eSports has exploded into a multi-billion dollar industry, with professional gamers competing for glory and millions in prize money. At the forefront of this digital revolution are premier organizations like TSM, 100 Thieves, and Team Liquid.
This guide explores the most valuable eSports teams and the secrets to their success:
Top Teams and Their Strategies:
TSM (North America)
Founded in 2009, TSM boasts a staggering valuation of $540 million. This success can be attributed to a lucrative naming rights deal with FTX crypto exchange, alongside their innovative ventures. Their training app (Blitz) helps aspiring gamers hone their skills, while the Dyno bot streamlines moderation for Discord servers, showcasing their commitment to the wider gaming community.
100 Thieves (North America)
Established in 2017, 100 Thieves has seen phenomenal growth, reaching a valuation of $460 million within five years. This lifestyle brand and gaming organization has cleverly leveraged its popularity beyond the competitive realm. Partnering with renowned brands like Adidas for apparel has further boosted their revenue and reach, demonstrating the potential for eSports teams to become mainstream cultural forces.
Team Liquid (Netherlands)
Established in 2000, Team Liquid is a pioneer in eSports. Their multi-regional presence, featuring teams across Europe, North and South America, and Asia, has garnered them a massive following. Their estimated value sits at $440 million. This global approach allows them to tap into a wider talent pool and cater to a broader audience.
FaZe Clan (North America)
Founded in 2010, FaZe Clan is a global phenomenon, transcending eSports to become a mainstream brand. Their popularity translates to a $400 million valuation. FaZe Clan started as a group of content creators who rose to fame through trickshot videos and montages. They’ve skillfully parlayed their online presence into lucrative sponsorships and merchandise deals, proving the power of cultivating a passionate fanbase. A recent acquisition by GameSquare, a publicly traded company, paves the way for further growth and potential for even bigger ventures.
Cloud9 (North America)
Founded in 2013, Cloud9 has expanded beyond its League of Legends roots. Their $380 million valuation is fueled by sponsorships, merchandise, and content creation across platforms like YouTube and Twitch. Cloud9 actively cultivates a strong online presence, not just through competitive victories but also through entertaining content. Their YouTube channel boasts millions of subscribers, generating additional revenue and fostering a closer connection with fans.
G2 Esports (Germany)
Established in 2014, G2 eSports is a European powerhouse, valued at $340 million. Their massive online viewership exceeding 100 million hours reflects their popularity. With plans to expand to the US and Asia, G2 is poised for further growth. G2 understands the importance of engaging with fans beyond just in-game performance. Their entertaining content and charismatic players have helped them build a loyal following globally.
Gen.G (South Korea)
Established in 2017, Gen.G is a leading Asian eSports organization, valued at $250 million. Their impressive streaming viewership (over 70 million hours) and global presence with offices in the US and China solidify their position as a top contender. Recognizing the potential of the Asian market, Gen.G has established a strong foothold in the region. Their global operations allow them to compete effectively on a worldwide stage.
T1 (South Korea)
Founded in 2004, T1 (formerly SK Telecom T1) is a dominant force in eSports, particularly League of Legends. Their consistent performance in major tournaments and estimated valuation of $220 million solidify their place among the elite. T1 has built a legacy of excellence in League of Legends, consistently contending for championships. Their dedication to a specific game has resulted in a highly skilled and successful team.
