Latest News
Revealed: What does it take to become an esports star?
Reading Time: 3 minutes
- 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 $16.5 million for the respective nations.
Streamer Chris Ball aka ‘Sacriel’ says, “as the technical limits on game engines get pushed further and further back with breakthroughs in computing prowess, I think esports and streaming is going to become more mainstream and I look forward to what the new technology brings us.”
You can view the full list of those make it to the top in the eSport industry here.
Source: Latest News on European Gaming Media Network
This is a Syndicated News piece. Photo credits or photo sources can be found on the source article: Revealed: What does it take to become an esports star?
Latest News
GGPoker Launches Online Poker Millionaires – A New Docuseries Showcasing The High-Stakes Online Poker World Of GGPoker
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Online Poker Millionaires Episode 1 to premiere on GGPoker’s YouTube channel this Wednesday, November 12
GGPoker, the World’s Biggest Poker Room, is excited to launch Online Poker Millionaires, a new docuseries that takes viewers inside the world of high-stakes online poker. The series trailer will go live on GGPoker’s official YouTube channel on Monday, November 10, with Episode 1 featuring Alex Theologis made available on Wednesday, November 12.
Series Description
Online Poker Millionaires is produced in association with POKERfilms and reveals how the game’s most dedicated players turn a laptop, ambition, and discipline into real financial success. Online poker isn’t just a game – for some, it can be a path to financial success, where real money and real careers are built at GGPoker.
Each episode follows a different high-stakes player, uncovering the mindset, routines, and drive required to compete for life-changing prizes from behind the screen. The debut episode features Alex Theologis – a GGMillion$ and WSOP champion with over $9 million in GGPoker tournament earnings – offering an unfiltered look at the grind, preparation, and passion that define one of online poker’s most respected professionals.
Launch Week Schedule
- Monday, November 10 at 17:00 UTC | 12:00 EST: Official Trailer Launch on GGPoker’s YouTube Channel: YouTube.com/@GGPoker
- Tuesday, November 11: GGMillion$ live broadcast – Alex Theologis joins Jeff Gross as guest commentator at 18:15 UTC
- Wednesday, November 12 at 17:00 UTC | 12:00 EST: Online Poker Millionaires Episode 1 Premiere exclusively on GGPoker’s YouTube Channel
- Thursday, November 13: Reddit AMA (Ask Me Anything) with Alex Theologis on r/poker, discussing the making of the episode and his online poker journey
“Online poker let me build a life I never thought was possible when I started out,” said Alex Theologis, online poker professional. “It’s tough sometimes, but I wouldn’t trade this job for anything. I just want people who watch Online Poker Millionaires to get a real, honest look at what it means to be a professional player.”
Mike Bailey, Director of Online Poker Millionaires, added: “When GGPoker approached me to create Online Poker Millionaires, I felt empowered; I wanted to show viewers the real people living real lives behind the monitors. These high-stakes pros may not care for the limelight, but I felt it was important to be able to highlight the talent and dedication that goes on behind closed doors on a daily basis.”
To be ready to catch every moment of the upcoming Online Poker Millionaires, please subscribe to GGPoker’s official YouTube channel at GGPoker.TV.
The post GGPoker Launches Online Poker Millionaires – A New Docuseries Showcasing The High-Stakes Online Poker World Of GGPoker appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Reading Time: < 1 minute
The International Esports Federation (IESF) proudly announces the 19 nations set to compete in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) at the 16th World Esports Championships (WEC25), hosted in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
This year’s MLBB competitions will see teams from Egypt, South Africa, Dominican Republic, Peru, Colombia, Argentina, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Nepal, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Iran, Türkiye, Belarus, Romania, Uzbekistan, and host nation Malaysia come together in the spirit of unity, passion, and competition.
From South America to Central Asia, and from Europe to Southeast Asia, the World Esports family will once again gather under one banner, celebrating the values that define the IESF: inclusivity, integrity, and the joy of play.
