It is no surprise that despite the community backlash regarding the unusual allocation of prize pool, including but not limited to The International, Dota 2 still holds a record of turning 74 players into millionaires.
It is true that the top heavy distribution of the TI prize pool contributes immensely towards this cause, but we cannot ignore the fact of all the lives that Dota 2 has changed ever since its inception.
Today we take a look at ten of the wealthiest Dota 2 athletes in the history of the game. Yes, the top five names on the list are easily guessable, and no, Team Spirit players don’t feature despite winning TI10.
1. Johan “N0tail” Sundstein
Image credit: OG Esports
Flower power. Period.
The charismatic leader of OG Esports, tops the charts as not only the wealthiest Dota 2 player but also as the wealthiest esports athlete to ever exist.
With a staggering $7+ million earned in prize money, Notail comfortably enjoys the top position with two TI wins, multiple majors under his belt among other accomplishments over this illustrious career.
Co-owner of OG Esports, Notail is currently enjoying his break from competitive Dota post TI10.
2. Jesse “JerAx” Vainikka
Image credit: ESL
The Finnish prodigy occupies the second place with a mammoth $6.4+ million in winnings.
Two times TI champion with OG Esports, and with numerous majors and other prominent tournament wins under his belt, Jerax also earned a significant amount of money during his time at Team Liquid.
Jerax is ranked #1 in highest earnings for players from Finland.
3. Anathan “Ana” Pham
Image credit:: OG Esports
Another OG player to feature at #3, Ana is the highest earning esports athlete from Australia.
Ana won a couple of Majors with OG before taking a hiatus from competitive gaming, only to return to OG in 2018 and 2019 – but to compete only at The International 8 and 9, and winning both of them.
Needless to say, the mercenary on hire won the highest accolade twice despite not being part of the team during the entirety of the season.
As of now, Ana is on a break from competitive Dota.
4. Sébastien “Ceb” Debs
Image credit: OG Esports
Player/analyst/coach/drafter extraordinaire hailing from France is ranked #4.
Ceb has had a long career, perhaps longer than his teammates, but success only kissed his feet when he stood-in for OG Esports in its need of the hour.
Winning TI8 and TI9 is Ceb’s biggest accomplishments, and has won over $5.7+ million in winnings.
He’s the #1 ranked French esports player in terms of prize earnings, and also co-owns OG Esports all the while mentoring the newgen of OG Dota.
5. Topias Miikka “Topson” Taavitsainen
Image credit: OG Esports
Topson will be fondly remembered as the rookie that won The International 8 on his debut.
Scouted by Notail and Ceb during OG’s darkest hours, Topson won countless hearts and along with it millions of dollars in winnings.
His total earnings amount to a staggering $5.6+ million
6. Kuro “KuroKy” Takhasomi
Image credit: PGL/Valve
One of the legends of the game, Kuroky has been part of the scene since the old DotA days. Kuroky came close to finding success when he placed second with NAVI during TI3.
Ever since, success continued to elude the charismatic German, who would later join Team Liquid and in the process capture the title that eluded him the most – Aegis of the Immortal.
He won TI7 with Liquid and ended as runner-up at TI9 and has amassed over $5 million in prize money.
7. Amer “Miracle-” Al-Barkawi
Image credit: DreamLeague
The Jordinian player rose to fame during his time at OG Esports, with whom he won multiple majors.
However, TI always eluded OG and thus he made way to Team Liquid under the mentorship of Kuroky.
The best mid laner during that period won the best title in the world of Dota 2 – The International 2017.
He has amassed over $4.8 million in winnings so far.
8. Ivan Borislavov “MinD_ContRoL” Ivanov
Image credit: Valve
The beastly Bulgarian has been an integral part of Kuroky’s team ever since the 5Jungz days.
Known for his smart outplays and playmaking abilities, on numerous occasions Mind Control has come to his team’s rescue.
His success too came with Team Liquid’s historic win at TI7 and has won over $4.6 million in winnings.
9. Lasse Aukusti “MATUMBAMAN” Urpalainen
Image credit: Valve
Another Finnish player to feature in the list at #9 position is Matumbaman.
The vodka loving behemoth was part of Team Liquid for nearly 5 years and won TI7 before being moved to inactive.
Post Liquid, he represented Chaos EC and Team Secret – ranking third at TI10 with the latter – before moving back to Team Liquid for this year.
He has won a total of $4.5+ million in earnings.
10. Maroun “GH” Merhej
Image credit: Monster Energy
The wholesome Lebanese player resides in the hearts of countless Dota 2 fans.
His Keeper of the Light wreaking havoc amongst the enemy ranks at TI7 as well as his astounding IO plays, elevated him to the rank of the immortals.
Winning TI7 and amassing a wealth of over $4.2 million, he’s the highest earning esports player in Lebanon.
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