The Richest People In Cyber Sports Across The World – EarthWeb

The esports industry has exploded in recent years, with revenues projected to top $1.6 billion in 2024 according to Goldman Sachs. As viewership and sponsorship deals surge, so do the earnings for elite professional gamers competing at the highest level. But who are the cyber athletes that have raked in the most cash from their gaming skills?

In this article, we‘ll uncover the 10 richest esports players worldwide. You‘ll learn about their backgrounds, achievements, playstyles, and what earned them membership in the millionaire gamers club. Whether you‘re new to esports or a seasoned fan, you‘ll discover insights into what makes these pros the very best at their craft. Let‘s jump in!

According to eSportsearnings.com, over 8,000 esports athletes have earned prize money from competitions. But the top 10 highest-paid players have each amassed over $4.4 million, largely from winning massive tournaments in games like Dota 2, Fortnite, and League of Legends. In 2021 alone, more than $215 million was awarded across over 4,000 tournaments.

The largest esports prize pools come from Dota 2‘s The International championships. The International 2019 shattered records with a jaw-dropping $34.3 million total prize pool. The International 2022 offered up $17.7 million to competitors. No wonder Dota 2 pros occupy 6 of the top 10 spots on the all-time earnings list.

Let‘s look at who these cyber stars are and how they‘ve accumulated fortunes most gamers can only dream of.

#1: Johan "N0tail" Sundstein – $7.2 million

The #1 spot belongs to Johan "N0tail" Sundstein from Denmark. He tops the chart with total esports earnings of $7.2 million over his career. The 27-year-old pro has amassed this fortune competing in Dota 2, including over $5.5 million from just two tournaments – The International 2018 and 2019.

As captain of the professional esports organization OG, N0tail led his team to first place victories in both these world championships. Their $15 million win at The International 2019 is the largest single esports tournament prize to date.

N0tail is renowned for his top-tier drafting strategies and decision-making as a Dota 2 "carry" player. His leadership and tenure have cemented him as one of the greatest Dota 2 players ever. Even after 7 years competing professionally, the Danish legend continues to dominate the game.

#2: Jesse "JerAx" Vainikka – $6.7 million

In second place is yet another Dota 2 champ – Jesse "JerAx" Vainikka from Finland. JerAx has amassed $6.7 million in total esports prize money so far. As a "support" player for OG, he was pivotal in their back-to-back wins at The International 2018 and 2019.

JerAx earned well-deserved praise for his clutch plays and snap decision-making on heroes like Earth Spirit and Tusk. His retirement in 2019 capped off a legendary career, including 3 Major championships, 2 Epicenter titles, and 2 ESLOne tournament wins.

Few pro gamers can match JerAx‘s trophy case of achievements. His dominance as a 4-position support player cements him as one of Dota 2‘s all-time greats.

#3: Anathan "Ana" Pham – $6.2 million

Our 3rd place earner is 21-year-old Anathan "Ana" Pham from Australia. Though relatively new to pro gaming, Ana has already banked $6.2 million competing in Dota 2.

He first joined OG in 2016, helping score some early victories. After taking a break in 2018, Ana returned for The International 2018 and 2019, where his outstanding carry performances led OG to both championships.

Fans and analysts praise Ana for his mechanical skills on heroes like Ember Spirit and Io. His rapid decision-making even under high pressure repeatedly delivers game-winning plays. Ana also won the prestigious MVP award for his domination at The International 2019.

For someone just starting his career, Ana‘s earnings and trophy case are unprecedented. At only 21 years old, his future burns bright as one of the best carry players in Dota 2.

#4: Topias "Topson" Taavitsainen – $5.8 million

Our next cyber star is Topias "Topson" Taavitsainen, a 22-year-old from Finland. He has earned $5.8 million during his short but lucrative professional Dota 2 career.

Topson was a relatively unknown player when OG recruited him in March 2018. But his aggressive midlane play propelled the team to victory at The International 2018 just 5 months later!

His specialty heroes like Invoker, Monkey King, and Medusa reflect his punishing offensive style. Despite Topson‘s lack of experience, his prodigious skills earned him the MVP award at The International 2019.

For any aspiring esports pros, Topson‘s story proves that mechanical talent and determination can override experience. He went from unknown player to multi-millionaire world champion in the span of a year!

#5: Kuro "KuroKy" Salehi Takhasomi – $5.3 million

The 5th spot belongs to Dota 2 veteran Kuro "KuroKy" Salehi Takhasomi from Germany. KuroKy is one of only two players to compete at every single The International – 11 straight from 2011 to 2022.

