the most exciting ways to make money from esports is tournament winnings. Major events like The International for Dota 2 and Fortnite World Cup have prize money between them in the tens of millions. For instance, The International paid out $34.3 million in prize money in 2019, and the winning team took home just over $15 million.
Even small regional/national tournaments can have prize pools of hundreds or even thousands of dollars. If your goal is to earn by competing in events, then generally you either need to join a competitive team and put in the hours of training, or simply compete in the events online. Tournaments can be competitive and can require qualifying both online and in-person. The top-tiered players can win a lot of prize money, but most esports professionals are competing in events for some prize money while they also earn from other income streams to remain financially viable.
Some esports players are paid a salary through their organization, like traditional athletes. These contracts can provide monthly pay as well as travel reimbursement, training facilities and accommodations, as well as performance modifiers. In esports, the very top players can earn six-figure salaries per year; even mid-level contracts serve the purpose of providing a consistent income to offset base living costs.
However, there are job responsibilities. Players are responsible for practicing for several hours a day; making media appearances; attending meetings and have obligations to demonstrate the sponsorship of their organization. This career covers the demands of professionalism, dedication and even more time away from others.
Streaming is one of the easiest and most popular ways for gamers to earn money. Twitch, YouTube Gaming, and Kick give players a chance to live stream their gaming sessions and engage with viewers. Popular streamers have various ways to earn including subscriptions, donations, ad revenue, brand sponsorships, and affiliate sales.
Streamers like Ninja and Pokimane have made multi-million dollar careers because of their entertaining personalities and amazing content. Streaming is not for everyone, you have to consistently livestream, engage with viewers, and have a plan for branding yourself, then you can have a very rewarding career in streaming and content creation if you dedicate your time to it.
Sponsorships are a big revenue source in esports. Brands pay players and teams to promote their products, either by wearing a branded jersey during a competition, using certain gear or equipment while streaming, or creating joint merchandise. Sponsors, and brands, are looking for good audience engagement so even small creators can secure sponsorship deals when they have a loyal and interactive community.
In esports, not everybody needs to compete to earn money. Many skilled players will move into coaching, either at an individual or team level, to help improve a player’s or team’s strategy, communication, and gameplay. Some work with professional organizations while others will provide private lessons on the internet. There are also consulting opportunities for advising game developers, tournament organizers, and content platforms.
Esports events need to have commentators, also referred to as casters, to provide context and entertainment for the audience. This requires extensive game experience, good verbal communication skills, and the ability to think quickly in high-pressure situations. Casters are usually paid per event, but if they become the best in their area, they are able to earn notoriety and generate sponsorship deals with companies.
The esports world has more than just players and casters. There are many individuals that work in event planning, social media, marketing, video editing, and analytics. These positions often have higher salary ranges than being a competing colleague and may be the perfect opportunity for those who have a passion for esports but prefer not to travel every week.
Many video games have markets for rare In-Game items, in the form of skins or other cosmetic items. CS:GO, Dota 2, and Fortnite have large markets, and players can make money selling off their old skins, or strategically getting and then flipping their skins/trading. There is also some risk involved in trading virtual skins, but players who know what they are doing can generate consistent income as a side hustle.
Almost all esports teams and players sell and compete in branded apparel and merchandise ranging from jerseys and hoodies to accessories. Esports players seldom collaborate with major fashion brands, however when they do, there is always potential for large revenue generation from limited edition product drop. Merchandise is also a fun way for fans to support their favorite esports team or player besides watching live streams and tournaments.
Affiliate marketing is one of the simplest methods to begin generating income through esports. By recommending gaming tools, gear, or services, through respective affiliate links, and taking a commission on your recommendation sale. These conversions work particularly well for players who are also streamers, YouTubers, or bloggers, where their audience is responsive and trust their recommendations.
Yes, but it's competitive! Most pro players that are able to earn a living playing esports have multiple revenue streams (mostly prize money, salary, streaming, and sponsorship). Full-time esports professionals treat it as a career just as you may treat your current job. Success also depends on creating a personal brand and being flexible.
If you are serious about making gaming your career, there are opportunities; you just have to find the right patch.
Yes, on many different levels with prize purses, professional teams salaries, streaming, sponsorships, coaching, creating original content, plus much more.
Typically games like Dota 2, Fortnite, and CS: GO have the largest prize pools, with some tournaments giving millions of dollars to winning teams.
No, you do not need to be a professional gamer. You can be a coach, a commentator, an event manager, a content creator, and many other things. You can also make money trading items and merchandise.
Higher tier player salaries and sponsorships can be in the six-figure range. Average salaries and sponsors vary by skill, contracts with teams, prize money and win differentials.