Esports Team Rankings (Highest Overall Team Earnings)
| Team Liquid | $49,283,321.90 | 2809 Tournaments |
| OG | $38,400,932.44 | 190 Tournaments |
| Team Spirit | $30,181,527.40 | 246 Tournaments |
| Evil Geniuses | $28,567,246.66 | 1018 Tournaments |
| Natus Vincere | $21,829,474.99 | 773 Tournaments |
| Fnatic | $20,572,731.42 | 1147 Tournaments |
| Team Secret | $20,493,522.51 | 418 Tournaments |
| Virtus.pro | $20,089,951.99 | 672 Tournaments |
| FaZe Clan | $19,935,591.98 | 750 Tournaments |
| Paris Saint-Germain Esports | $19,354,315.30 | 174 Tournaments |
| G2 Esports | $16,332,398.12 | 729 Tournaments |
| Vici Gaming | $15,755,413.30 | 317 Tournaments |
| LGD Gaming | $15,710,867.24 | 223 Tournaments |
| Invictus Gaming | $15,201,327.31 | 628 Tournaments |
| Newbee | $14,230,154.91 | 236 Tournaments |
| T1 | $13,989,987.17 | 495 Tournaments |
| Cloud9 | $13,889,160.36 | 1049 Tournaments |
| All Gamers | $12,553,882.62 | 161 Tournaments |
| eStar Gaming | $12,540,784.23 | 133 Tournaments |
| OpTic Gaming | $12,306,624.30 | 413 Tournaments |
| Team SoloMid | $11,888,138.35 | 985 Tournaments |
| Tundra Esports | $10,638,067.81 | 64 Tournaments |
| Astralis | $10,613,981.68 | 206 Tournaments |
| Gen.G Esports | $10,058,002.49 | 206 Tournaments |
| Wings Gaming | $9,746,079.72 | 28 Tournaments |
| Nova eSports | $9,613,748.13 | 133 Tournaments |
| Vitality | $8,879,722.08 | 443 Tournaments |
| Royal Never Give Up | $8,685,719.72 | 154 Tournaments |
| Ninjas in Pyjamas | $8,497,629.08 | 499 Tournaments |
| SK Gaming | $8,373,350.63 | 798 Tournaments |
| MOUZ | $8,133,817.59 | 1319 Tournaments |
| Wolves Esports | $8,042,833.10 | 93 Tournaments |
| Alliance | $7,513,961.23 | 427 Tournaments |
| Team Envy | $7,503,894.43 | 439 Tournaments |
| NRG Esports | $7,383,028.22 | 598 Tournaments |
| Weibo Gaming | $7,271,324.79 | 69 Tournaments |
| EDward Gaming | $7,250,273.91 | 194 Tournaments |
| World Elite | $6,692,790.53 | 336 Tournaments |
| Complexity Gaming | $5,958,979.58 | 820 Tournaments |
| Gambit Esports | $5,847,051.97 | 277 Tournaments |
| Team Falcons | $5,840,762.19 | 251 Tournaments |
| Qiao Gu Reapers | $5,767,621.90 | 30 Tournaments |
| Hero JiuJing | $5,765,782.47 | 22 Tournaments |
| MVP | $5,761,080.77 | 488 Tournaments |
| Atlanta FaZe | $5,458,000.00 | 43 Tournaments |
| Samsung | $5,338,775.29 | 355 Tournaments |
| Luminosity Gaming | $5,332,849.73 | 488 Tournaments |
| Counter Logic Gaming | $5,315,803.15 | 519 Tournaments |
| Lazarus | $5,267,227.77 | 300 Tournaments |
| 100 Thieves | $5,173,535.18 | 299 Tournaments |
| Team Dignitas | $5,075,225.25 | 743 Tournaments |
| Team BDS | $5,060,370.38 | 175 Tournaments |
| Gaimin Gladiators | $5,056,090.99 | 104 Tournaments |
| Sentinels | $4,994,780.68 | 173 Tournaments |
| Chaos Esports Club | $4,972,689.35 | 92 Tournaments |
| ThunderTalk Gaming | $4,724,004.82 | 31 Tournaments |
| TnC Gaming | $4,700,745.52 | 84 Tournaments |
| Spacestation Gaming | $4,634,293.98 | 410 Tournaments |
| Four Angry Men | $4,632,016.59 | 82 Tournaments |
| Talon Esports | $4,623,574.77 | 174 Tournaments |
| Heroic | $4,552,291.40 | 164 Tournaments |
| FunPlus Phoenix | $4,414,847.94 | 93 Tournaments |
| San Francisco Shock | $4,375,500.00 | 16 Tournaments |
| EHOME | $4,315,925.59 | 127 Tournaments |
| ENCE eSports | $4,240,196.27 | 328 Tournaments |
| FURIA Esports | $4,218,674.13 | 311 Tournaments |
| Dragon Ranger Gaming | $4,005,325.12 | 40 Tournaments |
| Dplus | $3,998,834.50 | 113 Tournaments |
| Team Empire | $3,985,327.59 | 462 Tournaments |
| eUnited | $3,976,306.69 | 261 Tournaments |
| Splyce | $3,927,592.51 | 440 Tournaments |
| KT Rolster | $3,896,457.45 | 254 Tournaments |
| EVOS Esports | $3,755,000.57 | 154 Tournaments |
| CDEC Gaming | $3,751,262.87 | 56 Tournaments |
| Team Aster | $3,610,967.54 | 63 Tournaments |
| Soniqs | $3,497,023.11 | 108 Tournaments |
| Qing Jiu Club | $3,345,371.42 | 101 Tournaments |
| Cooler Esport | $3,329,304.54 | 44 Tournaments |
| Tianba | $3,288,170.74 | 72 Tournaments |
| Toronto Ultra | $3,228,250.02 | 59 Tournaments |
