Gaming’s Gold Rush: How Esports Content Creators are Set to Make More than Ever

The global esports scene is booming. An industry that was once the domain of a few gamers in their bedrooms is now a multi-billion-dollar juggernaut, with international events and lucrative prizes.

But it’s not just e-sport organizers that are making the money: the creators are driving the industry forward too. New data from Visa shows that players are making more money than ever, with 97% in the UK (a major esports market) expecting their earnings to increase significantly over the next 12 months.

So, what is driving this windfall for players? How much can they expect to make, and will their earning continue to rise long term?

A long-term income

If you’d said to someone a decade ago that playing games online would be a realistic source of high income, you may have received a strange look in return.

Video games were largely just for playing on, while earning money from online casinos was considered unreliable. That’s still the case with the latter these days, despite there being informational websites that seek to help players find casino bonuses.

However, things are different in the video gaming world right now. Visa’s projected salary levels for esports players are eye-opening, but they’re built on several key statistics that explain this rise, including the fact that a third of gamers say that esports athletes play an important role in their spending decisions. 75% of 18 to 34-year-olds engage with esports influencers at least once a week.

Esports players are responding to this demand with a spike in activity. Three in ten (35%) UK gamers are either streaming (13%) or sharing esports-related content on social media (22%). 23% consider themselves an "esports content creator," while over half (53%) would consider becoming one in the future – something that would add even more to their current earnings.

The future looks rosy, too. Over nine in ten (93%) gamers believe the career path of being an esports influencer has become more appealing over the last three years and will continue to do so.

This data was found after Fieldwork conducted an online survey in February 2025 among 5,565 consumers (18-65 year olds) who play video games at least once a month including gamers in the UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Poland, and represent one of the biggest studies of its kind.

How much do pro gamers make?

Esports players' earnings vary according to their level, and even among but top-tier players. However, these stars can expect to earn salaries ranging from $50,000 to over $1 million annually, amounts which are supplemented by sponsorships, tournament winnings, and streaming or content creation income.

The highest-earning games over the past year have included popular games like League of Legends (LoL) and Dota 2. The prize money for pro LoL tournaments alone last year reached $8.9 million, according to Statista.

The country that they stream in and the language that their viewers speak also has an impact. China accounts for 36% of all esports income, followed by the United States at 22%. Several countries, including Russia and South Korea, hover around 11-12%, while Brazil, France, the UK, and Denmark represent smaller shares.

How to become an esports star in 2025

The esports arena is booming, but converting passion into profit remains difficult.

To become a successful esports star in 2025, you'll need more than just skill – you'll need strategic business acumen. Here's a guide to making the most of your gaming talent.

1. Build a loyal community

Growing and retaining an audience is the key. If you can post consistent, high-quality content across platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and TikTok, then you’ll start to turn heads.

Then it’s a question of engaging with your audience and adding extra areas where they can congregate, such as forums.

2. Master content creation

Engaging content is king. 35% of creators struggle with this, alongside creative stress. The best way to handle it is to experiment with different formats, stay updated on trends, and to try and be original. Don't be afraid to collaborate with other esports creators to expand your reach.

3. Diversify income streams

35% of players struggle with income because they rely on tournament winnings. Fortunately, there are many revenue streams to explore including subscriptions, monetization, affiliate marketing, and merchandising.

4. Search for sponsorships

Many creators cite this as a major challenge, but you can do it by building a strong media kit that shows off your key demographics and engagement rates. If this is too much work, connect with brands and agencies to try and find a representative.

5. Find ways to deal with criticism and negativity

Unfortunately, esports gamers face issues like negative comments, scams, and fake endorsements. If dealing with this, having a thick skin and staying safe online are essential. It also includes setting clear boundaries with your audience.

Becoming one of the world’s top esports earners may not be possible, but it’s still achievable to earn a decent income from esports playing and creation, together with rising popularity and more money than ever. You’ll never know unless you try!