Dota 2 boasts some of the most substantial prize pools in the world of Esports, and the top earners in the game will undoubtedly have you eagerly booting up your computer.
Anyone with even a passing curiosity in esports is well aware of the staggering prize money that Dota 2 tournaments offer. In 2021, the prize pool for the International reached its highest point, totaling a staggering $40 million. The lion's share of this impressive sum was awarded to Team Spirit, the grand final victors. The tournaments leading up to the main event also provide substantial payouts, like the $15 million prize distributed among the participants of the 2023 Riyahd Masters.
Although top experts in the field sometimes encounter significant periods of success, the level of competition among teams is incredibly tight, particularly considering the high stakes involved. This article provides a brief overview of the most accomplished players in Dota 2 esports and highlights their substantial earnings.
Matumbaman — $4.9 Million
Lasse "Matumbaman" Urpalainen, the Finnish carry superstar, enjoyed a lengthy and highly accomplished career in the professional Dota 2 scene. Matumbaman's journey to success started when he joined forces with the Finnish squad 4 Anchors + Sea Captain. This initial venture into the professional arena acted as a launching pad for his blossoming skill. Nevertheless, his decision to become a part of the recently revitalized Team Liquid in 2015, which included players from 5Jungz, marked the beginning of an extraordinary chapter in his career. Matumbaman played a crucial role as the carry player for the squad, contributing significantly to the development of Team Liquid's identity during a period when the team was establishing itself as one of the most formidable in the Dota 2 scene.
Matumbaman's journey reached its pinnacle in 2017, as Team Liquid flawlessly dominated the grand finals of the International, securing a staggering prize of almost $11 million for the team. Matumbaman recently made his final professional appearance, finishing in third place at TI11 following a defeat against Team Secret. Matumbaman's modest demeanor and consistently impressive gameplay have secured him a spot among the Dota 2 elite, boasting one of the most lucrative careers.
Miracle — 4.9 Million
Amer "Miracle-" Al-Barkawi's incredible journey in the world of Dota 2 esports is a testament to his unparalleled talent and extraordinary accomplishments. Emerging from the depths of casual gaming to achieving worldwide acclaim, Miracle- has made a lasting impact on the competitive arena. He is widely known and respected in the scene, and even to this day, up-and-coming midlaners are frequently measured against his exceptional skills and impressive gameplay.
After becoming a member of Team OG in 2015 and subsequently joining Team Liquid, he gained a strong reputation as a midlaner and carry. His exceptional mechanical skills and highly aggressive playstyle were both practical and captivating. Miracle triumphed in prestigious tournaments with substantial prize pools, such as the Frankfurt Major and Manila Major. His most significant reward came when he emerged victorious in The International 2017 alongside Team Liquid, earning a staggering $11 million. In addition, securing the second position in The International 2019 against OG earned the team an impressive prize of almost $4.5 million. However, apart from the praise and recognition, Miracle-'s modesty and fair play have endeared him to the esports community.
Team Spirit — $5 – $5.2 Million
Team Spirit, originating from the CIS region, has emerged as a remarkable illustration of an inspiring underdog narrative in the world of Dota 2 esports. In 2020, Team Spirit decided to bring on board the promising lineup of Yellow Submarine, subsequently bolstering their roster with the addition of Mira and the experienced Miposhka from Empire. Team Spirit faced numerous challenges on their journey to secure a spot in TI10, and upon arrival, they came perilously close to being eliminated during the group stages.
Despite facing an early setback in the main event, Team Spirit maintained their composure and fought their way through the loser's bracket to reach the grand finals. In an impressive display of skill and determination, they emerged victorious against the highly favored PSG.LGD, securing a staggering $11 million prize. Ever since their impressive performance at the TI showcase, Team Spirit has consistently proven themselves as a formidable force in upcoming tournaments. Their recent triumph at the 2023 Riyahd Masters, where they walked away with a staggering $5 Million prize, further solidifies their status as a top-tier competitor.
KuroKy — $5.3 Million
Kuro "KuroKy" Salehi Takhasomi has made a significant impact on the world of Dota 2 esports through his exceptional leadership skills and ability to adapt to different situations. Hailing from Berlin, Germany, KuroKy emerged onto the competitive scene during the era of Dota as a Warcraft mod, gaining recognition for his time with mouseports. KuroKy proceeded to establish Team Secret alongside Puppey 2015, a previous comrade from Mousesports. KuroKy achieved great recognition when he successfully guided Team Liquid to a flawless grand final victory at The International 2017, serving as their captain. At present, KuroKy has chosen not to compete in professional matches, opting instead to guide and mentor his own Dota 2 team, Nigma Galaxy.
2017-2018 OG — $5.7 to $7.1 million
The formidable OG squad, comprised of N0tail, JerAx, Ana, Ceb, and Topson, stands as the quintet with the most lucrative track records in the realm of Dota 2 esports. They are the sole team to achieve victory in two consecutive TIs (TI8 and TI9), solidifying their iconic reputation. As a team, OG's unparalleled grasp of the game enables them to craft unforeseeable drafts. Topson's versatility shines through in his unorthodox choices for the mid-lane, such as Monkey King and Gyrocopter, which are equipped with a diffuser blade.
N0tail and Fly joined forces to establish the organization. Prior to the formation of the 2017 dream team, N0tail had an impressive track record in establishing the organization, including victories in the Frankfurt Major, Manila Major, Boston Major, and Kyiv Major. N0tail proudly holds the record for the highest career earnings in the illustrious world of Dota 2, thanks to his unwavering ability to emerge victorious or secure top positions in a multitude of high-stakes tournaments.