Unveiling the Wealthiest Esports Players in History: Top 10 Prize Money Winners
Exploring Esports’ Elite: How Gaming Transformed Millionaires
Esports has evolved from a passionate pastime into a global powerhouse, generating vast fortunes, selling out stadiums, and creating stars with millions of fans. Over the past decade, competitive gaming has not only changed the entertainment landscape but also turned its most talented players into multimillionaires. But who among them stands at the pinnacle of financial success? Discover the ten richest Esports professionals, all of whom have amassed incredible prize pools, mainly through the hyper-competitive world of Dota 2.
Lasse “Matumbaman” Urpalainen – Leading Off with $3.8 Million
Finnish Dota 2 specialist Lasse Urpalainen, better recognized as Matumbaman, kicks off the list. At 25 years old, he has earned around $3.8 million, mainly through stints with elite teams like Team Secret and especially Team Liquid. His crowning achievement was clinching The International 2017 prize, where Team Liquid’s victory netted each player a share of nearly $2.15 million from an $11 million pool. Additional success came with a fourth-place finish at The International 2018, further cementing his reputation as a consistent high-earner.
Maroun “GH” Merhej – Prize Winnings Surpass $4.2 Million
Lebanese Dota 2 competitor Maroun Merhej, widely known by his handle “GH”, has accumulated about $4.2 million during his time with top teams including Team Nigma and, previously, Team Liquid. Noted for his support play and mastery of heroes like Io, Tusk, and Keeper of the Light, Merhej celebrated his largest payday alongside Matumbaman at The International 2017. He has also achieved second- and fourth-place finishes at subsequent International tournaments, solidifying his position among the top Dota 2 earners.
Ivan “MinD_ContRoL” Ivanov – Approaching $4.6 Million in Winnings
Bulgarian player Ivan Ivanov, better known as “MinD_ContRoL”, is an established force in professional Dota 2, with over $4.6 million to his name. Primarily serving as an offlaner, Ivanov’s career highlights include a triumphant run at The International 2017 with Team Liquid and a near repeat at The International 2019, where his team’s runner-up finish yielded a significant prize split of almost $4.5 million. Ivanov is renowned for his keen tactical prowess in tournament play.
Amer “Miracle-” Al-Barkawi – Nearly $4.8 Million in Career Prizes
Amer Al-Barkawi, who competes under the name “Miracle-”, blends Polish-Jordanian roots with prodigious talent. Playing primarily as a carry for Team Nigma, he formerly contributed to success for Team Liquid and OG. Notably, he led the world rankings by Matchmaking Rating (MMR) at one point. His haul includes a share of Team Liquid’s win at The International 2017, a second-place finish in 2019, and peak yearly earnings surpassing $2.4 million in 2017 alone.
Kuro “KuroKy” Takhasomi – Surpassing $5.2 Million in Earnings
Kuro Takhasomi, celebrated as “KuroKy”, is a mainstay in the Dota 2 professional circuit and the captain of Team Nigma. With a career dating back to 2011, Takhasomi is one of just two players to have participated in every International. His achievements include the coveted International 2017 title and podium finishes in 2018 and 2019. Victories at events like the EPICENTER 2017 and ESL Frankfurt 2015 have contributed to prize winnings totaling more than $5.2 million.
Topias “Topson” Taavitsainen – Amassing $5.4 Million through International Success
One of three Finnish players on this elite list, Topias Taavitsainen — “Topson” — burst onto the scene with OG and swept to prominence in 2018 and 2019. Starting his journey with Dota at just eight years old, he quickly rose to dominate the international stage, securing back-to-back victories at The International in 2018 and 2019. His total career earnings have exceeded $5.4 million, with standout performances like achieving the highest kills-per-game average during TI9, showcasing both his consistency and aggressive playstyle.
Sébastien “Ceb” Debs – Over $5.5 Million as OG’s Backbone
Sébastien Debs, known online as “Ceb,” is a French-Lebanese Dota 2 veteran. He has made history by being the only French player to ever win The International, and much of his $5.5 million career winnings came from consecutive titles with OG in 2018 and 2019 — a feat no team had ever achieved before. Playing as both coach and offlaner, he’s famous for his expertise with heroes like Magnus, and continues to compete and lead in Tier 1 events worldwide.
Anathan “ana” Pham – Top Australian Contender with $6 Million
Australian player Anathan Pham, widely recognized as “ana,” has enjoyed extraordinary success in a short period, collecting $6 million from tournament play. Primarily a carry and solo mid for OG, Pham established his reputation with perfect performances on heroes like Io during The International 2019. His remarkable run includes two International titles, plus major wins at events like the Boston and Kiev Majors.
Jesse “JerAx” Vainikka – Second Richest with $6.5 Million in Earnings
Finland’s Jesse Vainikka, or “JerAx,” made the switch from Heroes of Newerth to Dota 2 and quickly ascended the ranks. Representing both OG and Team Liquid over his career, Vainikka earned over $6.5 million before retiring in 2020. His accolades include two International championships, victories at the Boston Major and Kiev Major, as well as a unique record: JerAx was the first player to reach four consecutive Major finals — a testament to his strategic prowess and teamwork.
Johan “N0tail” Sundstein – The Pinnacle with $6.9 Million
Taking the crown as the wealthiest esports player in history, Danish competitor Johan Sundstein, alias “N0tail,” commands an eye-watering $6.9 million in total prize money. As OG’s team captain and a renowned Meepo player, Sundstein’s resume includes two International titles and multiple Major championships across global events such as Frankfurt, Manila, Boston, and Kiev. His leadership and adaptability have not only brought team glory but also made him the highest-earning Dota 2 star of all time.
Summary Table: Top 10 Richest Esports Players by Tournament Earnings
| Rank | Player (Alias) | Country | Main Game | Total Prize Money |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Johan “N0tail” Sundstein | Denmark | Dota 2 | $6.9 Million |
| 2 | Jesse “JerAx” Vainikka | Finland | Dota 2 | $6.5 Million |
| 3 | Anathan “ana” Pham | Australia | Dota 2 | $6 Million |
| 4 | Sébastien “Ceb” Debs | France/Lebanon | Dota 2 | $5.5 Million |
| 5 | Topias “Topson” Taavitsainen | Finland | Dota 2 | $5.4 Million |
| 6 | Kuro “KuroKy” Takhasomi | Germany | Dota 2 | $5.2 Million |
| 7 | Amer “Miracle-” Al-Barkawi | Poland/Jordan | Dota 2 | $4.8 Million |
| 8 | Ivan “MinD_ContRoL” Ivanov | Bulgaria | Dota 2 | $4.6 Million |
| 9 | Maroun “GH” Merhej | Lebanon | Dota 2 | $4.2 Million |
| 10 | Lasse “Matumbaman” Urpalainen | Finland | Dota 2 | $3.8 Million |
Key Takeaways: The Forces Behind Esports Wealth
The staggering prize money won by these professional gamers reveals several important trends:
– Dota 2 continues to dominate the scene in terms of prize pool, owing to its internationally renowned tournaments like The International.
– Consistent team performance and strategic flexibility across Major events are central to earning at the highest level.
– Esports offers a truly global stage, with top earners hailing from Finland, Denmark, Lebanon, Australia, Bulgaria, France, Germany, and more.
As esports continues to expand and evolve, these players showcase not just personal talent, but also the lucrative potential that competitive gaming offers committed professionals.
Discover More Wealth Rankings
Curious about other athletes and gaming stars who have achieved immense financial success? Explore these rich lists:
