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Revealed: What does it take to become an esports star?


- Johan Sundstein aka ‘N0tail’ is the top-ranking esports player of 2020, with $6.9 million in prize money to his name
- The average age of a top-ranking esports player is 24 for male players and 27 for female
- Popular streaming sites have experienced a 20% increase in the number of hours streamed in lockdown
Esports have accelerated into the mainstream in recent years, providing many avid gamers with the opportunity to turn their passion into a career. And with prize funds reaching the millions, being on top of your game certainly pays off. So, what does it take to make it big in esports and how has the industry evolved? Intel explored the ins and outs of the growing esports world.
The making of an esports star
- The most top-ranking male players of 2020 are from China (26%), and the most top-ranking female players are from the USA (42%)
- Physical health must also be a priority when training for esports, as well as in-game performance
As an avid gamer, what would it take to break into the esports industry and what exactly does an esports star look like today?
Based on the 100 top-ranking male and female esports players of 2020, the average age is 24 for male players and 27 for female. Some are even as young as 16, demonstrating that progression is very possible at a young age.
To climb the ranks, players must be committed to perfecting their game and putting in the necessary training, both in-game and physically. Professionals specialise in one or two games, focusing their time and energy on perfecting their performance.
“The best game to get into when moving into professional gaming or streaming is something you actually enjoy,” explains Chris Ball aka ‘Sacriel’. “It’s clear to see when a streamer is forcing themselves to play a type of game they don’t enjoy just because they feel a ‘big’ game is their only option – so instead find something that you can be passionate about.”
Healthy eating and a good night’s sleep are also recommended for optimal performance.
Esports host, Frankie Ward says “Esports teams are beginning to bring their routines in line with more traditional sports. Counter-Strike team Astralis, for example, has a coach, sports psychologist, and a physiotherapist. They also have a nutritionist and a sleep doctor that they can access, should they need extra help.”
Aoife Wilson, Head of Video at Eurogamer also stresses the importance of physical health, adding that players should “make physical training a priority alongside in-game training, which can not only help with focus and mindset, but in preventing strain or injuries that can come with sitting at your computer for prolonged periods of time.”
The esports industry in 2020
- The industry, which is currently worth $1.1 billion in 2020, is projected to be worth $1.8 billion by 2022
- The top competing countries are the USA, China and The Republic of Korea
Esports have come a long way since their conception – from ‘Spacewar’ played on the first ever computer to ‘Dota 2’, best enjoyed on a specialist gaming PC. So, what does the industry look like in 2020?
Today esports have the potential to fill huge arenas with thousands of fans. Not to mention the additional at-home audience watching live competitions streamed online. The Intel® Extreme Masters, held in Katowice in 2017, was one of the largest esports events in history, with a live attendance of 173,000 and viewership of 46 million.
While many live 2020 esports events were forced to cancel in response to the coronavirus pandemic, some went ahead in a virtual format. In fact, popular streaming sites such as Twitch and YouTube experienced a 20% increase in the number of hours streamed in lockdown, suggesting gaming provided solace to many throughout quarantine.
The esports industry has grown by epic proportions in recent years. Over the last five years, revenue has tripled from $325M to $1.1 billion and audience size has quadrupled from 120M to 495M. What’s more, the industry is projected to be worth a huge $1.8 billion by 2022.
While the esports world is very much a global playing field, with players hailing from all around the globe, the top competing countries are the USA, China and The Republic of Korea. 2019 winnings totalled $41.3 million, $18.5 million and $16.5 million for the respective nations.
Streamer Chris Ball aka ‘Sacriel’ says, “as the technical limits on game engines get pushed further and further back with breakthroughs in computing prowess, I think esports and streaming is going to become more mainstream and I look forward to what the new technology brings us.”
You can view the full list of those make it to the top in the eSport industry here.
Source: Latest News on European Gaming Media Network
This is a Syndicated News piece. Photo credits or photo sources can be found on the source article: Revealed: What does it take to become an esports star?

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GR8 Tech Turns Up the Heat with Limited Edition Drop
GR8 Tech debuts its limited-edition sports apparel and accessories drop: Fight for Greatness. Inspired by the champion mentality of Oleksandr Usyk and his Ready to Fight platform, the collection channels the same high-performance culture of those who thrive under pressure, move with purpose, and execute without compromise.
FIGHT to PERFORM—this single idea behind the collection reflects the heavyweight mindset GR8 Tech and Ready to Fight share: progress and success are earned, not gifted. It is the thread that ties together performance, purpose, and ambition across each item in the drop.
“Fight for Greatness is a statement of how we operate at GR8 Tech and how we see the world. We spent over three months shaping this line, from the first sketch to the final stitch. Behind each of the 15 items is the work of more than 20 passionate people who brought their creativity, expertise, and belief in the message to life. We didn’t just design clothes, we translated a culture of performance into gear you can wear,” said Iryna Ilchanka, Creative Lead at GR8 Tech.