His leadership and versatility as a support player shined brightest on Team Liquid, winning The International 2017 and placing 2nd in 2019. KuroKy is praised for his champion pool including Rubick, Phoenix, Ancient Apparition, and Io.

With $5.3 million in total earnings so far, this Dota legend continues to excel after over a decade at the top level. His tenure and consistency cements him as one of the most respected esports athletes of all time.

#6: Amer "Miracle-" Al-Barkawi – $5.1 million

Our 6th richest cyber athlete is Amer "Miracle-" Al-Barkawi, a Jordanian-Polish pro Dota 2 player. During his time on Team Liquid, Miracle- won The International 2017 and numerous Major tournaments, earning over $5.1 million total.

Miracle- is considered one of the greatest core players ever, renowned for his nearly perfect farming ability and mechanics on heroes like Invoker and Arc Warden.

His mastery comes from tireless training – Miracle- is known for practicing over 8 hours per day and constantly refining his gameplay. This dedication to his craft has allowed Miracle- to utterly dominate midlane against any opponent.

#7: Peter "ppd" Dager – $4.9 million

On 7th place is North American pro Peter "ppd" Dager, who has amassed $4.9 million from Dota 2. As captain for Evil Geniuses, ppd led the team to The International 2015 championship, banking over $1 million each.

ppd‘s leadership and drafting prowess were the keys to EG‘s success. He popularized multiple support heroes like Treant Protector. Though retired from pro play, ppd remains an influential coach and CEO for Evil Geniuses.

As one of North America‘s most successful Dota 2 pros, ppd paved the way for other Western players. His earnings and accomplishments are only topped by legends like KuroKy.

#8: Saahil "UNiVeRsE" Arora – $4.7 million

Next up is fellow North American Saahil "UNiVeRsE" Arora, who has won $4.7 million during his Dota 2 career. As the offlane tank for Evil Geniuses, UNiVeRsE played a crucial role in their road to victory at The International 2015.

UNiVeRsE quickly became known for his game-changing initiations and disruptive play on heroes like Faceless Void, Dark Seer, and Beastmaster. His ability to control teamfights whilst absorbing damage makes him one of the most influential offlaners of his generation.

Though retired since 2018, UNiVeRsE remains immortalized through his TI championship and place among the top earning esports pros worldwide.

#9: Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok – $4.4 million

Occupying 9th place is Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok, the only League of Legends player on this list so far. Over his decade-long career, the South Korean legend has earned $4.4 million competing professionally.

Faker has won 3 World Championship titles with his team T1, cementing his status as the greatest League of Legends player ever. He dominates the midlane with technical mastery on champions like LeBlanc, Zed, and Ryze.

Now 26 years old, Faker remains one of League‘s top superstars. His longevity and continued excellence in a rapidly evolving esport is perhaps his most impressive achievement.

#10: Sumail "Suma1L" Hassan – $4.1 million

Rounding out the top 10 is Sumail "Suma1L" Hassan, a Pakistani Dota 2 prodigy. He started competing professionally at just 16 years old, quickly making a name through his spectacular midlane plays.

As part of Evil Geniuses, Suma1L won The International 2015 and placed top 3 at two more TIs, earning over $4.1 million so far. His specialty heroes like Storm Spirit exemplify his famously aggressive, unrelenting playstyle.

Now 21 years old, Suma1L remains one of the most skilled mechanical players in Dota 2. His earnings and trophy haul betray his young age, cementing him as a future hall-of-famer.

The cyber stars on this list represent the pinnacle of talent, determination and focus. Their dedication to mastering top esports titles has netted them fortunes and championships most can only dream of.

While their raw gaming skills are irrefutable, there are also key mindsets that propel these cyber athletes to the top:

• Grinding out tireless practice – 8+ hours of daily training is standard for top players like Miracle-. Raw repetition sharpens essential skills and mechanics.

• Minimizing mistakes – Strive for crisp, flawless execution in high pressure situations. Champions like Ana and JerAx achieve unthinkable plays by remaining calm under fire.

• Strategic mastery – Understand both macro and micro strategy better than anyone else. Leaders like KuroKy and ppd lead their teams to victory through shrewd tactics.

• Embracing losses – Perfection is impossible. Analyze defeats rationally to learn rather than despair. Longevity comes from viewing losses as learning experiences.

If you dream of joining the cyber sports elite, adopt these core mindsets demonstrated by the legends on this list. Combining skill, smarts and the right mental attitudes will put you on the path to your own esports success story!