What is a shooting gallery in cybersport and how is it defined?

Gambling as a profession? Ten years ago it seemed absurd. Today, cyber-athletes not only live their dream, but earn millions of dollars from it. How is it possible that people who spend long hours behind a screen have joined the ranks of the highest paid professionals? We tell you who turned the idea of earning money on its head and became the richest cyber-athletes of our time.

10: Topson, the player who surprised everyone

Topias ‘Topson’ Taavitsainen is a cyber-athlete whose story proves that courage and creativity can lead to millions. He started playing in computer clubs in Finland and proved to the world that even a small-town boy can become a world star. The early years of Topson’s career were not very successful. He remained in the shadow of better-known players, but in 2018 everything changed.

Prize money in eSports tournaments became his main goal, and with OG he achieved incredible success by winning The International twice in a row. Topson has become a symbol of an unconventional approach. In addition to awards, he has signed several lucrative contracts with sponsors, including giants such as Red Bull and Secretlab.

8 and 9: The brotherhood of gamers and their incredible merits – s1mple and FalleN

Alexander ‘s1mple’ Kostylev is the true embodiment of skill and hard work in the world of CS. His skills and aggressive play style have led the Natus Vincere team to victory in countless tournaments. s1mple is a phenomenon that inspires generations of young players.

A list of the richest CS cyber-athletes would not be possible without him. His income includes prize money from tournaments as well as multi-million dollar contracts with sponsors. His partners include Logitech, G2A and various streaming platforms where he regularly attracts tens of thousands of viewers.

FalleN is a legend in Brazil

Gabriel ‘FalleN’ Toledo is a key figure in the development of Brazilian eSports. Thanks to his successes with teams SK Gaming and MIBR, he has built up a veritable army of fans. FalleN is also a mentor to many young players who want to emulate his success. FalleN’s main income comes from prize money, contracts and his own Fallen Store brand, making him one of the richest eSports players in the world.

7 and 6: The true titans of eSports Olympus – Miracle and Puppey

Amer ‘Miracle’ Al-Barkawi is a player who is spoken of with admiration not only by fans, but also by his peers. His career started with a simple passion for Dota 2, which grew into a world-class career. In 2015, Miracle became the first member to achieve a record MMR score, which immediately drew attention to his talent. As a member of Team Liquid, he won The International 2017. The world’s richest cybersport players could not exist without legends like this.

Miracle- Known for his impeccable strategies and ability to turn the game in his team’s favour in even the most difficult situations. His financial achievements include not only prize money, but also countless advertising contracts. Red Bull, Alienware and other companies are doing everything they can to get their hands on the cybersports star’s name.

Puppey is an experienced captain

Klement ‘Puppey’ Ivanov is a man whose name is familiar to all Dota 2 fans. He is one of the few who has participated in every The International since the very beginning. His career started in 2007 and since then he has always been among the elite of global eSports. Puppey’s success is a story of leadership, tactics and the ability to lead a team to victory.

As a member of Team Secret, Puppey has won numerous tournaments, including the DreamLeague and ESL. Wealthy eSports players realise that financial success in eSports is not only about prize money, but also about sponsorship deals, streaming and long-term investments. Puppey actively collaborates with brands such as Corsair and Monster Energy.

5 and 4: commercial winners N0tail and JerAx

Johan ‘N0tail’ Sundstein is a cyber-athlete who has become a true leader of his team and an inspiration to millions of fans. He started his career in Heroes of Newerth, but later moved to Dota 2, where he became captain of OG. Under his leadership, the team won two The Internationals in a row, making him not only a legend, but also a multi-millionaire – one of the richest cyber athletes.

Over the course of his career, N0tail has earned more than $7 million in prize money alone. His influence goes beyond a single session: streaming broadcasts, sponsorship deals, content creation and even involvement in the launch of his own brand. Johan has partnered with companies such as Red Bull and Secretlab, helping him to remain financially stable and continue to grow.

JerAx is a master of support

Jesse ‘JerAx’ Winicka is known for his incredible support skills. He is the man behind the success of the entire team’s actions and ensures victory at critical moments. His contribution to the Olympic Games, where he won two international matches, cannot be overstated.

The list of the best cybersport players by major victories would not be complete without JerAx. His international tournament victories have earned him millions of dollars and his skill has made him one of the most recognisable players on the world stage. Even after his career, JerAx continues to earn money through sponsorship deals and investments. His portfolio includes companies such as Nike and Monster Energy.

3: Greatness perfected – Dendi

Danil ‘Dendi’ Ishutin is one of the most famous players in Dota 2 history. Dendi became the face of Team Na’Vi and a symbol of early success in The International. His unique approach to training and constant pursuit of perfection made him a management icon. He earned millions from sponsorship deals, advertising campaigns and regular streamings and entered the rankings of the richest cyber-athletes.

2: The golden line of success – KuroKy

Kuro ‘KuroKy’ Salehi Tahasomi is one of the most experienced and respected representatives of Dota 2. KuroKy has been competing in The International since the beginning and was the captain of the Liquid team that won the tournament in 2017. His experience and leadership skills have helped him remain at the top of cybersport’s Olympus. His contributions to Liquid and other teams have made him one of the most successful and wealthy players in history.

1: The ultimate eSports champion is Faker

Lee ‘Faker’ Sang-hyuk is a legendary League of Legends player who won the world championship three times with Team T1. Faker is known for his incredible skill and flexibility, which has kept him undefeated over the years. His successful career and loyalty to a team have made him one of the richest cyber athletes. Faker has been in the business for more than 10 years and has earned millions of dollars.

What eSports revenues depend on

E-sports revenue depends on many factors: the level of play, sponsors, tournament success and even popularity on social media. How much do professional gamers earn?

