Esports players compete in organized video gaming competitions all over the world. These players excel in specific games, ranging from battle royale titles like Fortnite to strategy-based games like League of Legends. With millions of dollars on the line, esports players dedicate countless hours to perfecting their skills, strategizing with their teams, and staying ahead of the competition.
To become a top esports player, skill isn’t the only factor. It also requires:
- Exceptional mechanical abilities, such as fast reaction times and precise aim.
- Deep understanding of game mechanics and evolving metas (most effective tactics).
- Team coordination, leadership, and the ability to adapt under pressure.
- A commitment to practice and growth, often spending upwards of 10 hours a day gaming.
Top 10 Esports Players to Watch in 2025
1. Kim “MaKo” Myeong-kwan (Valorant, DRX)
- Background: Hailing from South Korea, MaKo began his journey in esports through lesser-known FPS titles before making his mark in Valorant. Joining DRX in 2020, he quickly became one of the most reliable players in the APAC region.
- Rise to Fame: MaKo’s ability to clutch key rounds under pressure helped DRX secure multiple high placements in the Valorant Champions Tour (VCT). His performance against global powerhouses like Sentinels and Fnatic brought him worldwide recognition.
- Annual Income: Estimated at $200,000–$300,000 from team salary, tournament earnings, and sponsorships.
- What Makes Him Special: Known for his adaptability, MaKo’s aggressive yet calculated approach, combined with his pinpoint accuracy, sets him apart as a versatile player who can dominate any situation.
2. Anthony “Shotzzy” Cuevas-Castro (Call of Duty, Los Angeles Thieves)
- Background: Shotzzy, a Texas native, started his esports career in Halo, where he earned Rookie of the Year in 2018. Transitioning to Call of Duty in 2019, he brought his unique playstyle to the CDL.
- Rise to Fame: His breakthrough came when he helped Dallas Empire win the 2020 CDL Championship. His ability to adapt to different metas has made him a two-time world champion.
- Annual Income: Estimated at $300,000–$400,000, including sponsorships with brands like Scuf Gaming and Red Bull.
- What Makes Him Special: Shotzzy’s incredible movement mechanics and fast decision-making make him a nightmare for opponents, earning him consistent MVP titles.
3. Benjy “benjyfishy” Fish (Valorant, formerly Fortnite)
- Background: A UK-based gamer, Benjyfishy first rose to prominence as one of the best Fortnite players in the world, amassing millions in earnings before transitioning to Valorant in 2022.
- Rise to Fame: His reputation as a Fortnite prodigy paved the way for his success in Valorant, where his exceptional aim and ability to outthink opponents have made him a rising star.
- Annual Income: Estimated at $150,000–$250,000, including earnings from his Fortnite career.
- What Makes Him Special: Benjy’s innate ability to adapt to new challenges and his consistent performance under pressure have made him a player to watch in Valorant’s competitive scene.
4. Rasmus “Caps” Winther (League of Legends, G2 Esports)
- Background: Caps, a Danish mid-laner, began his professional career in 2015. He quickly earned the nickname “Baby Faker” for his dominant performances.
- Rise to Fame: Caps led G2 Esports to multiple championships in Europe and made deep runs in the League of Legends World Championship, solidifying himself as one of the best Western players.
- Annual Income: Estimated at $400,000–$600,000 from salary, prize pools, and brand deals.
- What Makes Him Special: His ability to control games from the mid-lane and make game-winning plays, along with his unmatched versatility, makes him a standout star.
5. Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut (CS:GO, Team Vitality)
- Background: Born in France, ZywOo started playing CS:GO at a young age. By 2018, he had joined Team Vitality, quickly establishing himself as one of the best players in the world.
- Rise to Fame: ZywOo’s exceptional AWPing skills and ability to carry his team in clutch moments earned him back-to-back “Player of the Year” awards in 2019 and 2020.
- Annual Income: Estimated at $500,000–$700,000, including a lucrative deal with Team Vitality and sponsorships.
- What Makes Him Special: His consistency, deep understanding of the game, and ability to remain calm under pressure make ZywOo a dominant force in the CS:GO scene.
6. Kyle “Bugha” Giersdorf (Fortnite, Sentinels)
- Background: Bugha, an American gamer, shot to fame after winning the inaugural Fortnite World Cup in 2019, earning $3 million in prize money.
- Rise to Fame: His dominance in the Fortnite World Cup made him a household name in esports. Bugha has since remained a top competitor in Fortnite tournaments.
- Annual Income: Estimated at $1 million–$1.5 million, with a significant portion coming from sponsorships and streaming.
- What Makes Him Special: Bugha’s strategic gameplay and ability to consistently perform at the highest level set him apart as a Fortnite icon.
7. Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok (League of Legends, T1)
- Background: Faker, a South Korean mid-laner, debuted with T1 in 2013 and has since become the most iconic player in League of Legends history.
- Rise to Fame: With three World Championship titles and countless MVP awards, Faker is often referred to as the “GOAT” of League of Legends.
- Annual Income: Estimated at $5 million, including his team salary, endorsements, and streaming revenue.
- What Makes Him Special: Faker’s unparalleled skill, leadership, and ability to adapt to any meta make him a legend in esports.
8. Tyson “TenZ” Ngo (Valorant, Sentinels)
- Background: A Canadian prodigy, TenZ started his career in CS:GO before transitioning to Valorant, where he became one of the first superstars of the game.
