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Top 10 esports teams with the highest prize money in history

Home » blog » Top 10 esports teams with the highest prize money in history

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:

  1. Victory at The International 2017 (Dota 2) — the organization’s biggest success, bringing in $10.8 million.
  2. CS:GO Golden Era — winning the Intel Grand Slam 2019 with a $1 million bonus.
  3. 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:

  1. The International 2018 and 2019 — $26.8 million in prize money over two years.
  2. Championships in Dota 2 Majors — OG consistently wins Tier-1 tournaments.
  3. 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:

  1. Championship at The International 2015 — $6.6 million.
  2. Top positions in CS:GO and LoL — total awards exceeding $25 million.
  3. 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:

  1. Victory at PGL Major Stockholm 2021 (CS:GO) — $1 million, NAVI’s first major win.
  2. The International 2011 final (Dota 2) — $1 million, one of the early major successes.
  3. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. League of Legends: 2011 Worlds champion. Fnatic was the first team to win the LoL world championship, laying the foundation for European region dominance.
  3. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. Call of Duty: FaZe Clan — a major player in the Call of Duty League, regularly winning championships and earning multimillion-dollar prizes.
  3. 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:

  1. Prize money — over $17 million, making Team Secret one of the most successful teams in Dota 2 history.
  2. The International 2020 finalist — one of the most memorable tournaments, bringing the team millions in prize money.
  3. 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:

  1. Dota 2: Championship at The Kuala Lumpur Major 2018 — one of VP’s major successes, solidifying the team’s position in the global elite.
  2. CS:GO: VP has repeatedly secured top spots in major tournaments, showcasing the stability and strength of CIS esports.
  3. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. Championships in FIFA and League of Legends — PSG Esports actively participates in major tournaments, holding leading positions in these disciplines.
  3. 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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Chinese Super League: how it works

Chinese football is growing rapidly, and one of its key components is the Super League. Investors are pouring millions of dollars into developing teams and inviting world-class stars and top coaches to take football in the Middle Kingdom to the next level. Today, the Chinese Super League attracts not only local fans but also fans from all over the world, thanks to its unique approach and incredible transfers that once seemed impossible.

The history of the Chinese Super League: how it all started

In 2004, the Super League came into being as part of a major reform of professional football in China. The main aim of the reform was to improve the quality of local leagues and attract international attention. At first, this seemed an unrealistic goal, given the relative unfamiliarity of Chinese football outside the country. However, this changed when the league started attracting foreign players like Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka. Also important was the construction of quality infrastructure and the development of youth academies, allowing them to produce their own world-class players.

The history of the Chinese Super League shows that a commitment to progress and investment can radically change a league’s position on the world stage. China has invested not only money but also its soul in developing the league, making it one of the most talked-about leagues in world football.

Structure and format of the Chinese Super League

The Chinese Super League consists of 16 teams playing home and away matches. The season starts in March and ends in November, allowing 30 matches to be played. The teams’ main goal is to get as high up the league table as possible and avoid the relegation zone. The two worst teams relegate and make way for the best teams in the second division. This format keeps the league alive and motivates teams to play at a high level throughout the season.

Features:

  1. Restriction on the number of foreign players: a team cannot have more than five foreigners, of which only four are allowed on the pitch at a time.
  2. The length of the season, from March to November, provides comfortable weather conditions for matches.
  3. Use of VAR (video assistant referee) to ensure fair play and minimise refereeing errors.

How is the Chinese Super League funded?

The state is strongly committed to the sport as it is an important way to boost the country’s international prestige. Major funding sources include large companies such as the Evergrande Group, which sponsors Guangzhou Evergrande, as well as many other private investors attracted by the prospects of football.

Many clubs in the Chinese Super League have capital comparable to that of big European teams. Shanghai SIPG, for example, spends around $60 million a year on maintaining staff and infrastructure. This approach helps attract world-class stars like Oscar and Hulk, whose salaries exceed those of many European players. All this makes football in China commercially attractive while strengthening its position on the world stage.

