Not many countries in the esports world can match China’s paradox. The world`s most controlled gaming market, known for its restrictive gaming laws, especially for minors, is also the world`s biggest esports powerhouse, generating more revenue and collecting more prize money than any other nation, and this gap continues to grow.
According to data presented by Betideas.com, China tops global esports earnings with $330 million, $30 million ahead of the second-ranked United States and twice the total earnings of third-ranked South Korea.
China – U.S. Esports Earning Gap Has Jumped Fivefold in Just Two Years
While many countries still treat esports as casual entertainment, China has developed it into a strategic, government-backed industry driving economic growth, tech development, and tourism. The country’s strict gaming rules primarily target minors, however, professional players operate within structured systems and participate in sophisticated training programs and arenas, similar to traditional sports academies. This approach has not only turned China into an esports category of its own but has also helped Chinese professional gamers earn more prize money than any other nation in the world. The Esports Earnings data show just how big that gap has become.
The latest data show Chinese players top the global esports earnings chart with $330.9 million in total prize money, $30 million ahead of the world`s highest-grossing esports market, the United States. U.S. players have brought in just under $300 million in total prizes. The third-ranked South Korea is far below these figures, with cumulative prizes of $156.8 million, half that of China. Russia and Brazil close out the top five group with $96.1 million and $72.3 million, respectively.
Even more impressive is how quickly the China-U.S. esports earnings gaps have grown. Just two years ago, back in 2023, Chinese players were only $6 million ahead of their U.S. counterparts. Since then, this figure has jumped fivefold. And here`s another striking fact: China has created that $30 million lead with three times fewer players than the United States. According to Esports Earnings data, China’s $330 million total represents the cumulative winnings of 9,333 players, while the U.S. list includes over 29,000 names.
One-Quarter of China’s Esports Earnings Comes From Dota 2 Tournaments
The prize money breakdown by game titles also reveals significant differences between China and other top-grossing esports nations. For example, roughly one-fifth of the total esports prize money Chinese players won over the years came from Dota 2 tournaments, totaling $86.3 million. Arena of Valor and PUBG Mobile follow, bringing in $84 million and $36 million, respectively. Together, the three titles accounted for over 60% of all winnings by Chinese players.
The U.S. prize pool shows different player preferences. Statistics show that Fortnite alone brought in roughly one-fifth of total prize money, or $52 million, followed by Dota 2 with $19.1 million and Rocket League with $14.5 million. Meanwhile, South Korean players earned most of their money in League of Legends tournaments, close to $42 million, followed by StarCraft II ($24.8 million) and Overwatch ($18 million).
The full story and statistics can be found here: https://betideas.com/blog/2025/12/11/china-tops-global-esports-earnings-with-330m/
