Most Successful Esports Players

Most Successful Esports Players

As a seasoned esports enthusiast and aficionado, I must say that the list of top esports players is nothing short of impressive. However, it seems the spotlight has been primarily on Dota 2, which, let’s face it, has taken over the world of prize pools like a ravenous beast!


As a gaming enthusiast myself, I can attest that pursuing a career in esports is an alluring yet challenging path many aspire to tread, but only a select few manage to achieve great success. It’s much like professional sports where being the best at a particular video game isn’t a walk in the park. It demands commitment and sacrifice to reach the pinnacle. But who are these esports titans that have scaled the summit of success?

The Top Esports Players

Achieving greatness in esports is often determined by the number of titles won and the amount of money earned, since numerous players participate in major tournaments. Yet, it’s not uncommon to see talented gamers consistently finishing runner-up or even failing to win a single tournament. Nonetheless, certain players have left indelible marks on their game’s competitive landscape by securing legendary status, thus solidifying themselves as all-time great esports athletes.

But, who are some of the winningest esports players?

1. N0Tail

Most Successful Esports Players

Earnings: $7.18 million

It is no secret that Johan “N0Tail” Sundstein is one of the greatest esports players of all time. The popular Dota 2 competitor still reigns as number one for the most earnings within all of esports. The gamer even has had back-to-back championship titles at The International.

As an ardent follower, I’ve noticed a shift in his focus towards the commercial aspects of eSports lately. Yet, he continues to assert that his competitive days are not over, hinting at a potential return whenever he feels ready.

2. JerAx

Most Successful Esports Players

Earnings: $6.48 million

Jesse Vainikka, a Finnish player renowned in Dota 2 esports, boasts the second highest earnings in this field’s history. This experienced gamer has added two titles from The International to his trophy cabinet, along with multiple first-place victories at other major events over time. JerAx also formed a successful duo with N0Tail, resulting in their triumph as two-time champions at The International in 2018 and 2019.

At present, JerAx is absent from the Dota 2 community, having departed from Team Liquid as a coach in the year 2022. He expressed that his passion for the well-liked game has waned.

3. Ana

Most Successful Esports Players

Earnings: $6.02 million

Born in Melbourne but now based in Shanghai, Anathan “ana” Pham has solidified his status as one of the all-time greats in the esports world, thanks to his numerous Dota 2 championship victories and substantial earnings from prize money. His dedication to competitive Dota 2 led him to relocate back in 2015.

Although Ana is considered retired officially, he’s frequently observed participating in recent years, suggesting that he hasn’t completely given up on the sport yet.

Related: Top Esports Tournaments | What Are The Best Esports Tournaments?

4. Ceb

Most Successful Esports Players

Earnings: $5.95 million

Absolutely, you’re correct! Another Dota 2 player joins the list of top four most successful esports athletes of all time. Sébastien “Ceb” Debs started competing in 2011 and is known for his impressive achievements. Among many victories, his wins at The International are just a piece of the numerous first places he has earned throughout his career.

Ceb currently still competes as a member and co-founder of OG.

5. Topson

Most Successful Esports Players

Earnings: $5.85 million

In conclusion, yet another skilled Dota 2 player makes the list. The game’s dominance in the esports realm, particularly in terms of prize pools and victories, is undeniable. Representing Tundra Esports is Topias “Topson” Taavitsainen, a Finnish athlete. This talented individual has clinched first place on numerous occasions at The Internationals, and most recently secured fourth place in the Riyadh Masters 2024 tournament.

In his thirties, Topson remains among the finest and most victorious esports athletes ever, placing him at number five on our ranking.

Dota 2 Reigns Over All

Compiling a list featuring the foremost esports athletes predominantly focuses on the Dota universe, given that most of the top-earning 20 individuals are Dota 2 players, with Kyle “Bugha” Giersdorf being the only exception, boasting $3.72 million earnings from Fortnite.

It appears that Dota 2 consistently offers the largest prize pools across all esports, surpassing other games in the industry when it comes to player rewards.

But It Doesn’t End There

It’s important to stress that Dota 2 isn’t the pinnacle of the esports industry and it doesn’t account for every successful esports player. There are plenty of competitors worth mentioning as we break down the most successful esports players:

  1. Ian ‘Crimsix’ Porter – Call of Duty (37 championships, 3 rings)
  2. Lee ‘Faker’ Sang-hyeok – League of Legends (20 championships, 4 rings)
  3. Nicolai ‘dev1ce’ Reedtz – Counter-Strike (59 championships)
  4. Niclas ‘Pengu’ Mouritzen – Rainbow Six Siege (21 championships, 2 rings)
Related: How To Be An Esports Player | Guide To Going Pro In Esports

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2024-08-13 08:48