Chinese Super League versus other football leagues in the world

The history of the Chinese Super League: how it all startedA comparison of the Chinese Super League with other championships shows its unique characteristics. Unlike the English Premier League, which has a long history and deep football traditions, the Chinese league is just taking its first steps on the international stage. Thanks to large investments and foreign specialists, the level of play in the Chinese league is growing every year.

One of the most striking features of the Chinese Super League is the high salary of its players. The average salary of a star player in the league is around $10 million a year. This attracts stars who want to win and maintain their level of play. An important factor is also the well-developed sports infrastructure and high-quality youth academies, where young footballers train under the guidance of leading specialists from around the world.

Characteristics of Chinese football

Chinese clubs actively recruit coaches from Europe and South America, who bring their experience and knowledge to improve the level of play of local players. China is committed to developing young players: many clubs establish youth academies and schools for children, where they can train from an early age.

Another important feature is the use of modern technology in the training process. Clubs use special computer programmes to analyse matches and individual player statistics, allowing coaches and players to better understand where and how to improve their game. As a result, the idiosyncrasies of Chinese football create a unique style that incorporates both the best elements of international football and national traits.

Chinese Super League stars

One of the main reasons for the growing popularity of the Chinese Super League is the attraction of international stars. Players of the calibre of Oscar, Hulk, Drogba and Anelka have moved to China and generated a wave of interest among fans around the world. These stars not only attract attention but also exert a strong influence on the young generation of Chinese footballers who are eager to follow their example.

Chinese football benefits enormously from the presence of star players. They bring experience, raise the level of local teams and help raise young talent. The arrival of these players has enriched Chinese football not only athletically, but also commercially: ticket and merchandise sales have skyrocketed and interest in the matches has reached new heights.

The future of the Chinese Super League

The championship aims to develop further and reach new heights. In the coming years, more international specialists are expected to improve the training process and the quality of local players. China aims to become a competitive football country and is developing not only the league but also the whole football infrastructure in the country.

One of the ambitious goals is for Chinese clubs to enter the international scene and successfully participate in the World Club Championships. Investment in youth training and attracting foreign coaches are already starting to bear fruit and the Chinese Super League hopes to become one of the most respected leagues in the world in the future.

Conclusion

Chinese Super League starsThe Chinese Super League has already won a place in world football culture. It is not just another national championship: it reflects the ambitions and aspirations of an entire country to reach the highest level on the international stage. Investment, star attraction and youth development are shaping the future of Chinese football, which is becoming more competitive every year.

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The 2024/2025 English Premier League season at a glance: lively emotions and title race

The 2024/2025 APL season began with unprecedented excitement. Transfers and changes in the coaching staff forced many teams to revise their goals and strategies. From the very first matches, events on the pitch were filled with drama and unpredictability. Top clubs Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea started from different positions, but the common desire to win united their supporters. This season promises new discoveries and colourful matches.

Kick-off for the 2024/2025 APL season: coaches, players and fans

The start of the 2024/2025 APL season is a real test for the clubs. Pep Guardiola and Jürgen Klopp actively used new tactics. For example, Pep emphasised compact defending and putting pressure, allowing Manchester City to win important matches. Jurgen Klopp introduced a dynamic style with intense wing attacks, relying on new talent Ben Doak.

Players adapted to the new demands. At Tottenham, James Maddison continued to perform impressively, creating important chances and scoring important goals. Arsenal fans were overjoyed when Kai Havertz scored the decisive goal against Chelsea in the closing minutes and the Emirates Stadium erupted in jubilation.

Important transfers and team changes

Many clubs made important transfers in the run-up to the APL 2024/2025 that affected the team and playing tactics. ‘Arsenal strengthened their attack with the contracting of striker David Nunez, who scored 4 goals in the first 5 games. ‘Tottenham strengthened their defence with young defenders like James Pearce, who has already proved his worth against Chelsea, who in turn brought in experienced goalkeeper Thomas Hendricks. Thomas brought solidity to the defence after the departure of the first-choice goalkeeper.

