The world of esports has grown exponentially, not just in terms of popularity but also in financial rewards. As competitive gaming has evolved into a legitimate career path, several players have climbed to the top, both in skill and earnings. Here's a look at some of the highest-paid esports stars in 2024, focusing on their achievements and the games that made them famous.

1. Johan "N0tail" Sundstein

Game: Dota 2 Earnings: Approximately $7.1 million (£5.7 million) Notable Achievements: N0tail, from Denmark, is widely recognized for his leadership and skill in Dota 2. He's known for winning "The International" in 2018 and 2019 with OG, securing him a spot at the top of the earnings list. His career, which started with Heroes of Newerth, transitioned into Dota 2 where he became particularly noted for his support roles.

2. Jesse "JerAx" Vainikka

Game: Dota 2 Earnings: About $6.4 million (£5.17 million) Notable Achievements: JerAx, a Finnish player, also played for OG during their historic back-to-back victories at The International. His prowess as a support player has been crucial in these wins, cementing his place among the wealthiest esports athletes.

3. Anathan "ana" Pham

Game: Dota 2 Earnings: Roughly $6 million (£4.9 million) Notable Achievements: Ana, from Australia, has had a remarkable career, also winning The International in 2018 and 2019 with OG. His dedication to the game, even moving to China at a young age to pursue his career, is a testament to his commitment.

4. Sebastien "Ceb" Debs

Game: Dota 2 Earnings: Approximately $5.94 million Notable Achievements: Ceb, co-founder of OG, shares in the glory of the 2018 and 2019 International victories. His journey through various teams over 14 years showcases his enduring impact on Dota 2's competitive scene.

5. Topias "Topson" Taavitsainen

Game: Dota 2 Earnings: Around $5.85 million Notable Achievements: Topson from Finland has made significant waves with his performances, notably with OG at The International, contributing to their legendary status.

6. Kuro "KuroKy" Salehi Takhasomi

Game: Dota 2 Earnings: About $5.29 million Notable Achievements: KuroKy, a German player, has been a mainstay in the Dota 2 scene, with notable achievements including leading Team Liquid to victory at The International 2017. He's currently with Nigma Galaxy, continuing his legacy.

7. Illya "Yatoro" Mulyarchuk

Game: Dota 2 Earnings: Approximately $5.43 million Notable Achievements: Yatoro, a Ukrainian player for Team Spirit, has shown versatility and high skill, contributing to their championship wins at The International in 2021 and 2023.

8. Magomed "Collapse" Khalilov

Game: Dota 2 Earnings: Around $5.54 million Notable Achievements: Collapse, from Russia, has been pivotal in Team Spirit's success, particularly in their aggressive gameplay and strategic depth.

9. Myroslav "Mira" Kolpakov

Game: Dota 2 Earnings: Approximately $5.52 million Notable Achievements: Another key member of Team Spirit, Mira, has been instrumental in their back-to-back International victories, known for his high assist counts in matches.

10. Yaroslav "Miposhka" Nadeinov

Game: Dota 2 Earnings: Around $5.65 million Notable Achievements: Miposhka, leading Team Spirit, has shown exceptional captaincy, guiding his team to multiple major wins at The International. Why Dota 2 Dominates Earnings Dota 2's massive prize pools, especially from "The International," have largely contributed to these high earnings. The game's ability to draw large crowds and substantial sponsorships due to its complex strategy and high skill ceiling has made it a gold mine for professional gamers. Conclusion The esports industry continues to grow, and with it, the potential for players to earn significantly from their gaming prowess. These players not only excel in their games but have also become celebrities within the gaming community, living examples of how video games can lead to lucrative careers. As the industry evolves, we can expect even more names to join this elite list, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in esports. This article reflects the landscape up to 2024, highlighting how certain games like Dota 2 have become particularly lucrative for players at the highest level of competition. Remember, these figures might not include all forms of income like sponsorships or streaming revenue, but they give a clear picture based on tournament winnings alone.