Explore the Collection
Fight for Greatness line blends elevated style with uncompromising performance. From soft-touch tees and premium hoodies to moisture-wicking sport sets and precision-cut boxing gear, each piece balances everyday comfort with functional power. Accessories like ergonomic hydration bottles and high-tech protective mouth guard round out the lineup.
The collection reflects its core dualities: casual wear meets cutting-edge innovation, minimalism pairs with bold statements, and style integrates with utility. Built to move under pressure, each piece reflects the mindset of champions—where style meets strategy, and performance never lets up.
Join the Heavyweight Club
The Fight for Greatness collection is part of GR8 Tech’s Heavyweight Club—a community for iGaming professionals who lead under pressure, deliver consistent performance, and scale with purpose.
“We believe lasting success is built on partnership, not just products. The Heavyweight Club brings that to life—a space where iGaming leaders collaborate, innovate, and raise the bar together. The Fight for Greatness collection reflects that same mindset. For us, performance is culture—and it shows in everything we do, right down to what we wear,” said Viktor Ishkov, Head of Global Marketing and Strategy at GR8 Tech.
🥊 Make a statement—wear the mindset like a champ.
The limited-edition drop is available online and will be showcased at iGB L!VE London, July 2–3, 2025.
Visit GR8 Tech at booth U34 to see the collection, connect with the team, and join the movement.
The post GR8 Tech Turns Up the Heat with Limited Edition Drop appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Inspired Expands Netherlands Footprint with Starcasino Partnership
Inspired Entertainment, Inc., a leading provider of B2B gaming content, systems, and solutions, has announced the launch of its top-performing iGaming content in the Netherlands with Starcasino, an established online casino and sportsbook brand in Belgium, and that is now expanding into the Dutch market.
Following its success in Belgium, Starcasino is rapidly expanding its footprint in the Netherlands’ iGaming market. The partnership provides Starcasino access to Inspired’s top-performing titles, offering Dutch players an enhanced online casino experience driven by Inspired’s high-quality iGaming content, which has demonstrated proven results.
Through this collaboration, Starcasino’s Dutch customers can now enjoy a wide range of Inspired’s most popular titles including high performers such as, Big Bonus™, Stacked Fire 7’s™, Big Piggy Bank™, Golden Winner™, Big Bonus Booster™ with additional game launches planned throughout the year.
“We’re thrilled to bring our best-in-class games to Starcasino as they grow their presence in the Netherlands,” said Claire Osborne, VP of Interactive at Inspired. “Our proven content resonates strongly with European audiences, and we’re confident it will support Starcasino’s momentum in this exciting and competitive market.”
“Partnering with Inspired is a major step in our Dutch expansion,” said Pieter van den Bos, Director at Starcasino. “Inspired’s diverse portfolio, featuring seasonal favourites, unique mechanics and classic themes, will greatly enrich the gaming experience for our players. This launch underscores our commitment to growth in the regulated Netherlands iGaming space.”
The post Inspired Expands Netherlands Footprint with Starcasino Partnership appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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SlotMatrix unleashes divine riches in Fortuna Gold where gods rule the reels
SlotMatrix announces the official launch of Fortuna Gold, set in a mythological odyssey where ancient gods and glittering fortunes await.
Set in a mythical realm where Zeus commands thunder and Fortuna blesses the reels, this six-reel, medium volatility slot sees players seek the blessings of the deities and collect wins, coins, and jackpots.
With a potential 10,000 ways to win, 96% RTP, and the chance to claim up to 5,542 times the player’s stake, Fortuna Gold makes every spin exciting.
The heart of the game lies in the Coin Avalanche mechanic, triggered when the goddess Fortuna symbol lands on both reels 1 and 6. Coins start cascading onto the reels, and players who are lucky enough to fill entire rows, or the entire screen, will win special jackpots including the Grand Jackpot.
Landing four Bonus symbols triggers a Free Spins bonus, where Coin and Thunder symbols make the positions hotter, multiplying the coin’s value. Players can also collect diamonds during this mode. If the goddess Fortuna deems a player worthy and allows them to collect five diamonds, they win the Grand Jackpot.
Fortuna Gold is available now through SlotMatrix. As with all SlotMatrix titles, the game is enhanced by EveryMatrix’s proprietary gamification features, including free spins, leaderboards, and tournaments, and can be integrated with EngageSuite, the all-in-one player loyalty solution.
The slot was developed by Fantasma Games, a game studio EveryMatrix acquired in October 2024.
Bjorn Sjoberg, COO, SlotMatrix, said: “Fortuna Gold is a heavenly example of the kind of content we always aim to deliver. It is visually stunning, with highly engaging mechanics and a global appeal, designed and delivered by our talented games team. We can’t wait to show you even more in the months to come.”
The post SlotMatrix unleashes divine riches in Fortuna Gold where gods rule the reels appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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