What’s the Most Profitable eSports Game in History? Here’s What the Latest Study Says

A new analysis from Esports Charts shows just how massive the competitive gaming economy has become. Across more than 62,000 tournaments, the esports industry has paid out over $1.68 billion in prize money -- and one title stands above the rest.

The result? Well, Dota 2 is officially the most profitable esport of all time, with total prize payouts reaching $377.4 million. The gap between this game and its rival is impressive and it shows no signs of slowing down.

But what are the other games that trail in Dota’s wake, but are still paying out big money?

Read on, as we look at the top five most lucrative esports based on total historical prize pools.

1. Dota 2: $377.4 Million

We’ve spoken about how Dota 2 tops the charts of all-time paying esports, with an incredible total of almost $400 million, but not how they’ve amassed this amount.

The International (TI) has played a huge role in this, thanks to its years of record-breaking prize pools, much of which are made up of community crowdfunding.

TI 2021 peaked at an whopping $40 million, but certain factors, like Valve taking out the Battle Pass system, have reduced this amount over recent years. That said, no other game comes close to Dota 2’s crown, with the game amassing almost double that of its nearest rival.

The game now has over 2,000 tournaments under its belt and has plans for many more, so don’t be surprised to see the total prize payout pass half a billion dollars soon!

2. Fortnite: $202.9 Million

Most people that have played Fortnite understand the game’s massive appeal. The game comes in at second place, with a nudge over $200 million in total prize pools.

Epic Games, the creator behind this blockbuster, has played a huge role in the game’s success, using bold marketing tactics and funding during Fortnite’s early days.

Events like the Fortnite World Cup in 2019 was a pioneer in huge individual payouts: who can forget Bugha’s famous $3 million win, for example?

The game’s esports structure may have changed over its lifetime, but its total prize pool remains one of the largest in the industry.

3. Counter-Strike (CS:GO & CS2): $162.8 Million

Counter-Strike’s longevity is legendary. The game has spanned over 7,100 tournaments, with decades of grassroots competition that have led to well-established leagues, and world-class Majors. This, of course, has led to a strong and steady stream of prize money, totalling $162.8 million.

The game has maintained its momentum with the transition to Counter-Strike 2, its games creators are unlikely to stop there.

4. League of Legends — $122 Million

League of Legends is arguably the world’s most viewed esport, and while its prize pools are smaller compared to Dota 2, the ecosystem is more structurally sustainable. It only has 183 major tournaments under its belt, but Riot Games maintains full control of its competitive scene and invests heavily in production value, regional leagues, and huge global events like Worlds.

Enormous prizes aren’t LoL’s tactic here: instead, their strength is in organisational stability and long-term infrastructure.

5. Arena of Valor: $111.5 Million

Arena of Valor sneaks into fifth spot with a lot of its success down to its huge Asian following.

The mobile MOBA has been the theme of over 344 tournaments, which have included major world championships backed by Tencent and its impressive funding.

This game is a top example of mobile esports’ excellent revenue power and is a sign of how the sector is set to expand globally.

A shifting esports economy

The recent findings show some big changes in the esports industry. Fans may be interesting to know that also PUBG Mobile ($89.8M) has now overtaken PUBG PC ($67M), which shows how mobile titles are reaching wider audiences and stronger financial backing.

Meanwhile, as Dota 2’s recent prize pool decreases open the door for other titles to close the gap, we may see a more balanced competitive economy emerge over the next few years.

How prize money reflects the broader gaming economy

Dota 2’s massive all-time earnings show how profitable esports can become when games can engage with communities and get investment right, yet the financial ecosystem of gaming is much wider than esports alone.

As the online gaming market grows, players are exploring various digital reward systems – from competitive tournaments to casual gaming incentives. This is where adjacent sectors, such as online casinos, have seen increased interest. The best no-deposit casino bonuses, for example, provide new players with real-money opportunities without requiring any money down.

This parallel helps explain why reward-driven experiences, whether earning millions at TI or testing a platform with an offer, continue to make waves with gaming audiences all over the world.