2025 Esports Power Rankings: Who Stands atop the Competitive Gaming World?
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Introducing the Elite of Esports in 2025
Esports has rapidly evolved from humble beginnings—think 1970s arcades and 1990s LAN parties—to a global spectacle that commands the attention of millions. With major tournaments like Dota 2’s The International, the League of Legends World Championship, and the Fortnite World Cup offering immense prize pools, competitive gaming now sits at the pinnacle of the sports entertainment industry. The rise of streaming platforms such as Twitch, high-profile sponsorship deals with brands like Nike and Red Bull, and constant coverage in mainstream media have all fueled esports’ exponential growth.
Within this dynamic scene, certain players have not only achieved outstanding success in tournaments, but have also shaped the direction of their games and inspired passionate fan bases worldwide. This article offers a closer look at the top 10 esports players of 2025, selected for their competitive achievements, consistency, impact on the gaming community, and digital influence.
The Leading Esports Stars of 2025
Here are the standout figures making waves across various corners of competitive gaming:
- N0tail (Johan Sundstein)
- Faker (Lee Sang-hyeok)
- ana (Anathan Pham)
- Ninja (Richard Blevins)
- Bugha (Kyle Giersdorf)
- Miposhka (Yaroslav Naidenov)
- Collapse (Magomed Khalilov)
- Yatoro (Ilya Mulyarchuk)
- donk (Danil Kryshkovets)
- KuroKy (Kuro Takhasomi)
These professionals represent the best-nurtured talent in a variety of titles, from Dota 2 and League of Legends to Fortnite and Counter-Strike 2. Let’s delve into what sets each apart in the ever-evolving landscape of esports.
N0tail (Johan Sundstein): The Highest Esports Earner in History
Image credit: Dota 2 The International/Wikimedia Commons
Johan “N0tail” Sundstein from Denmark is a pioneering figure in esports and holds the record for the most prize money won by any player—over $7 million to date. Starting his career in Heroes of Newerth at just 15, Sundstein’s trajectory took off after forming collaborations that led him to the Fnatic roster.
Switching to Dota 2 in 2012 was initially challenging, but he soon found his rhythm, first clinching the Thor Open LAN with Fnatic.EU. His journey through top-tier teams like Team Secret and Cloud9 paved the way for the creation of (monkey) Business, which would transform into OG—a powerhouse team he co-founded. With historic wins at The International in both 2018 and 2019, N0tail has cemented his legacy as a legendary captain and innovator in Dota 2.
Faker (Lee Sang-hyeok): The Icon of League of Legends
Image credit: FOMOS Esports/Wikimedia Commons
South Korea’s Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok—also known as the “Unkillable Demon King”—is synonymous with League of Legends and competitive esports in general. As the heart of T1’s mid-lane, Faker boasts a truly legendary status, a social media presence surpassing millions, and over $1.5 million in career tournament winnings.
Since bursting onto the professional scene in 2013, Faker has accumulated five World Championship titles (2013, 2015, 2016, 2023, and 2024) and received MVP honors at the highest levels. Alongside a hefty annual salary and endorsement deals with collective industry giants, Faker was also the first inductee into the official League of Legends Hall of Fame, further solidifying his unmatched influence in esports.
ana (Anathan Pham): Strategic Innovator in Dota 2
Image credit: Dota 2 The International/Wikimedia Commons
Australian star Anathan “ana” Pham has become one of Dota 2’s most celebrated professionals, known for his unpredictability in the carry role and ability to shake up the competitive meta. Beginning his career with Invictus Gaming in 2016, ana quickly made a name in the international circuit and joined OG, where he contributed to their back-to-back International victories.
His gameplay, especially the innovative carry style displayed at The International 2019, set him apart as an original thinker on the battlefield. Despite several breaks from professional play, ana remains an influential figure, helping out squads like Team Liquid and Royal Never Give Up during crucial tournaments.
Ninja (Richard Blevins): The Streaming Sensation
Image credit: State Farm/Wikimedia Commons
Richard “Ninja” Blevins may not top the podium in raw tournament wins, but no esports personality has reached greater heights in mainstream fame. Beginning his career in Halo 3 with notable teams, Ninja made the leap to streaming in 2011 and became a global sensation with Fortnite Battle Royale in 2017.
Ninja broke Twitch records—reaching over 3 million followers and hosting streams with celebrities like Drake and Travis Scott. By 2018, he was the most-followed creator on the platform. His unique blend of gameplay and entertainment, along with an estimated $10 million earned in a single year, set a new standard for esports stardom and digital influence.
