
Dota 2 remains one of the most lucrative games in esports. The International once offered the largest prize pools in the industry, but in recent years, the situation has changed. Although the all-time earnings leaderboard hasn't shifted much, the rate at which professionals are securing major wins has clearly slowed. So, who are the top ten highest-earning players in Dota 2 history, and how much do today's stars actually earn?
N0tail Still Leads
N0tail remains the most decorated player in Dota 2 history, having earned over $7.1 million in prize money. The bulk of this income was secured during OG's legendary run, when they claimed victories at The International in 2018 and 2019. These wins not only defined Johan Sundstein's career but also etched OG's name into esports history.
Back then, prize pools were on the rise. In 2019, the pool reached a record $34 million. But the situation has changed. The latest The International, TI13 in 2024, had a prize pool of only $2.77 million—the lowest in over a decade. The winning team took home $1.2 million. By comparison, TI11 in 2022 was the last to offer a significant sum: a total of $18.93 million.

Top 10 Dota 2 Players by Prize Earnings
As of publication, the top ten highest-earning players are as follows:
It's no surprise that players from OG and Team Spirit dominate this list. While OG secured legendary status with victories at TI8 and TI9, Team Spirit continues to solidify its position as a modern leader on the scene. In addition to their triumph at The International 2021, the team won the prestigious Riyadh Masters 2023 and added the Esports World Cup 2025 trophy to their achievements, further enhancing their financial and competitive legacy.

The Most Profitable Organization in Dota 2
In terms of pure earnings, no team can compare to OG. Over 105 tournaments, the organization has earned more than $37 million in prize money. Their two TI victories remain the pinnacle of their achievements:
- TI8 (2018): victory over PSG.LGD — $11.2 million
- TI9 (2019): historic second consecutive win — $15.6 million
However, OG's dominance began long before their TI victories. The team also won four major Valve tournaments in the early days of the Dota Pro Circuit, setting a standard for consistency and elite-level play:
- The Frankfurt Major 2015
- The Manila Major 2016
- The Boston Major 2016
- The Kiev Major 2017
A blend of fearless drafts, team chemistry, and resilience in major games made OG the face of the golden era in Dota 2. These victories, both at Majors and Internationals, firmly established their legacy as the most successful organization in the game's history.
The International 2018
The International 2019
The Frankfurt Major 2015
The Manila Major 2016
The Boston Major 2016
The Kiev Major 2017
How Much Do Dota 2 Professionals Earn Today?
Prize money draws attention, but for most players, it's the salaries and additional income that make a career sustainable:
- Mid-tier players earn between $5,000 and $6,000 per month
- Top-tier players can receive salaries exceeding $10,000 per month
- Additional income comes from streaming, sponsorship deals, merchandise sales, and social media partnerships
With decreasing prize pools, teams and players increasingly rely on stable contracts and media presence to sustain their careers.
The Scene Is Changing, But Opportunities Are Still Real
Dota 2 may no longer offer staggering prize pools at every turn, but it remains one of the most competitive and rewarding disciplines in esports. Top players stay in the spotlight, organizations continue to invest, and the career path is still viable.
Success today is not just about tournament wins—it's about visibility, adaptability, and long-term strategy. Dota 2 is evolving, and with it, the paths to the top are changing. Those who adapt—succeed.
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