Pro players in esports: A dream job, or a harsh reality?
Professional players at the top tier of major esports enjoy a comfortable lifestyle, thanks to their salaries, winnings, and other sources of revenue. However, one Apex Legends pro wants aspiring players to have a realistic view of what many consider a dream job.
The financial reality of being a pro player
Will “TeQ” Starck, a pro player in Apex Legends, revealed that he has made around $70,000 over the course of four years through team contracts, tournament winnings, and streaming revenue. While this may seem like a substantial amount, when averaged out, it translates to roughly $1,500 per month. That income level would place him near the US poverty line if playing Apex Legends was his sole occupation.
TeQ’s journey as a pro player
TeQ, who also works as a full-time aerospace engineer, has been a consistent presence in the North American ALGS Pro League for several years. Although he never qualified for major Apex LAN events, he was contracted by two major organizations, FURIA as a player and Sentinels as a coach. However, even with his consistent presence in a top regional league, he earned less than $20,000 per year solely from playing Apex Legends.
Staying connected to reality
Despite his aspirations as a pro player, TeQ decided to remain in his full-time job. He warns others about the challenges of pursuing a career in esports if the hard work doesn’t pay off. Many former pros, according to TeQ, struggle to find not only jobs but long-lasting careers that provide financial stability. It can be difficult to play catch-up in the real world when years have gone by with little to show for it.
Even reaching the highest tier of a major esport does not guarantee financial security. Players in leagues with minimum salaries, such as those in Valorant, can still face substantial pay cuts, which happened to Evil Geniuses players who had just won a world championship. The minimum salary in their league is $50,000 per year, which is below the cost of living in Los Angeles.
Esports and streaming share similarities in terms of income distribution. While a few individuals make a significant amount of money, many struggle to earn enough to make a living. TeQ advises aspiring players to keep pursuing their dreams but also emphasizes the importance of being realistic about the challenges they may face along the way.