Bugha (Kyle Giersdorf): The Fortnite Phenomenon
Image credit: Dota 2 The International/Wikimedia Commons
American prodigy Kyle “Bugha” Giersdorf rose to prominence after his landslide victory at the inaugural Fortnite World Cup in 2019, pocketing $3 million in prize money. Driven by a family-influenced passion for gaming, he soon dominated the competitive Fortnite space, doubling the second-place score during his World Cup triumph.
Following his win, Bugha secured three FNCS Championships and totaled roughly $3.7 million in career earnings. His online presence is substantial, with millions of Twitch followers and a custom Fortnite skin immortalizing his contribution to the game.
Miposhka (Yaroslav Naidenov): The Mastermind Support of Dota 2
Image credit: Dota 2 The International/Wikimedia Commons
Yaroslav “Miposhka” Naidenov, a renowned captain and support for Team Spirit, stands as a tactician whose leadership has propelled his teams to multiple high-profile victories. His strategic acumen came to light at The International 2017 when he orchestrated a major upset with Team Empire.
With experience across several organizations, Miposhka found his stride with Team Spirit, amassing career winnings surpassing $5.8 million. His approach marks him as one of Dota 2’s most influential leaders and a perennial fixture at elite competitions.
Collapse (Magomed Khalilov): Dota 2’s Offlane Virtuoso
Image credit: Dota 2 The International/Wikimedia Commons
Magomed “Collapse” Khalilov has made a name for himself as one of the game’s most gifted offlaners, clinching two International titles with dynamic hero picks and game-defining plays. After developing his skills in local Russian tournaments, his big break came post-2017 with Yellow Submarine, which would later be signed by Team Spirit.
Renowned for his mastery of Mars, Magnus, and Timbersaw, Collapse has spearheaded his team to top placements at major events, earning upwards of $5.6 million and building a dedicated online following for his in-game prowess.
Yatoro (Ilya Mulyarchuk): The Dota 2 Carry Champion
Image credit: Valve/Wikimedia Commons
Rising to fame as a core player for Team Spirit, Ukrainian Ilya “Yatoro” Mulyarchuk exemplifies mechanical excellence, securing two International victories and earning over $5.5 million in competitive winnings. Launching his career in regional contests, a breakout role with Team Spirit propelled him into the global spotlight with a stunning win at The International 2021.
Yatoro’s consistency, clutch plays, and rising digital footprint have established him among the finest Dota 2 competitors of the decade.
donk (Danil Kryshkovets): The New Force in Counter-Strike 2
Image credit: Viola Schuldner/Wikimedia Commons
Danil “donk” Kryshkovets is redefining expectations for young talent in Counter-Strike 2. Competing with Team Spirit, donk shattered records in 2024 by winning the Shanghai Major as both the event’s youngest champion and its highest-rated player, collecting the HLTV Player of the Year honor at just 17.
With a professional journey starting at age 14 and a growing social following, donk’s impressive list of MVP awards from tournaments like IEM Katowice and BetBoom Dacha Belgrade signal a bright and influential future in the shooter genre.
KuroKy (Kuro Takhasomi): A Decade at the Top of Dota 2
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Kuro Salehi Takhasomi, “KuroKy,” represents one of the most enduring and successful careers in Dota esports. Starting in Defense of the Ancients at 16, he transitioned into Dota 2 with remarkable success—first as a finalist with Natus Vincere in 2013, then as co-founder of Team Secret. KuroKy later led Team Liquid to a defining victory at The International 2017, becoming one of the highest-earning players in history with over $5.3 million in tournament winnings.
Since 2019, he’s continued to compete at the highest levels, guiding his new squad, Nigma, and inspiring new generations of esports talent.
What Defines an Esports Legend?
With esports disciplines covering everything from MOBAs to tactical shooters, the criteria for greatness can vary widely. Champions like N0tail, ana, and Collapse highlight the importance of dominance on the world stage, often reflected in their impressive prize winnings. Meanwhile, global icons like Ninja and Faker demonstrate how celebrity status, adaptability, and innovation amplify a player’s legacy far beyond in-game triumphs.
Today’s esports stars don’t just play—they entertain, influence the meta, and lead communities. Sponsorships and massive streaming audiences play an increasing role in their success, with players expected to balance game mastery, strategic ingenuity, and marketability.
The Future of Esports Excellence
As the esports industry matures, new tournaments, lucrative partnerships, and ever-larger audiences are redefining its scope each year. The leading figures listed here exemplify the perfect mix of technical skill, competitive spirit, creativity, and personal brand-building. Esports continues its journey from a grassroots movement to a multi-billion-dollar industry, forging a new breed of superstar along the way—one that shapes both the game and global pop culture.