“Each year, the World Esports Championships bring together athletes and fans who share the same dream, to connect, to compete, and to grow,” said Boban Totovski, IESF General Secretary. “We’re proud to see Mobile Legends: Bang Bang continue to bridge cultures and inspire players around the world. Malaysia will be an incredible stage for this year’s competition.”
The WEC25 MLBB tournament will shine a spotlight on both rising stars and champions, with every nation bringing its own story, its own energy, and its own pride to the world stage.
As the host country, Malaysia is ready to welcome the world with open arms, offering a unique blend of culture, passionate fans, and an esports scene that continues to grow year after year. WEC25 will once again prove that esports is more than a game, it’s a moment where nations unite, athletes rise, and communities grow stronger together.
The post 19 Nations Set to Compete in MLBB at The World Esports Championships 2025 in Malaysia appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Yaspa, the award-winning Pay by Bank fintech, today announced a new partnership with Sterling Lotteries, the UK’s market-leading External Lottery Manager (ELM). Sterling has selected Yaspa as its primary open banking payments provider for prize-led fundraising, enabling faster, safer, and more efficient supporter payments across its charity lottery programmes.
Sterling powers weekly lotteries and raffles for 800+ UK charities, from local organisations to national causes. By integrating Yaspa, Sterling can offer a streamlined Pay by Bank experience that confirms entries in real-time, reduces processing costs, and strengthens fraud protection, thereby freeing up more funds for impact.
Yaspa’s Head of Commercial, Amie Kadhim, said: “Sterling sets a high bar for reliability, security, and supporter experience. We’re proud to power their next chapter with instant bank payments that help charities move faster, enhance engagement, and achieve more with every donation.”
The partnership aligns with Sterling’s ongoing modernisation of the charity lottery model, bringing the convenience supporters expect, while improving cashflow and operational efficiency for fundraising teams. Entry confirmation is immediate and funds settle instantly, helping charities plan with confidence and reduce admin overheads.
Richard Dixon, Managing Director at Sterling, said: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Yaspa to deliver an open banking solution that represents a true sector-first innovation. From the outset, it was clear that Yaspa shares Sterling’s vision for using technology to drive meaningful change in the charity lottery space. Open banking has transformed retail and financial services and now we’re bringing that same innovation to fundraising. It’s faster, more secure, and significantly more cost-effective for charities. By harnessing open banking, we offer charities a bold, efficient, and future-proof way to engage supporters, especially digital-first donors who expect a seamless experience.”
Key benefits for Sterling and its charity partners include:
-
Instant payment settlement and immediate entry confirmation
-
Lower processing costs compared with traditional methods i.e. debit and credit cards
-
Reduced fraud and chargeback risk, utilising bank-grade security
-
A smoother, mobile-first, user journey for supporters
The post Sterling Lotteries selects Yaspa as its primary open banking payments partner appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
-
Latest News3 months ago
ReferOn Shortlisted for Acquisition & Retention Partner of the Year at SBC Lisbon 2025
-
Latest News2 months ago
Duels for Friends in Trophy Hunter. Invite your friends and create a shared space for fun and competition.
-
Latest News3 months ago
BC.GAME Launches “Nezha” Slot with Up to 46,656 Ways to Win and 10,000x Max Payout
-
Latest News2 months ago
Announcement: 25th September 2025
-
Latest News3 months ago
NODWIN Gaming Acquires Sony Interactive Entertainment’s Stake in Evo; Becomes Majority Holder
-
Latest News3 months ago
Cyprus National Betting Authority Warns Public About Illegal Online Gambling and Misinformation
-
Latest News2 months ago
The Countdown is On: Less Than 3 Months to Go Until The Games of The Future 2025 Kicks Off in Abu Dhabi
-
Latest News2 months ago
GR8 Tech’s Bet It Drives Wraps Season 1 with Stephen Crystal—From Las Vegas Legends to Global Gaming Leadership
You must be logged in to post a comment Login