Score Big: Earning in Esports with a Side of Crypto

Esports has exploded into a multi-billion dollar industry, and with it, new avenues to turn your passion for gaming into profit. Cryptocurrencies are also rapidly changing the financial landscape, and the intersection of these two exciting worlds offers unique opportunities.

Here’s how you can leverage esports and crypto to potentially make some money:

The Competitive Edge: Pro Player with a Crypto Twist

Dominate Play-to-Earn (P2E) Games

The rise of blockchain technology has given birth to a new genre of games: Play-to-Earn (P2E). These games reward players with cryptocurrencies for their in-game achievements and skills.

Titles like Axie Infinity and Guild of Guardians have become especially popular, allowing players to earn real money through gameplay and ownership of in-game assets. These assets, often called Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), can take the form of unique characters, weapons, or even virtual land within the game world.

Players can earn NFTs through gameplay or by purchasing them on secondary marketplaces. Owning these NFTs can grant players additional benefits within the game world, such as access to exclusive content or enhanced earning potential.

The value of NFTs can fluctuate based on factors like rarity, utility within the game, and overall demand from other players. By strategically acquiring and using NFTs, skilled players can maximize their earnings in P2E games.

Tournament Triumphs

Some P2E games host tournaments with crypto prize pools, adding another layer of earning potential for skilled players. Hone your skills by grinding ranked matches, studying pro players’ strategies, and participating in community scrims and tournaments.

This dedication will help you develop the game sense, mechanical prowess, and teamwork necessary to compete at the highest level. Victorious teams in major P2E tournaments can walk away with life-changing sums of crypto, making the effort well worth it for the elite. Even for those who don’t quite reach the top, there can still be opportunities to earn a significant amount of crypto through participation in smaller tournaments and qualifiers.

Beyond the Arena: Esports Revenue Streams

• Content Creation King: Build a following by streaming your esports journey on Twitch or YouTube. Monetize your content with ads, sponsorships, and donations, potentially attracting crypto-focused brands seeking a foothold in the esports audience.
• Esports Analyst or Coach: Got a strategic mind? Offer coaching or analysis services to aspiring esports players. Accept crypto as payment to cater to the tech-savvy esports crowd.

Most Popular Esports Games 2024

There are two ways to look at popularity in esports: viewership and prize money. Here’s a breakdown of the top games in both categories:

By Viewership

1. League of Legends (LoL): The granddaddy of MOBAs (multiplayer online battle arenas) continues to reign supreme in terms of viewership, boasting over 2.6 million peak viewers in 2024. LoL’s strategic depth, massive global following, and constantly evolving meta keep things fresh for both players and spectators.
2. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang: This mobile MOBA has exploded in popularity, particularly in Southeast Asia, with over 1.8 million peak viewers in 2024. The fast-paced action and accessibility of mobile gaming make it a perfect fit for the esports scene.
3. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO): This tactical shooter has been a mainstay in esports for years, and it’s still going strong with over 1.8 million peak viewers in 2024. The intense competition and strategic depth of CS:GO continue to draw in viewers.
4. Valorant: Riot Games’ tactical shooter, Valorant, has taken the esports world by storm since its release in 2020. With over 1.6 million peak viewers in 2024, Valorant is quickly becoming a major force in the esports scene.
5. Fortnite: While Fortnite’s viewership has declined somewhat in recent years, it’s still a major player in esports with over 739,000 peak viewers in 2024. The ever-changing map, wacky weapons, and high-profile tournaments keep Fortnite interesting for viewers.

By Prize Money

1. PUBG Mobile: The mobile version of PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds has become a major esports title, with a whopping $84.6 million in prize money awarded in 2024. The large player base and accessibility of mobile gaming have helped PUBG Mobile to become a major esports force.
2. Honor of Kings: This mobile MOBA, popular in China, boasts a massive prize pool of over $67.8 million in 2024.
3. Dota 2: While Dota 2’s viewership has dipped a bit, it still holds the record for the largest cumulative esports prize pool of all time, at over $346 million. The annual Dota 2 tournament, The International, is one of the biggest events in esports.
4. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO): CS:GO also has a healthy esports scene with over $162 million in prize money awarded in 2024.
5. League of Legends (LoL): Rounding out the list is LoL, with over $109 million in prize money awarded in 2024. LoL’s long-standing esports scene and global popularity continue to make it a major force in terms of prize money.

Esports Betting

Several platforms allow you to wager crypto on esports matches. This can be an exciting way to add another layer of interest to watching your favorite teams compete, but it’s important to approach it with caution.

Esports betting carries a high degree of risk, similar to traditional sports betting. Only participate with funds you can afford to lose, and never chase losses by betting more than you can comfortably afford. Before placing any bets, thoroughly research the teams, players, and the specific betting platform you’re considering.

Look for reputable platforms with fair odds and a history of secure transactions. Finally, remember that esports is a game of skill, but there can also be elements of luck involved. Don’t expect to get rich quick through esports betting, and treat it more as a way to add to the entertainment value of watching esports rather than a guaranteed path to riches.

Also read:

• Fantasy Football Gets a Blockchain Boost: Bitcoin and NFTs Take the Field
• How to Bet on Valorant: A Guide for Esports Fans
• How to Trade Airdrops on Solana?

Investing in the Game:

Esports Team Tokens: Some esports organizations are issuing their own cryptocurrency tokens, often called fan tokens or team tokens. These tokens can offer a variety of benefits to holders, such as voting rights on certain team decisions, exclusive content, merchandise discounts, or even in-game rewards.

Owning a token may also allow you to participate in exclusive events or experiences offered by the esports organization. While the value of these tokens can fluctuate, they offer a way for fans to invest in the success of their favorite teams and potentially share in the financial growth of the organization. However, it’s important to remember that esports team tokens are a relatively new investment vehicle, and their long-term value is still uncertain.

Before investing in any esports team token, carefully research the organization’s financial stability, competitive performance, and the specific rights and benefits associated with the token.

In-game Assets: Certain esports titles allow players to buy, sell, and trade virtual items like skins and characters. These items can sometimes hold value in the form of cryptocurrencies.

Important Considerations:

• The crypto market is volatile. Do your research before investing in any crypto-related esports ventures.
• Focus on your passion. While the potential for earning exists, approaching esports solely as a money-making scheme might lead to burnout.
• Stay informed. The esports and crypto landscapes are constantly evolving. Keep up with the latest trends to make informed decisions.

By combining your esports skills with the burgeoning world of crypto, you can unlock new possibilities to make money doing what you love.

Remember, approach it strategically, manage risk, and most importantly, have fun on the virtual battlefield!