The 10 Highest Paid Esports Players in 2018

This year, esports continue to turn a huge profit. Titles like PUBG and Fortnite continue to catapult the scene onto the mainstream, enticing personalities from different entertainment media across the globe, while Dota 2 and League of Legend still churn out the big bucks for tourney wins.

As a result, the market has become considerably profitable for the best of the best, as prize money total earnings eclipse $2 million for the top players. Below is a list detailing 10 of the highest paid esports players in 2018, according to EsportsEarnings.com.

An interesting note is that every player listed in the top 10 made their earnings from Dota 2.

Highest Paid Esports Players in 2018

Yang “Chalice” Shenyi – $1.09 million

Since 2016, Yang Shenyi has grown considerably with LGD Gaming. The Chinese Dota 2 player went from a combined $6.7k in his first two years to earning $1,091,935.92 – same as the rest of LGD Gaming – in 2018 alone.

Jianwei “xNova” Yap – $1.09 million

The top Malaysia esports star, Jianwei Yap grossed 96% of his total esports earnings in 2018. That money comes thanks to his new role with LGD Gaming, as the team dominated plenty of competitions this year.

Wang “Ame” Chunyu – $1.09 million

Active since 2015, Wang Chunyu is another LGD Gaming team member that has profited big time because of his place on the team. This wasn’t his only good year though, as he made close to half a million in 2017 as well.

Xu “fy” Linsen – $1.09 million

While he may be relatively new to esports, many consider Fy to be the best Rubick player in the world. That skill showed this year, as the former Vici Gaming finished his first year with LGD Gaming.

Lu “Somnus丶M” Yao – $1.09 million

The final LGD Gaming member on this list, Lue Yao is considered the veteran on the team, as he has been around since 2013. Despite rumors that he was going to leave the team, Somnus丶M stayed and had a big year as a result.

Anathan “ana” Pham – $2.25 million

Proving that Aussies love a good round of esports too, Anathan Pham made around 78% of his lifetime total earnings in 2018, pulling in $2,249,136.18 to be exact.

Topias “Topson” Taavitsainen – $2.25 million

It’s no surprise that OG’s Topson is on this list, as he’s been perfecting his Dota 2 skill since he was 8-years-old. The Finnish pro just beats out Pham by earning $2,249,841.60 in 2018.

Sébastien “7ckngMad” Debs – $2.28 million

The lone Frenchman on the list, Sébastien Debs’ long career has finally paid dividends in 2018. Since joining the newly formed OG, 7ckngMad earned $2,280,216.63, making up for 98% of his overall esports earnings since 2011.

Johan “N0tail” Sundstein – $2.28 million

While N0tail has certainly seen success since 2010, playing on Fnatic.EU, Team Secret, Cloud9, and (monkey) Business, 2018 was a banner year for team OG’s founder. In total, he earned $2,282,716.63 this year.

Jesse “JerAx” Vainikka – $2.29 million

Jesse Vainikka beat out the rest of OG for the top spot of highest paid esports player in 2018, earning at least a couple thousand more than the rest of his teammates.