| MIBR | $3,147,088.88 | 221 Tournaments |
| BaiSha Gaming | $3,145,863.38 | 59 Tournaments |
| BIG | $3,125,948.24 | 494 Tournaments |
| JD Gaming | $3,087,589.98 | 46 Tournaments |
| Shanghai Dragons | $2,972,750.00 | 19 Tournaments |
| Rogue | $2,915,096.76 | 257 Tournaments |
| Top Esports | $2,888,038.79 | 48 Tournaments |
| Flash Wolves | $2,887,491.20 | 246 Tournaments |
| Ghost Gaming | $2,870,168.13 | 274 Tournaments |
| Turnso Gaming | $2,812,900.79 | 10 Tournaments |
| Jin Air Green Wings | $2,796,169.32 | 447 Tournaments |
| New York Subliners | $2,794,548.09 | 113 Tournaments |
| Rogue Warriors | $2,769,043.14 | 57 Tournaments |
| J Team | $2,667,513.52 | 68 Tournaments |
| Tribe Gaming | $2,628,896.82 | 125 Tournaments |
| NewHappy | $2,625,625.23 | 66 Tournaments |
| REJECT | $2,603,021.33 | 70 Tournaments |
| Team SMG | $2,595,189.66 | 77 Tournaments |
| Nigma Galaxy | $2,589,249.85 | 172 Tournaments |
| Rex Regum Qeon | $2,548,656.90 | 143 Tournaments |
The Road to Success:
These top teams haven’t reached the pinnacle by accident. Here are some key strategies for success in eSports:
Building Strong Teams: Recruiting and nurturing talented players is paramount. Teams need to have a keen eye for spotting potential and fostering the development of top esports athletes.
Creating Engaging Content: Engaging fans through content creation across platforms like YouTube and Twitch fosters a loyal following. Just like traditional sports teams, eSports organizations benefit from a strong connection with their fans. High-quality content creation that goes beyond just match highlights is key to building a passionate fanbase.
Strategic Partnerships: eSports teams with large and engaged fanbases are attractive partners for major brands. This not only brings in revenue but also expands the reach of both the team and the brand.
Global Thinking: The most successful teams are breaking down geographic barriers by establishing a presence in multiple regions. This allows them to tap into a wider talent pool, cater to a broader audience, and potentially secure international sponsorships.
Building a Brand Identity: Beyond just competitive victories, eSports teams need to cultivate a strong brand identity. This can involve developing a unique visual style, fostering a positive team culture, and creating engaging content that resonates with fans.
Investing in Infrastructure: Training facilities, coaching staff, and data analysis are all crucial aspects of success in modern eSports. Teams that prioritize these investments are setting themselves up for long-term competitive advantage.
Focus on Fan Engagement: Successful teams understand that their fans are their lifeblood. Interactive streams, social media engagement, and community events help to cultivate a loyal following. By fostering a strong sense of community, teams can build lasting relationships with their fans.
The Future of eSports
The eSports industry is still in its relative infancy, but its growth trajectory is undeniable. The teams highlighted above are at the forefront of this exciting new frontier.
As the industry continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovation, strategic partnerships, and cutting-edge technologies emerge.
For fans, this means an even more thrilling and immersive viewing experience, while for aspiring professional gamers, the dream of a lucrative career in eSports becomes increasingly attainable. One thing is certain – the future of eSports is bright.
Top 10 Mobile Esports Games
PUBG Mobile Esports Tips for Competitive Success + Betting Guide
AI Powers Up Esports Monetization in 2024: From Fan Engagement to Pro Player Training
How can I improve my chances of winning in Mobile Legends esports betting?
T1’s Faker to be Temporarily Replaced Due to Injury
Esports Evolved: Where AI Pushes the Boundaries of Gameplay
Leading Providers of Esports Odds Feed Data Solutions
How Much Do Esports Players Make Per Month?
Best Esports Games
E-Sports Integrity: Navigating Ethics and Fair Play in Virtual Arenas
A Guide to eSports Betting
Esports Betting Tips and Strategies