Rising teams and falling favourites

The current state of the APL 2024/2025 currently surprises pundits. ‘Newcastle United have risen to the top of the league table, shown great form and won six out of eight games. Young talents like Elliot Anderson have helped the team show consistent results and get into the top group.’

‘Manchester United’ and “Liverpool” struggled: due to injuries and erratic play, they lost in the last few rounds and dropped to 8th and 9th place respectively. ‘Chelsea, long-time favourites, are now struggling to maintain their place in the mid-table after the departure of Mauricio Pochettino and the loss of Reece James.

Drastic changes

The unexpected results of the 2024/2025 APL season were one of the main talking points. ‘Manchester United lost several games due to shaky defensive play. Coach Eric ten Hag was forced to make urgent changes to the squad to rectify the situation.’ ‘Liverpool lost Virgil van Dijk, which greatly affected the defensive line. Meanwhile, Brighton and Aston Villa began to take advantage of the situation, climbing up the league table and taking places previously occupied by the big boys.

Season preview: the successes of Brighton and West Ham

Kick-off for the 2024/2025 APL season: coaches, players and fansBrighton deserves special attention. Thanks to new APL 2024/2025 acquisitions and young talents, the team managed to break through to the top of the league table. Roberto De Dzerby emphasised attacking play, allowing the club to score at least two goals in every game.

Transfers and team strengthening

  • The acquisition of defender Leon Graves has strengthened the defensive line, allowing the team to play with confidence even against strong opponents;
  • Midfielder Lewis Howard has become a key figure who sets the tempo of the game and creates dangerous chances.

Team talents:

  • Evan Ferguson has scored 5 goals in his first 8 games;
  • Oliver McKinley played a key role in the win over Chelsea, which cemented the team’s position in the league table.

Tactical changes: high pressing and wing play, where Solomon March was particularly prominent, were key elements of success.

West Ham also surprised with their performances. The signing of James Ward-Prowse revitalised the team: his assists and qualities ensured success in several matches. The club is now considered one of the main contenders for the Europa League.

Favourites of the season: predictions and problems

Many analysts consider Manchester City to be the main contenders for the title of the 2024 2025 APL season. Despite a shaky start, Pep Guardiola’s team has quickly found its form. Predictions for the APL 2024-2025 indicate that City are likely to win the championship thanks to a strong attack under Erling Holand and a solid defence under Ruben Dias.

There are also problems: the injury to Kevin De Bruyne, who will be out for several months. This reduces the team’s creativity in midfield. Arsenal have also started the season well, but the problems with rotating the squad could be a cruel joke at the end of the season.

APL 2024/2025 Challenges for the leaders.

Manchester City are struggling with a lack of depth in the squad. Injuries to key players have affected the team’s results in recent games. In addition, the club lacks stability when playing against defensive teams, which is reflected in the difficulty of creating chances.

Arsenal also has problems rotating the squad, especially in the forward line. Coach Mikel Arteta has to find a balance between experienced players and young talents like Bukayo Saka to keep the level of play high. The fitness problems of some athletes could be a decisive factor in the title race at the end of the season.

Conclusion

Favourites of the season: predictions and problemsThe 2024/2025 APL season is already one of the most interesting and unpredictable in recent years. The battle for the championship is heating up and every point is worth its weight in gold. The teams are playing very well but face many challenges, making the season even more exciting.

The intrigue remains not only at the top of the league table, but also in the fight for survival, where clubs try to maintain their positions and improve their results. Every match is a new opportunity, every matchday is another step towards the title or salvation.

Fans can only watch this incredible season and support their favourite clubs, as there are many highlights, unexpected outcomes and exciting endings to come. The English Premier League proves once again why it is considered one of the most exciting leagues in the world.

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