The competitive esports landscape has grown dramatically in recent years, with professional teams earning staggering sums from tournaments worldwide. This article highlights the top 10 richest esports organizations by total earnings, showcasing their success, game expertise, and notable players who have made significant impacts.
10. SK Telecom T1 (SKT) – Pioneers in Korean Esports
Founded in 2002 and backed by South Korean telecom giant SK Telecom, SK Telecom T1 is among the earliest prominent esports organizations. Their teams compete mainly in League of Legends and StarCraft II, participating in over 200 tournaments. SKT has accumulated approximately $8.5 million in prize money, with standout stars like Faker leading their League of Legends squad to substantial success.
SKT’s achievements underscore Korea’s early dominance in esports, especially in strategy games like StarCraft and LoL. Their loyal fan base and consistent performance have cemented their place in the esports hierarchy.
9. LGD Gaming – A Chinese Powerhouse with Paris Saint-Germain Partnership
LGD Gaming has made its mark playing Dota 2 and League of Legends, earning nearly $9 million in prize winnings. The organization’s collaboration with French football club Paris Saint-Germain in creating PSG LGD brought added visibility. LGD’s prowess particularly shines in Dota 2, where they secured over $8 million of their total earnings.
This partnership reflects the growing cross-industry appeal of esports, linking traditional sports brands with competitive gaming to capture new audiences and sponsorships.
8. Vici Gaming – Diverse Presence Across Multiple Titles
Vici Gaming is notable for its participation in a broad range of esports, including Dota 2, League of Legends, StarCraft II, Hearthstone, and CS:GO. Since its inception in 2012, Vici has competed in over 250 tournaments, amassing about $9 million in winnings.
The team’s diverse game portfolio may be a factor in steady earnings, demonstrating flexibility across competitive titles. Their large roster and multi-game focus set an example for esports organizations seeking to maximize reach and revenue streams.
7. Wings Gaming – TI16 Champions with Historic Prize Earnings
Although Wings Gaming has been inactive for nearly two years, their historic win at The International 2016 (TI16) remains a landmark achievement. They earned $9.1 million from only 22 tournaments, mostly from Dota 2.
The team’s dominance during their peak and their players’ exceptional earnings highlight the massive prize pools in premier Dota 2 tournaments. However, management disputes and salary issues led to the team’s eventual disbandment, illustrating challenges behind the scenes in esports organizations.
6. Virtus.pro – A Storied Russian Esports Organization
Established in 2003, Virtus.pro has teams across multiple esports titles. With over 100 gold medals in their history and more than 50 registered players, Virtus.pro is one of the most decorated organizations, particularly known for its success in competitive CS:GO and Dota 2 events.
The organization’s emphasis on persistent training and teamwork contributes to their lasting competitive edge. Their experience demonstrates the discipline required to succeed in the high-stakes world of esports.
5. Fnatic – British-Based Global Competitors
Fnatic, founded by a mother-son duo in 2004, combines talent from around the world with a strong British base. They have earned nearly $12 million across 788 tournaments in titles such as League of Legends, Dota 2, Hearthstone, and especially CS:GO, where their team is considered one of the best ever.
Fnatic’s sustained success and global recruitment strategy illustrate the emerging international nature of esports, where talent crosses borders and organizational strategy focuses on long-term presence.
4. Newbee – Chinese Champions in Multiple Game Titles
Newbee distinguished itself by winning The International 2014 and setting a then world record for the largest prize money in esports—$5 million from a single tournament. With earnings close to $13 million over 130 tournaments, they have teams in Dota 2, Hearthstone, League of Legends, and CS:GO.
Newbee’s players are known for their intense training regimens, sometimes practicing for twelve to fourteen hours daily. Their dominance is a testament to the dedication required to lead in esports both physically and mentally.
3. Team OG – Dota II Masterminds
Formerly known as Team Monkey Business, OG quickly became a prominent Dota II team after their rebranding in 2015. Despite competing in only about 50 tournaments, OG has earned a staggering $17.5 million, with almost all revenue coming from Dota II.
OG’s rapid rise highlights the explosive prize pools and competition intensity in Dota II, making them one of the highest-earning organizations per tournament played on this list.
2. Evil Geniuses – American Giants Backed by Twitch
Evil Geniuses (EG) is a North American organization with a storied history dating back to 1999. With over $20 million earned across more than 700 tournaments, EG competes mainly in Dota II, StarCraft, and Call of Duty. The team is owned by Twitch, Amazon’s streaming platform division, which supports its broad influence in esports.
EG’s connection to a major streaming service illustrates the synergy between esports and digital content platforms fueling the ecosystem’s growth and player exposure.
1. Team Liquid – The Highest Earners and Hardest Workers
Leading the pack is Team Liquid, with nearly $25 million earned from over 1,400 tournaments. Their strongest disciplines include Dota II, Counter-Strike, and StarCraft. Known for grueling training schedules where players reportedly practice 25 hours a day combined, Team Liquid exemplifies the level of commitment required to be at the top in esports.
Their players consistently earn upwards of $3 million individually, reflecting the organization’s competitive excellence and expansive reach across various titles over many years.
Conclusion
These top 10 esports organizations demonstrate the lucrative potential and professional rigor within the esports industry. Earnings range from millions of dollars accumulated through dedicated teams specializing in various titles like Dota II, League of Legends, CS:GO, and StarCraft. The consistent training culture, strategic partnerships, and global fan support have propelled these teams to become industry leaders.
For enthusiasts and aspiring players, these organizations offer inspiration and a glimpse into what it takes to succeed and thrive in competitive gaming’s evolving landscape. To learn more about prominent esports betting opportunities, visit our dedicated section for expert insights and tips.