Esports has long outgrown the status of amateur competitions and has turned into a multimillion-dollar industry, where teams compete not only for prestige but also for huge prize pools. Today, the richest esports teams earn significant prize money (tens of millions of dollars), and players become world-class stars. Each tournament sets new records, while investors and sponsors increase interest in this field.
Let’s talk about the teams that are among the top wealthiest.
1. Team Liquid — the absolute leader in prize money
Team Liquid is one of the oldest and most successful organizations in esports. Founded in the Netherlands in 2000, the team started with Warcraft III and StarCraft II, then became a global giant. The main success came after entering Dota 2 and CS:GO disciplines. The organization actively expanded its rosters and invested in the industry, allowing it to achieve financial dominance. To date, Team Liquid has earned over $45 million, holding the top spot for total earnings in history.
Key achievements:
- Victory at The International 2017 (Dota 2) — the organization’s biggest success, bringing in $10.8 million.
- CS:GO Golden Era — winning the Intel Grand Slam 2019 with a $1 million bonus.
- Dominance in other disciplines — stable positions in Valorant, League of Legends, StarCraft II.
Team Liquid remains a giant in the industry, consistently ranking among the best teams.
2. OG — two-time champions of The International
OG is a unique case in esports. It is the first team in history to win two consecutive The International championships — the biggest Dota 2 tournament. Until 2018, the team was considered a strong contender but not the main titleholder. However, victories at TI8 and TI9 not only changed OG’s history but also revolutionized the entire esports industry.
Main achievements:
- The International 2018 and 2019 — $26.8 million in prize money over two years.
- Championships in Dota 2 Majors — OG consistently wins Tier-1 tournaments.
- Expansion beyond Dota 2 — the organization entered CS:GO and Valorant, expanding its influence.
OG is a living legend, setting new standards of success and attracting top esports players.
3. Team Spirit — giant from the CIS
Team Spirit has proven that a young team can change the course of history. Founded in 2015, the club was not considered elite for a long time, but everything changed in 2021. Winning The International 2021 brought in $18.2 million, making Team Spirit one of the top esports teams with the highest prize money in the world. In 2023, the club confirmed its status by winning an additional $5 million.
4. Evil Geniuses — legend of North American esports
Evil Geniuses is one of the oldest organizations, founded in 1999. The team entered the top global clubs by participating in the most prestigious tournaments. EG showed incredible results in Dota 2 but also excelled in CS:GO, League of Legends, and Call of Duty.
Financial success:
- Championship at The International 2015 — $6.6 million.
- Top positions in CS:GO and LoL — total awards exceeding $25 million.
- Strong sponsors and partnerships — the organization actively attracts investors and brands.
Evil Geniuses continues to hold leading positions, developing various directions.
5. Natus Vincere (NAVI) — main team of the CIS
NAVI is a symbol of CIS esports. Since its founding in 2009, the club has won over $18 million, becoming one of the most decorated organizations. The main success came in CS:GO and Dota 2. NAVI gathers the best talents of the region and consistently ranks high in global ratings.
Key achievements:
- Victory at PGL Major Stockholm 2021 (CS:GO) — $1 million, NAVI’s first major win.
- The International 2011 final (Dota 2) — $1 million, one of the early major successes.
- Consistent top results in esports — CS:GO, Dota 2, Valorant.
NAVI remains one of the most recognizable esports teams with the highest prize money in history, continuing to develop the industry in the CIS and on the international stage.
6. Fnatic — European esports powerhouse
Fnatic is one of the most decorated organizations in esports history. Founded in the UK in 2004, the club quickly gained recognition for its stability and ability to adapt to new disciplines. The team achieved outstanding success in CS:GO, League of Legends, and Dota 2, regularly participating in major tournaments and earning significant rewards. Thanks to smart management, Fnatic has remained at the top for almost two decades.
Trophies and financial successes:
- CS:GO: Fnatic — three-time world champion, dominating in this discipline from 2013 to 2015. Victories at ESL One Katowice 2015 and ESL One Cologne 2015 brought the organization the largest prizes in CS:GO.
- League of Legends: 2011 Worlds champion. Fnatic was the first team to win the LoL world championship, laying the foundation for European region dominance.
- Dota 2: Dota 2 Majors finalist, participating in The International, among the strongest teams in Asia.
7. FaZe Clan — stars of CS:GO and Call of Duty
FaZe Clan is not just another esports team with the highest prize money but a global brand that combines professional gaming, creative content, and investments. Founded in 2010, the club quickly became an industry flagship, attracting millions of fans. FaZe Clan demonstrates a unique approach, combining esports and media content, making it one of the most influential teams on the global stage.
Key achievements and earnings:
- CS:GO: Victory at PGL Major Antwerp 2022 — the team’s biggest success, bringing $500,000 in prize money. FaZe Clan dominates in top tournaments, consistently ranking among the best teams in the world.
- Call of Duty: FaZe Clan — a major player in the Call of Duty League, regularly winning championships and earning multimillion-dollar prizes.
- Total earnings: over the past five years, FaZe Clan has earned millions of dollars, becoming one of the most profitable organizations in esports.
The club continues to develop its rosters and strengthen its media presence, attracting sponsors and top players.
8. Team Secret — kings of Dota 2 Majors
Team Secret is one of the most respected teams in Dota 2, establishing itself as a dominant force in the professional scene. Founded in 2014, the organization has repeatedly proven itself as a top-tier club, winning major tournaments and collecting impressive rewards. Team Secret is consistently among the favorites in major tournaments, setting new standards in Dota 2.
Financial successes:
- Prize money — over $17 million, making Team Secret one of the most successful teams in Dota 2 history.
- The International 2020 finalist — one of the most memorable tournaments, bringing the team millions in prize money.
- Domination in Europe — Team Secret consistently holds top positions on the global stage.
One of the popular esports teams with the highest prize money continues to be a significant player on the global stage, participating in major tournaments and strengthening its position in the industry.
9. Virtus.pro (VP) — CIS powerhouse
Virtus.pro is one of the most decorated CIS clubs, repeatedly demonstrating outstanding results in CS:GO and Dota 2. Founded in 2003, the organization has built a strong esports foundation and attracted the best players in the region.
Key victories:
- Dota 2: Championship at The Kuala Lumpur Major 2018 — one of VP’s major successes, solidifying the team’s position in the global elite.
- CS:GO: VP has repeatedly secured top spots in major tournaments, showcasing the stability and strength of CIS esports.
- Total prize pool — $16+ million, making VP one of the most profitable organizations in the region.
10. Paris Saint-Germain Esports — European giant
PSG Esports is a project that combines traditional sports and esports. Founded by the football club Paris Saint-Germain, the esports division quickly gained popularity and entered the global elite. The organization focused on partnerships with top teams, allowing it to establish itself in the arena.
Financial successes:
- Partnership with LGD Gaming (Dota 2) — joining forces with one of the top Chinese teams allowed PSG Esports to solidify its position in Dota 2 and consistently compete for top spots at The International.
- Championships in FIFA and League of Legends — PSG Esports actively participates in major tournaments, holding leading positions in these disciplines.
- Prize pool growth — over the past years, the organization has gathered significant sums, strengthening its status in the industry.
Conclusion
Esports has become a massive industry where the most successful teams earn millions of dollars. Teams like Team Liquid, OG, NAVI, and others not only win tournaments but also create a legacy and change the face of the industry. Each year, prize amounts increase, and competition intensifies. Young talents challenge old legends, and investors invest in esports, seeing it as the future.
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