Competitive gaming has developed from a very small activity to one of the world’s most fascinating entertainment fads in less than two decades. The esports sector will be valued more than $1 billion in 2020 and might be worth up to $3 billion by 2022.
Top titles such as League of Legends, Fortnite, Dota 2, and CS:GO now have millions of gamers. Professional competitors for CS:GO currently number in the tens of thousands, and thousands for other popular titles. And the finest esports players in the world are now hailing from practically every country on the planet.
There is little question that esports are really global, but the nation that regularly produces the best competitive players in the world remains a subject of dispute.
According to Esports Earnings, the highest-earning and perhaps the quantifiably greatest esports players in the world come from a diverse range of countries.
Johan “N0tail” Sundstein, a Dota 2 player from Denmark, has won approximately $7 million in prize money. Players from Finland, Australia, France, Germany, Jordan, Bulgaria, and Lebanon are also among the top 10 esports players. Of course, the sheer success of Dota 2 players skews these results, but the United States, China, South Korea, Brazil, and other countries feature prominently in the top 100 greatest esports gamers by earnings.
Here’s a short glance at some of the countries that have produced some of the most famous esports stars.
1. SOUTH KOREA
South Korea is usually considered as the country that kickstarted the entire esports craze, thus it comes as no surprise that this country has consistently produced many of the top competitive gaming stars.
Famed South Korean esports stars like “Faker” fuel the popularity of games like League of Legends. Other South Korean stars, such as “Bang” and “Wolf,” have definitely pressed the argument for South Korea to be home to the world’s top gamers. Both play League of Legends and have won roughly a million dollars in esports prize money.
Not only has South Korea broadcasted esports on public television for almost two decades, but the nation also has government-supported academies for professional gamers, ensuring that the country continues to create the next generation of esports heroes.
2. CHINA
Initial opposition from the Chinese government led to esports being formally recognized in 2019, and predictions that China would soon overtake the United States as the world’s second-largest esports market. Hangzhou has even established an esports town to foster the next generation of gaming talent.
The number of gamers in China’s esports and gaming business is the world’s largest and has one of the most vibrant gaming communities. According to iResearch, half of China’s population, or 600 million people, play games on their phone, PC, or console.
Player “Uzi” of the League of Legends has won more than $545,000 in prize money, whereas “Somnus” of the Dota 2 game has won about $3 million in prize money.
3. USA
Of course, the United States would never pass up an opportunity to give some of the world’s top esports stars. From multi-millionaire famous Fortnite gamer “Ninja” to “Sneaky” and his remarkable League of Legends achievements. The United States has produced several outstanding athletes.
As everyone knows, Dota 2 has some of the best-earning esports stars, and it’s amazing to note how many US gamers, such as “UNiVeRsE”, “ppd”, and “Fear”, have recently climbed up the highest earnings list. Having said that, “Bugha” broke the record for the highest-earning US player in 2019 with his Fortnite World Cup Solo victory. All of this demonstrates that the United States is yet another esports powerhouse.
4. GERMANY
Germany would have to be on the list of best esports players based only on career earnings. We have seen the German esports community growing strong, thanks in part to the spectacular Dota 2 talents of “KuroKy,” who has won over $5 million in prize money.
There is ample proof that Germany can produce some very amazing competitive gaming stars, ranging from Dota 2’s “FATA” to SMITE’s “NinjaDimi,” as well as “ShoWTimEpowers “‘s in StarCraft II, to name a few examples.
5. SWEDEN
Because Sweden is home to the enormously important DreamHack esports competition, it’s no wonder that many of the country’s gamers have had a devastating impact. From the Dota 2 talents of “s4” and “ZAi” to the CS:GO firepower of “Olofmeister,” “f0rest,” and “KRiMZ,” Sweden is clearly punching above its weight when it comes to producing the finest esports players.
One of the most striking aspects of Sweden’s gamers is their ability to put in spectacular performances across a wide range of various games. It is simple to understand why Sweden developed as an esports powerhouse immediately from the incredible efforts of “Armada” in Super Smash Bros through to the talents of “Toxjqs” in Quake 4.
6. BRAZIL
Many people may be surprised to see Brazil in our list of the best esports stars. However, keep in mind that the famed Brazilian gamer “Coldzera” has dominated CS:GO in recent years.
This first-person shooter has proven to be quite popular among Brazilian gamers, with players such as “Fallen,” “fer,” and “TACO” all displaying great skill. “FalleN” is currently Brazil’s highest-earning esports professional, with nearly $1 million in prize money. Brazil appears to be capable of producing some major gaming skill.
7. RUSSIA
With iconic Russian esport teams, such as Virtus.pro, still able to oppose other worldwide competitors, it will come as little surprise if we have had to add Russia to our list of competitive players.
Whether it’s “Solo” winning a Dota 2 tournament or “flamie” showing off his CS:GO skills, Russian esports talent is always worth seeing. Don’t forget that Russia also dominates titles like World of Tanks, with players like “Inspirer,” “LeBwa,” “Nuclear,” and “Neskwi” proving to be lethal in this top esport.
