Highest earning e-sports players in South Africa — with one making R3.7 million

South Africa’s e-sports scene has seen remarkable success, with players achieving significant earnings, some surpassing R2 million in tournament winnings.

According to Esports Earning, 789 South African e-sports players have collectively won $1.97 million (R36.5 million) across 510 tournaments.

The e-sports industry has experienced substantial growth over the past five years, with an annual growth rate of 7.1%.

A report by Statista Market Insights predicts that the global e-sports industry’s revenue will reach $4.3 billion (R79 billion) by the end of 2024.

While the South African market is smaller, it is anticipated to reach $26.4 million (R484 million) by the year’s end.

Among South African players, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive has been the most lucrative, with local professional gamers earning R17.3 million.

Noteworthy earnings have also been generated from Rocket League and FIFA 18, amounting to R8 million and R2 million, respectively.

The data on the top South African e-sports earners has been compiled by TheOutlier.co.za, along with an accompanying infographic.

Ioannis “JT” Theodosiou

Ioannis Theodosiou, known as “JT,” holds the top position as the highest-earning South African e-sports player, with total winnings reaching R3.7 million earned across 107 tournaments.

Primarily competing in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) and Counter-Strike 2, Theodosiou’s significant earnings predominantly stem from CS:GO.

Currently affiliated with Complexity, Theodosiou holds the 1530th global ranking in terms of tournament earnings.

His most substantial prize was $10,000 (R184,546) for securing the second position in the Funspark ULTI 2020—Europe Final.

Aran “Sonic” Groesbeek

Aran Groesbeek, also known as “Sonic,” follows as the second-highest earner, amassing total winnings of R2.3 million across 76 tournaments as a Counter-Strike player.

Sonic, currently ranked second nationally and 2,565th globally, has predominantly earned while playing for Extra Salt and Bravado Gaming.

Julio “Beast” Bianchi

Julio “Beast” Bianchi claims the position of the country’s third-highest-earning e-sports player, having accumulated R1.35 million from eight tournaments.

Despite being ranked third, Bianchi boasts the highest earnings per tournament, with an average of R168,444 per competition.

Bianchi specializes in EA Sports FC, formerly FIFA, representing Goliath Gaming and the South African National Team.

Gareth “Snowyy” Spiers

Gareth Spiers, also known as Snowyy, stands as South Africa’s fourth highest-paid e-sports gamer, securing total winnings of R1.08 million as a Rocket League player.

Snowyy, aged 23, has participated in 34 tournaments, averaging R31,802 per competition, primarily representing Limitless.

Kaylan Moodley

Kaylan Moodley rounds up the list as the fifth-highest-earning e-sports player in South Africa, having garnered R1.07 million from FIFA tournaments.

Moodley, part of Exceed and the South African National Team, primarily earned independently and with Goliath Gaming.

Below is a list of the top ten earning e-sports players in South Africa, based on data from Esports Earnings:

Source: MyBroadband