Does Founding an eSports Club or Becoming a Professional Player Provide Financial Income? The Future of eSports

The video game industry has evolved from a niche hobby into a billion-dollar global industry. One of the most influential developments in this transformation has been eSports, the competitive side of gaming where professional players, teams, and organizations participate in tournaments watched by millions of fans worldwide. With live streaming platforms such as Twitch, YouTube Gaming, and Kick providing unprecedented access to audiences, eSports has become more than just entertainment—it has become a career path for gamers, investors, and entrepreneurs alike.

This raises an important question: Does founding an eSports club or becoming an eSports player actually provide financial income? And beyond that, what does the future of eSports look like in terms of sustainability, growth, and opportunities?

This article explores the financial viability of eSports as both a profession and a business venture, while also analyzing the long-term future of the industry.

How eSports Generates Revenue

Before diving into whether starting an eSports club or becoming a player generates income, it is essential to understand the sources of revenue in the eSports ecosystem. Unlike traditional sports, where income streams are well established (ticket sales, merchandise, broadcasting rights, sponsorships), eSports has its own unique structure:

Sponsorships and Brand Partnerships
The largest share of eSports revenue comes from corporate sponsorships. Major companies such as Red Bull, Intel, Coca-Cola, and Logitech sponsor events, teams, and even individual players. These deals provide substantial financial support to professional organizations.
Advertising and Media Rights
Streaming platforms and broadcasters pay to acquire rights to showcase major tournaments. For example, Twitch and YouTube have competed for exclusive broadcasting deals of popular leagues like League of Legends Championship Series (LCS) or Overwatch League.
Tournament Prize Pools
Prize pools in eSports can be massive. Dota 2’s The International 2021 offered over $40 million, while Fortnite World Cup 2019 gave out $30 million. Successful players and teams can earn life-changing money from these events.
Merchandising and Ticket Sales
Just like traditional sports, eSports teams sell branded merchandise such as jerseys, hoodies, and gaming accessories. Live tournaments also attract audiences willing to pay for tickets, especially in large arenas.
Streaming and Content Creation
Many professional players double as streamers, earning money through ad revenue, fan donations, and subscriptions. This diversification makes eSports financially sustainable for individuals who may not always win tournaments.

Becoming a Professional eSports Player: Income Potential

For many gamers, the dream is to play video games professionally and make a living from it. However, the reality is not as glamorous as it may appear.

1. Salaries and Contracts

Top-tier eSports players often sign contracts with organizations that pay them monthly salaries. These salaries vary significantly depending on the game, region, and prestige of the team. For example:

Tier 1 players in games like League of Legends, Counter-Strike 2, and Dota 2 can earn anywhere from $5,000 to $30,000 per month.
Tier 2 players might earn a modest income, sometimes less than $2,000 per month, often requiring them to supplement their earnings through streaming.

2. Prize Winnings

Prize pools can provide huge windfalls, but only for the best. For example, Kyle “Bugha” Giersdorf won $3 million at the Fortnite World Cup at age 16. However, for every champion, thousands of players fail to reach that level.

3. Streaming Revenue

Many players leverage their visibility by streaming on Twitch or YouTube. Revenue comes from subscriptions, ads, donations, and sponsorship deals. Successful streamers like Ninja or Shroud earn millions annually, proving that consistent content creation is just as important as tournament victories.

4. Brand Deals and Sponsorships

Players with a strong following often sign individual sponsorship deals with gaming hardware brands, energy drink companies, or clothing lines. These can sometimes outweigh prize winnings as a revenue source.

Reality Check

While there is real money in professional gaming, only a small percentage of players reach this level. It requires immense dedication, talent, networking, and sometimes luck. Most aspiring players will find it difficult to rely solely on competitive gaming for financial stability.

Founding an eSports Club: A Business Perspective

Starting an eSports club or organization may sound like an exciting entrepreneurial venture, but is it financially viable?

1. Initial Investments

Launching an eSports organization requires significant investment. Costs include:

Player salaries and housing
Coaching staff
Gaming equipment and facilities
Marketing and branding
Travel expenses for tournaments

A small organization might start with tens of thousands of dollars, while larger, professional-level teams require millions in funding.

2. Revenue Opportunities

If managed properly, an eSports club can generate income from:

Sponsorships and advertising deals
Merchandise sales
Tournament winnings
Streaming and content production
Franchise league participation (e.g., Overwatch League or Call of Duty League, which require multi-million-dollar buy-ins)

3. Risks Involved

High competition: Hundreds of new teams are launched each year, but only a fraction survive.
Financial losses: Many organizations operate at a loss for years before achieving profitability.
Reliance on publishers: Unlike traditional sports, video game publishers control the competitive scene. If a publisher discontinues support, teams may lose their main source of revenue.

4. Success Stories

Organizations like Team Liquid, Cloud9, and Fnatic started small but have grown into multi-million-dollar companies with global fan bases. However, their success required years of investment, brand-building, and smart management.

The Future of eSports

The global eSports industry is projected to surpass $3 billion in revenue by 2030, with millions of fans worldwide. But what does the future hold for players, organizations, and investors?

1. Mainstream Recognition

Esports is slowly being recognized as a legitimate sport. Countries like South Korea, China, and the United States already treat eSports professionals like athletes. The inclusion of eSports in events like the Asian Games signals greater legitimacy.

2. Growth of Mobile eSports

Mobile games such as PUBG Mobile, Free Fire, and Mobile Legends have exploded in popularity, particularly in Asia, Africa, and South America. The accessibility of smartphones will continue to expand the global eSports audience.

3. Integration with Traditional Sports

Traditional sports organizations like the NBA, NFL, and major European football clubs have invested in eSports teams. This crossover will continue to boost credibility and financial backing.

4. Opportunities for Content Creators

Beyond competitive players, streamers, YouTubers, and gaming influencers will remain central to the eSports ecosystem. Their influence drives sponsorship deals, audience growth, and brand recognition.

5. Potential Challenges

Oversaturation: Too many tournaments and leagues may dilute the market.
Player burnout: The intense schedule and mental strain of professional gaming can shorten careers.
Monopoly concerns: Publishers like Riot Games or Activision hold too much power over their games, raising concerns about fairness and sustainability.

Conclusion

So, does founding an eSports club or becoming an eSports player provide financial income? Yes—but with conditions.

For players, the income potential is high at the top level, but only a tiny percentage of players ever reach that stage. Success often depends on combining competitive performance with streaming, sponsorships, and brand-building.
For organizations, eSports can become a profitable business, but it requires large investments, strategic partnerships, and long-term commitment. Many clubs fail due to high costs and poor management, but the successful ones become global brands.

The future of eSports looks promising, with increasing mainstream acceptance, bigger prize pools, and a growing fan base. However, both aspiring players and entrepreneurs must approach it with realistic expectations, understanding that eSports is not just about playing games—it is about building sustainable careers and businesses in a highly competitive industry.