How to Make Money in Dota 2: The Best Ways Out

Discover the top methods to earn money in Dota 2, all conveniently compiled in one place! Wishing you the best of luck and hope you have a great time!

Dota 2 has a long history, dating back to the original Warcraft 3 mod. Despite this, the popular MOBA still has a dedicated fanbase, making it one of the top games on Steam. Players love this game for its complexity, challenge, and endless replayability. They've invested countless hours into it. 

Luckily, Dota 2 provides multiple ways for players to make money, both within the game and outside of it. Discover the top methods to monetize your passion for Dota 2 and transform it into a lucrative endeavor.

Esports Tournaments

The International prize pool is the largest in the esports world, reaching an impressive 40 million dollars in 2021. As long as you are not a member of one of the top teams, you will still have the opportunity to experience the exclusive event. There is a thriving esports scene in Dota 2, which hosts a number of tournaments on an annual basis. By participating in these tournaments and winning cash prizes, experienced players have the opportunity to earn a nice income for themselves. 

To make your mark in esports, local tournaments, open invitationals, and online competitions are your stepping stones. These platforms offer a chance for players to be noticed by esports organizations. If selected, they could be offered contracts that include sponsorships, salaries, and benefits, opening up a world of opportunities.

Streaming and Content Creation

One of the most watched games on Twitch is Dota 2, so building a fan base in such a crowded market could appear intimidating. To make money in Dota 2, though, streaming and content creation are acceptable options. If you regularly make videos or stream, the right audience may find resonance in your distinctive voice and style. Dota 2 players always want educational material and conversations about the meta because the game is so complicated and dynamic. Fun videos are also welcome.

Coaching

Competent and experienced Dota 2 players can tutor other players who wish to get better at the game. Coaches can deal with players one-on-one or in groups and bill by the hour. The only requirement for entry is to rank competitively on the leaderboards and maintain that position; for added credibility, consider competing in tournaments.

Though they can decide to specialize in a specific role, coaches are expected to have a thorough understanding of all roles. A good coach can correctly identify problem areas on a case-by-case basis to provide their clients with sophisticated advice.

Trading and Selling In-Game Items

For in-game goods like skins, cosmetics, and treasures, Dota 2 offers a vast market. These items can be bought and traded for real money on websites outside of Steam or straight through the marketplace. Depending on their rarity and popularity, some uncommon items—like the Alpine Stalker's Set that transforms the angry Ursa into a cowboy—can fetch a hefty price.

Merchandising

Dota 2 players with artistic abilities can also profit by making and selling game-related goods. These can include t-shirts, caps, keycaps, plushies, and other goods with Dota 2 characters or logos. Some gamers even design their own cosplay or display-worthy custom items based on their favorite heroes or in-game items. While compared to the other strategies on this list, merchandise is more of a conventional business, but it still mostly serves Dota 2 enthusiasts.