Are you interested in knowing the top 5 highest paying eSports games? The world of how we play sports and games is changing rapidly. Now, it’s just as likely for young kids to become elite pro gamers as it is for them to become a Premier League star or an Olympic Champion.
This new landscape is exciting and lucrative for those with the requisite skills, but what are the games that bring in the big bucks?
We have broken down 5 of the highest paying eSports games and what makes them so appealing for competitors and audiences.
#1 – Dota 2
‘Defence of the Ancients 2’ is Valve’s top-performing game and also the game with the highest earning potential, according to esportsearning.com. The game, which is loosely derived from ‘World of Warcraft’ via multiple versions and mods, has become a global sensation since its release in 2013.
To date, over $216 million has been awarded in prize money (vastly more than the next closest game) by more than 1,200 tournaments, and the game continues to be hugely popular with professional players due to its complexity and rewarding game dynamics.
#2 – Fortnite
The most famous game of the day, thanks to its easily accessible content and simple game mechanics, Fortnite continues to grow at an enormous rate, including on the paid side of things, with over $82 million awarded in prize money.
As well as being popular with all kinds of gamers, Fortnite has developed the profile of platforms like Twitch that allow live streaming and in-game betting, which has further increased the game’s cache with gamers.
#3 – Counter Strike: Global Offensive
This is a classic of a game that saw some of the first professional eSports tournaments. Played by teams of 4, Counter Strike is famous for its precise and inventive play. Its popularity is evidenced by the fact that it has been the subject of more than 4,000 tournaments.
First released in 2012, CS:GO is a staple of the professional gaming industry despite recent allegations of controversy.
#4 – League of Legends
Another high quality co-operative game, LoL was actually inspired by the top game on this list, Dota. With similar overall earnings to other games on this list (excluding Dota), it is a competitive success, but is also one of the most popular games of all time among normal gamers, with over 100 million active players per month.
It has also helped contribute to the success of live-streaming services like YouTube and Twitch.
#5 – Starcraft 2
Another hugely popular game with over 5,000 professional tournaments (the most of any game on this list), Starcraft 2: Wings of Liberty is a complex strategy game that captured imaginations when it debuted in 2010.
It attracted players with its combination of slick graphics and engrossing gameplay. Although the tournament earnings for this game are significantly lower than others, the number of tournaments indicates how popular it is.
Conclusion
The sporting landscape has shifted to the point that it is unrecognizable – but these 5 games represent the exciting frontier of the future of sports. It’s undoubtedly very different, but there’s no doubt it’s just as enticing for audiences and viewers.
Watch this space for the highest paying eSports.