League of Legends’ Lee “Faker” Sang Hyuk earns $5-6 million a year, including salary, sponsorships and streaming. Dota 2’s Daniel “Dendi” Ishutin earned over $1 million from tournaments, with an estimated total income of $2-3 million. At the peak of their careers, players like s1mple in CS earn between $1.5 and $2 million a year, including salaries, sponsorships and streaming.

Dreams, games and millions on the books

Each of these gamers started as a mere amateur and has now become a leader who inspires millions. The richest eSports players are shining examples of how gaming can become not just a hobby, but a career that generates millions.

The future of esports is determined by the development of technology, changing player preferences and the growing influence of streaming platforms. In 2025, the sector will continue to grow, offering viewers and participants new forms of interaction and more complex competitive disciplines.

Interest in esports disciplines is fueled by the diversity of genres, the high level of tournament organization and the introduction of innovations such as virtual reality. Companies are developing games that meet the needs of professional esports players. In this way, they ensure that the popularity of the discipline grows among a wide audience.

Which games will become popular in esports? Future trends of 2025

The future of esports is unthinkable without innovative games that capture the attention of the masses. The key role is played by genres that have already proven their worth: MOBAs, shooters, strategy games and simulators. Developers strive to adapt their projects to the demands of the audience and thus create spectacular and technically advanced products.

MOBA is the foundation of the eSports ecosystem

The MOBA genre is still an integral part of the new landscape. In 2025, projects in this category will continue to shape the industry and set quality standards for professional disciplines. Tournaments such as the International Championship and the World Championship attract millions of viewers.

Features of MOBAs in 2025:

1. Highly entertaining matches. Spectators witness an exciting battle, where every mistake or victory can change the outcome of the match.
2. Constant content updates. New heroes, mechanics, and events make the games interesting for the mainstream audience.
3. Prize money and sponsors. In 2024 alone, The International’s prize pool was $40 million, indicating a growing investment in the future of esports.

List of changes that made MOBA games more popular:

1. Hero balance. Valve and Riot Games pay special attention to maintaining a balance between the characters. Regular updates will address imbalances.
2. Updated maps. New maps like Lotus Field in Dota 2 offer unique tactical opportunities for players.
3. Improved graphics. By optimizing visual effects, games become more attractive to viewers.

Next-gen shooters: realism and tactics

Shooters from 2025 focus on the combination of realism and unique gameplay mechanics. Games like Valorant, Apex Legends, and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare develop their esports potential through continuous updates and integration with professional leagues.

Special features:

1. Unique characters. Valorant adds agents with new abilities, increasing the variety of strategies.
2. Team battle modes. Apex Legends offers unique formats like 3v3, making the game interesting for a competitive audience.
3. Tactical flexibility. Maps and weapons adapt to different play styles, allowing teams to develop unique approaches.

In 2025, shooters will continue to captivate audiences with improved graphics, sound effects, and augmented reality integration. This allows us to attract both beginners and seasoned professionals.

Card strategies: growing in popularity

Strategic card games are becoming increasingly important in the industry. Hearthstone and Legends of Runeterra continue to attract players with their flexible tactics and in-depth strategy.

Special features:

1. Creating unique decks. Players analyze hundreds of cards to form optimal strategies.
2. Tactical depth. Every decision has an impact on the outcome of the match, making the matches interesting for viewers.
3. Regular updates. New card sets are introduced every 3-4 months, ensuring constant development.

Card strategy games are rooted in their unique approach to gameplay, combining intellectual challenges with competitive elements.

The most promising esports games: the future lies in innovation

Technological innovation plays a key role in the formation of new disciplines. The future of eSports lies in the introduction of blockchain, artificial intelligence and virtual reality, which are changing the approach to game development.

Blockchain games: a revolution

Blockchain-based games such as Axie Infinity offer new opportunities for players and developers. This technology makes it possible to create unique assets that players can trade or use in competitive matches. This mechanism makes games more attractive to the eSports audience.

Virtual Reality: a step towards the future of eSports

Virtual reality is changing the way we look at eSports games. Projects such as Beat Saber and Echo Arena are becoming increasingly popular due to their interactivity and innovative elements. In 2025, virtual reality gaming will gain more attention due to improved technology and decreasing hardware costs.

Development of eSports: challenges and perspectives

The eSports industry faces a number of challenges that must be overcome in order to continue to grow. Key issues include monetization, infrastructure development, and creating a safe environment for players.

Investment in development

The eSports industry is attracting significant investment, focused on developing new games, organizing tournaments, and improving streaming platforms for the future. Major companies such as Tencent and Activision Blizzard continue to invest in the development of disciplines, ensuring a high level of quality and accessibility for the audience.

How to deal with issues

Key challenges include combating toxic behavior, cheating, and unfair monetization. Developers are implementing security systems such as anti-cheat software and moderation tools to improve the quality of the eSports experience.

The impact of eSports on the audience: a look into the future

Management is creating a unique community that unites millions of players and viewers. The popularity of tournaments and streaming platforms is strengthening the bonds between participants in the sector:

1. Creating a global community. International tournaments such as The International and ESL Pro League attract players from different countries, thus contributing to the creation of a global gaming community. Participants in the tournament share their experiences and contribute to the development of eSports culture.
2. The role of streaming. Platforms such as Twitch and YouTube have transformed eSports by making it accessible to a wider audience. Streamers popularize disciplines by demonstrating gameplay sessions and discussing trends.

Results

The future of eSports is shaped by the rapid development of technology, the growing number of players and the interest in new disciplines. The industry continues to grow, combining the creativity of developers with the passion of the audience. Gender is an integral part of culture and influences the lives of millions of people around the world. In 2025, the program will continue its momentum and create new opportunities for participants and spectators.