- Rise to Fame: His performance in the early stages of Valorant’s competitive scene, including leading Sentinels to victory in the VCT Masters Reykjavik, earned him global recognition.
- Annual Income: Estimated at $400,000–$600,000, including sponsorships with brands like Xtrfy and Aim Lab.
- What Makes Him Special: TenZ’s mechanical skills, quick decision-making, and flashy plays make him a fan favorite.
9. Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev (CS:GO, Natus Vincere)
- Background: Born in Ukraine, s1mple began his CS:GO career in 2013 and quickly gained a reputation as one of the most talented players in the game.
- Rise to Fame: His incredible performances at major tournaments, including winning the PGL Major Stockholm 2021, have solidified his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time.
- Annual Income: Estimated at $1 million–$1.2 million, with significant earnings from tournaments and sponsorships.
- What Makes Him Special: S1mple’s raw skill, precision, and ability to deliver under pressure make him a dominant figure in CS:GO.
10. Ian “Crimsix” Porter (Call of Duty, New York Subliners)
- Background: Crimsix, an American Call of Duty player, started his career in 2008 and has become the most decorated player in CoD history.
- Rise to Fame: With 37 major championship wins, including three World Championship titles, Crimsix’s resume speaks for itself.
- Annual Income: Estimated at $300,000–$400,000, with additional income from streaming and sponsorships.
- What Makes Him Special: His leadership, in-game intelligence, and ability to consistently perform make Crimsix a legendary figure in Call of Duty.
The Typical Income of a Top Esports Player
The income of a top esports player can vary widely based on factors like game popularity, sponsorship deals, and team contracts. On average:
- Salaries: Many top esports players earn between $50,000 and $500,000 annually from their teams.
- Tournament Earnings: Major events can award millions of dollars in prize money, with top players often taking home six- or seven-figure paychecks.
- Example: Kyle “Bugha” Giersdorf earned $3 million by winning the Fortnite World Cup in 2019.
- Sponsorships and Endorsements: Players often partner with brands like Red Bull, HyperX, or Logitech, adding tens of thousands (or more) to their yearly income.
- Streaming and Content Creation: Many esports players supplement their income through Twitch, YouTube, and other platforms, earning additional revenue from ads, donations, and subscriptions.
Which Esports Pay the Highest?
Some games consistently offer higher prize pools and salaries than others:
1- Dota 2:
Known for its enormous prize pools, thanks to The International tournament.
Example: The International 2021 prize pool was $40 million, with the winning team taking home over $18 million.
2- Fortnite:
Epic Games frequently hosts massive tournaments with millions in prize money.
Example: Fortnite World Cup featured a $30 million prize pool.
3- League of Legends:
While the prize pools are smaller than Dota 2 or Fortnite, players earn substantial salaries and sponsorships.
Example: The League of Legends World Championship prize pool typically exceeds $2 million.
4- CS:GO:
Offers consistent earnings through numerous high-stakes tournaments worldwide.
Example: The Intel Extreme Masters series awards millions annually.
5- Valorant:
Riot Games has invested heavily in Valorant’s competitive scene, with growing prize pools and team salaries.
Which Esports Are the Most Competitive?
The competitiveness of an esports game depends on its player base, depth, and global popularity:
- League of Legends: With millions of players worldwide, LoL remains one of the most competitive esports titles, requiring top-tier mechanics and teamwork.
- CS:GO: Known for its high skill ceiling, CS: GO is fiercely competitive, with some of the most iconic rivalries in esports history.
- Valorant: As a newer title, Valorant is quickly gaining ground, with an intensely competitive scene attracting players from other games.
- Dota 2: The depth of strategy in Dota 2 makes it one of the hardest games to master, contributing to its highly competitive nature.
The Future of Crypto in Esports
Cryptocurrency is increasingly intersecting with esports, offering new opportunities for players, teams, and fans:
Sponsorships:
Many esports organizations now partner with crypto companies. Examples include FTX’s deals with TSM and Riot Games.
NFT Integration:
Teams and players are creating NFT collectibles, allowing fans to own unique digital assets tied to their favorite teams or moments.
Prize Payouts:
Some tournaments now offer payouts in cryptocurrencies, giving players more flexibility and investment opportunities.
Decentralized Platforms:
Blockchain-based platforms are emerging for crowdfunding, fan engagement, and decentralized tournament hosting.
Despite the potential, crypto’s future in esports depends on broader adoption and regulatory clarity.
Big Esports Events to Watch in 2025
The 2025 calendar is packed with marquee esports events:
League of Legends World Championship (Worlds):
One of the most anticipated events in esports, featuring the best LoL teams from around the globe.
The International (Dota 2):
The crown jewel of Dota 2, is known for its record-breaking prize pools and unforgettable matches.
Valorant Champions Tour (VCT):
Riot Games’ premier tournament series for Valorant, showcases the best teams and players.
Fortnite World Cup:
Returning with massive prize pools and a global audience, this event is a must-watch for Fortnite fans.
CS:GO Majors:
Iconic tournaments like IEM Katowice and ESL One Cologne will bring top CS:GO talent together.
Call of Duty League Championship:
The pinnacle of competitive Call of Duty, featuring the top teams and players.
As esports continues to grow, these top 10 esports players are leading the charge in 2025. From impressive earnings to remarkable skills, these players are shaping the future of competitive gaming. With crypto innovations, rising prize pools, and must-watch events on the horizon, the esports ecosystem is set to reach new heights. Whether you’re a fan, player, or investor, there’s no better time to dive into the world of esports.
