Who is the Highest Paid Esports Player in the World?

In the world of esports, one player stands out, winning inside the game and in life—the highest paid esports player. This famous individual possesses impressive gaming prowess, earning them a prestigious position in esports.

As we all know, esports has already evolved from being a hobby or pastime into a legitimate career option for many individuals. And if you’re wondering who the top earning pro gamer is, we’ve got you covered, including their history and earnings in 2024.

Who is n0tail, the Highest Paid Esports Player?

Johan Sundstein, also known as n0tail, the acclaimed Dota 2 savant, has ascended to new heights as the highest paid esports player in the competitive scene. Johan was one of the world's youngest competitive Heroes of Newerth players, playing the solo mid-role. Johan took on the support role in Dota 2, becoming well-known for his performances as Chen and Wisp. During this transition, he quickly developed his micromanagement skills, which led to his infamous Meepo play. Despite his young age, Johan took on the in-game leader role for the Fnatic Dota 2 team.

N0tail’s Dota 2 Career

N0tail’s path to becoming the highest paid esports player started when his teammates, Jascha "NoVa" Markuse, Tal "Fly" Aizik, and Adrian "Era" Kryeziu, decided to switch from Heroes of Newerth to Dota 2 on March 30th, 2012. The declining activity in the competitive HoN scene prompted this move. 

N0tail's first success came at the Frankfurt Major with his team, OG, where he defeated Team Secret in the lower bracket. The season won another Valve event before The International 2016. At The International 2016, the tournament favorites fell to MVP Phoenix and TNC on the main stage. Three teammates left the company. N0tail and Fly won two more Valve events before The International 2017, with additions from various backgrounds and regions.

What is n0tail’s Total Earning?

N0tail and his team, OG, had a slow start in the group stage of The International 2018, but they managed to finish fourth and secure a spot in the upper bracket of the main event. OG, seen as underdogs throughout the event, defied expectations and made it to the grand finals. They emerged victorious by defeating PSG.LGD in a thrilling grand final series, with a final score of 3-2. N0tail, at 25, was featured in Forbes' 30 under 30 in gaming after his victory in The International 2018. He won The International 2019 the next year, making him and OG the first team to win the tournament twice, which led to N0tail garnering a whopping $7 184 163 in winnings, making him the world's highest paid esports player.

Other Highest Paid Esports Players

If you're wondering who else is the top earning esports player, our guide has come up with other highest paid esports players who have dominated different competitive games.

League of Legends: Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok

The "Unkillable Demon King" himself, Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok, is the highest paid esports player in League of Legends. Faker gained immense fame and recognition for his exceptional skills, strategic gameplay, and consistent dominance in the mid-lane.

Over the years, Faker has accumulated impressive achievements, amassing over $1 818 369, including multiple victories in the League of Legends World Championships. His accolades include being a five-time World Champion (2013, 2015, 2016, 2023 and 2024), an eight-time LCK (Korean League) champion, and a winner of numerous regional and international tournaments.

Fortnite: Kyle "Bugha" Giersdorf 

Kyle "Bugha" Giersdorf, Fortnite's highest-paid esports player, is from the United States. He gained international recognition in 2019 when he won the Fortnite World Cup Solo Championship, which took place in New York City. Bugha's victory in the tournament propelled him to the forefront of the competitive Fortnite scene and made him one of the most recognizable names in the game.

Bugha's performance at the Fortnite World Cup was exceptional, showcasing his excellent skills, strategic gameplay, and ability to outperform his opponents. Bugha’s victory earned him $3 720 091 in winnings, making him one of the highest-paid esports players.

Counter-Strike 2 (CS2): Peter “Dupreeh” Rasmussen

Hailing from Denmark, Peter "Dupreeh" Rasmussen is the highest paid esports player on CS2. The Danish esports organization Astralis owes much of its success to the invaluable contributions of one of its star players.

Dupreeh has had a very successful career with Astralis. He has garnered $2 211 464 in total winnings. Not only has Dupreeh excelled in team-based tournaments, but he has also garnered acclaim for his prowess. Our star player has been nominated for multiple prestigious awards, including the highly coveted Esports Awards and the esteemed HLTV's Top 20 Players of the Year.

DOTA 2: Sébastien "Ceb" Debs

Sébastien "Ceb" Debs is a professional Dota 2 player from France. In 2016, Ceb joined OG as a coach, offering the team invaluable guidance and strategic insight. With a seamless transition into a player role, he has become integral to OG's triumphs and accomplishments.

Ceb's impact on OG's success is particularly notable in the team's back-to-back victories at The International, the biggest Dota 2 tournament, Making him the second highest paid esports player in the history of DOTA 2, totaling $5 945 384 in winnings. He was part of the OG roster that won The International in 2018 and 2019, becoming the first team in Dota 2 history to achieve such a feat.

The highest paid esports player represents the pinnacle of success and accomplishment in esports. Their remarkable journey demonstrates that exceptional talent and unwavering commitment will yield great results in esports, such as being the top earning pro player. Their legacy will endure, inspiring a new generation to rise and claim their place among the esports elite.