In the digital age we’re living in, eSports has gone way beyond capturing avid gamers' attention. It turned into a vast industry, drawing millions of fans and prize pools with many zeros. Whether we’re talking about a packed arena in Seoul or an event that’s streamed online, eSports competitors have reached celebrity status, often becoming rivals for the fame of traditional athletes.
Naturally, this rise in popularity and the huge money prizes of eSports events propelled many players to international stardom. And, unlike any other sport, this discipline has been mastered globally. So, we’re taking a deep dive into some of the best eSports athletes around the globe.
Europe - the Birthplace of Numerous eSports Legends
While it’s hard to pinpoint the origins of eSports as a paid discipline, European athletes seem to be topping the charts regarding achievements and prizes. From CS: GO to Dota2 or Fortnite these players are incredible when they start doing what they do best.
Ukraine’s Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev became synonymous with CS: GO excellent at some point. Playing for Natus Vincere, he is renowned for his raw skill and unmatched reflexes. He dominated the global CS: GO scene for years in a row, which is reflected by his overall winnings. His strategic mindset has won him numerous tournaments and a place in countless fans' hearts.
Michał "Nisha" Jankowski is another excellent example of top-tier eSports talent from Europe. The Polish Dota 2 player often deemed a prodigy has consistently demonstrated impeccable skills and out-of-this-world game understanding. He currently plays for Team Secret and shows no signs of stopping.
The Middle East - Carving a Niche in the eSprots Landscape
If you’re an eSports fan, you must know that the Middle East (especially Saudi Arabia and the UAE) is very serious about the discipline. The Saudi Arabian authorities even developed a National Gaming and eSports Strategy in 2022 through Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Naturally, such strategies wouldn’t exist without a prolific eSports scene already present and numerous Arab players representing the region. And we have huge talents like Amir “Miracle-” Al-Barqawi, a prodigy Dota 2 player playing for Team Nigma. Amir set the eSports stage ablaze with breathtaking skills and tactics. He has won The International and has almost $5 million overall wins. It goes without saying that he is an example for numerous kids in the region aspiring to be top-level gamers.
Maroun "GH" Merhej, another jewel from the Middle East and a Miracle teammate, has crafted his legacy in Dota 2 with finesse. As a linchpin of Team Nigma, GH's career earnings are an astounding $4.2 million. His gameplay, often characterized by strategic brilliance and impeccable timing, makes him a key player in every match he's a part of.
Asia - the Birthplace of eSports and a Mix of Stiles
Many specialists consider South Korea to be the place where Esports consolidated. Players like Lee "Faker" Sang Hyeok, Cho "Maru" Sung Choo, and Lee "Rogue" Byung Ryul proudly represent the country in LoL, Dota 2, and Starcraft.
China is also a recognizable eSports force with numerous top players in various disciplines. Wang "Ame" Chunyu is China’s top Dota 2 player, while the likes of Zhang "y`" Yiping and Zhang "Faith_bian" Ruida follow in his footsteps.
However, now few are aware of the huge leap forward made by Thailand in the eSports world. Players like Anucha "Jabz" Jirawong, one of Thailand's premier Dota 2 players, testify to the nation's rising prowess. He gathered over $1,180,000 in earnings overall, and his gameplay also shows a lot of promise for the future.
Nuengnara "23savage" Teeramahanon is another one of the Thai players with a lot of potential. He’s also part of the Dota 2 scene and is considered the country's second-best player. Much younger than Anucha, at only 21 years of age, he has already gathered over $700,000 from playing Dota and proudly represents his country.
The United States - Land of Opportunity for Gaming Stars
The United States isn’t lacking esports superstars, either. We could showcase numerous examples here, but we want to draw your attention to three of the most prolific athletes. Among them, Peter "ppd" Dager is an emblematic figure in the Dota 2 arena. As the captain of the North American team that won The International 2015 (TI5), ppd demonstrated a brilliant understanding of the game, ensuring his place in eSports history's annals with outstanding leadership.
Another notable Dota 2 player hailing from the US is Saahil "UNiVeRsE" Arora. With his impeccable offline gameplay, UNiVeRsE has been essential to numerous victorious campaigns, including the awe-inspiring win at The International 2015 alongside ppd.
Final Thoughts
While these players are topping the charts right now, it’s a good idea not to get too attached to them. eSports is a dynamic industry; new talents wait for their shot to achieve stardom. As you can see, amazing players emerge from all corners of the world, so if you’re passionate about any of the games, don’t miss your chance to take it to the next level!
