Esports has evolved into a powerhouse within the entertainment industry, boasting millions of dedicated fans and generating substantial revenue streams. The year 2024 has been particularly remarkable for the esports world, with unprecedented prize pools and sponsorship deals propelling teams to new financial heights. In this article, we explore the top 10 highest-earning esports teams of 2024, shedding light on their impressive achievements, earnings, and what makes them standout in the fiercely competitive gaming arena.
Methodology
The rankings presented here are derived from comprehensive data analysis, considering total earnings from tournament winnings, sponsorship deals, and other revenue sources. The primary criteria for ranking these teams include their total earnings for 2024 and their performance in major tournaments throughout the year.
The 10 Highest-Earning Esports Teams of 2024
1. Team Secret
- Total Earnings: $12 million
- Major Tournaments Won: The International 2024, ESL One
- Key Players: Nisha, Puppey
- Revenue Sources: Prize money, sponsorships, merchandise
Team Secret has once again proven its dominance in the esports world. With significant victories at The International 2024 and ESL One, their strategic gameplay and star players like Nisha and Puppey have brought them to the forefront, earning a staggering $12 million this year. Their revenue streams include not just prize money but also lucrative sponsorships and a successful merchandise line.
2. OG
- Total Earnings: $11 million
- Major Tournaments Won: DreamLeague, EPICENTER Major
- Key Players: Topson, Ceb
- Revenue Sources: Prize money, sponsorships, merchandise
OG continues to be a powerhouse in the esports industry, with major wins at DreamLeague and the EPICENTER Major. Key players such as Topson and Ceb have been instrumental in their success, contributing to their $11 million earnings in 2024. The team’s strong brand presence and multiple revenue streams, including merchandise and sponsorship deals, have solidified their high ranking.
3. T1
- Total Earnings: $10 million
- Major Tournaments Won: LCK Spring, MSI 2024
- Key Players: Faker, Zeus
- Revenue Sources: Prize money, sponsorships, merchandise
T1, led by the legendary Faker, has had a phenomenal year, winning the LCK Spring and MSI 2024. With a total earning of $10 million, T1’s success is attributed to its consistent performance and strategic partnerships. Their fan base remains one of the largest in the esports scene, boosting their merchandise sales and sponsorship deals.
4. FaZe Clan
- Total Earnings: $9.5 million
- Major Tournaments Won: Call of Duty League, CS
Major - Key Players: Simp, aBeZy
- Revenue Sources: Prize money, sponsorships, merchandise
FaZe Clan’s diversified esports portfolio has paid off, with significant victories in Call of Duty League and CS
Major. Key players like Simp and aBeZy have driven their success, bringing in $9.5 million in 2024. FaZe Clan’s extensive brand partnerships and high merchandise sales further enhance their earnings.
5. G2 Esports
- Total Earnings: $8 million
- Major Tournaments Won: LEC Summer, VALORANT Champions
- Key Players: Caps, Jankos
- Revenue Sources: Prize money, sponsorships, merchandise
G2 Esports has had an impressive year with major wins in the LEC Summer and VALORANT Champions. Players like Caps and Jankos have been pivotal, contributing to their $8 million earnings. The team’s ability to attract high-profile sponsors and maintain a strong merchandise line has been crucial to their financial success.
6. Team Liquid
- Total Earnings: $7.5 million
- Major Tournaments Won: The International 2024, LCS Spring
- Key Players: KuroKy, Miracle-
- Revenue Sources: Prize money, sponsorships, merchandise
Team Liquid’s consistent performance in tournaments like The International 2024 and LCS Spring has earned them $7.5 million this year. With standout players like KuroKy and Miracle-, their success is backed by robust sponsorship deals and merchandise sales, making them one of the top earners in 2024.
7. Fnatic
- Total Earnings: $7 million
- Major Tournaments Won: LEC Spring, ESL Pro League
- Key Players: Hylissang, Bwipo
- Revenue Sources: Prize money, sponsorships, merchandise
Fnatic’s success in 2024 is marked by victories in the LEC Spring and ESL Pro League. Key players Hylissang and Bwipo have significantly contributed to their $7 million earnings. Fnatic’s strategic partnerships and merchandise sales have also played a crucial role in their financial achievements.
8. Evil Geniuses
- Total Earnings: $6.5 million
- Major Tournaments Won: Dota Pro Circuit, CS
Major - Key Players: Arteezy, Brehze
- Revenue Sources: Prize money, sponsorships, merchandise
Evil Geniuses has seen considerable success in the Dota Pro Circuit and CS
Major, earning $6.5 million in 2024. Star players like Arteezy and Brehze have been essential to their victories. Their earnings are further bolstered by high-profile sponsorships and a strong merchandise presence.
9. Natus Vincere (Na’Vi)
- Total Earnings: $6 million
- Major Tournaments Won: PGL Major, BLAST Premier
- Key Players: s1mple, Electronic
- Revenue Sources: Prize money, sponsorships, merchandise
Na’Vi’s impressive performance in tournaments like PGL Major and BLAST Premier has earned them $6 million this year. With players like s1mple and Electronic, their success is no surprise. Na’Vi’s earnings are enhanced by significant sponsorship deals and merchandise sales.
10. Cloud9
- Total Earnings: $5.5 million
- Major Tournaments Won: LCS Summer, Overwatch League
- Key Players: Blaber, Perkz
- Revenue Sources: Prize money, sponsorships, merchandise
Cloud9 rounds out the list with $5.5 million in earnings, thanks to their success in the LCS Summer and Overwatch League. Players like Blaber and Perkz have been key contributors. Cloud9’s diverse revenue streams, including sponsorships and merchandise, have cemented their place among the top earners.
Trends and Insights
2024 has seen significant growth in esports earnings, driven by larger prize pools and increased sponsorship investments. Teams that have diversified their revenue streams beyond tournament winnings, tapping into sponsorships and merchandise, have reaped substantial financial rewards. The growing popularity of esports continues to attract big-name sponsors, enhancing the overall earnings of top teams.
Conclusion
The top 10 highest-earning esports teams of 2024 have set new financial benchmarks, highlighting the immense potential and profitability of competitive gaming. As the esports industry continues to expand, these teams are leading the way in innovation, fan engagement, and financial success. Their achievements this year underscore the growing influence and economic impact of esports on the global stage.
