The best Esports players of all time have not only dominated their respective games but have also set new standards of excellence, inspiring generations of gamers.
This article helps you find out which esports pro players stand at the very top and why they matter in gaming history. Read on to find out which professional e-sports players made it onto this list.
Top Esports Players of All Time
Below, we explore some of the most famous players in esports history.
Johan “N0tail” Sundstein
| Player | Game | Age | Team | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johan “N0tail” Sundstein | Dota 2 | 29 | OG | 2x The International Champion (2018, 2019), Top earning Dota 2 player |
Johan “N0tail” Sundstein, born in 1993 in Denmark, began his professional esports career at just 15 years old, playing Heroes of Newerth.
His journey to the top was unconventional – “N0tail” not only became the youngest player but also made history as the first player to win The International tournaments two years in a row – in 2018 and 2019.
These victories not only helped his team “OG” establish itself as one of the most influential and innovative Dota 2 teams in the world but also changed the face of esports.
Since 2021, N0tail has no longer competed in active tournaments but remains a prominent figure in the esports community. He works as a coach for the “OG” team, participates in events, and analyzes games.
Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok
| Player | Game | Age | Team | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok | League of Legends | 27 | T1 | 3x World Champion (2013, 2015, 2016), 2x MSI Champion, regarded as one of the greatest League of Legends players of all time |
|
|
||||
Transitioning from Johan “N0tail” Sundstein, we must acknowledge Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok. Faker is often called the best esports player in the world. He plays League of Legends and has a massive impact on esports culture.
Faker joined T1, known as SK Telecom T1 at that time, in 2013. Since then, he has won three World Championships (2013, 2015, and 2016). His skill level stands out among other top esports players.
Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev
| Player | Game | Age | Team | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev | CS2 | 27 | Natus Vincere | 1x Major Champion (2018), multiple HLTV Player of the Year awards, widely considered one of the best CS2 players ever |
| Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut | CS2 | 23 | Team Vitality | 3x HLTV Player of the Year (2019, 2020, 2023), Major finalist |
| Nikola “NiKo” Kovač | CS2 | 27 | G2 Esports | Multiple Major finals appearances, HLTV top 20 player for 8 consecutive years |
| Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok | League of Legends | 28 | T1 | 4x World Champion (2013, 2015, 2016, 2023), considered the greatest LoL player of all time |
| Johan “N0tail” Sundstein | Dota 2 | 31 | Retired (OG) | 2x The International Champion (2018, 2019), highest-earning esports player in history |
|
|
||||
Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev stands out as one of the best esports players of all time in CS2. Born on October 2, 1997, he quickly made a name for himself with his incredible aim and game sense.
S1mple won numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. He became the first player to achieve a 1.30 rating over an entire year in CS2.
His journey began with teams like HellRaisers and Team Liquid before joining Natus Vincere (Na’Vi) in 2016. With Na’Vi, s1mple reached new heights, winning major tournaments such as ESL One Cologne in 2018 and Blast Premier World Final in 2020.
Kyle “Bugha” Giersdorf
| Player | Game | Age | Team | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kyle “Bugha” Giersdorf | Fortnite | 19 | Sentinels | 1x Fortnite World Cup Champion (2019), multiple top tournament finishes |
Kyle “Bugha” Giersdorf became a name everyone knows in Fortnite. In 2019, he won the Fortnite World Cup and took home $3 million. His skill amazed fans worldwide. Bugha’s gameplay combines sharp strategy with quick reflexes. Players admire his calm during high-stress moments.
His success inspired many gamers, especially younger players. Bugha often streams his games on platforms like Twitch, engaging fans directly. He represents the best esports players of all time through hard work and talent.
Lim “Boxer” Yo-hwan
| Player | Game | Age | Team | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lim “Boxer” Yo-hwan | StarCraft | 35 | SlayerS | 3x World Cyber Games Champion, 2x Ongamenet Starleague Winner, regarded as a StarCraft legend and one of the first esports superstars |
Lim “Boxer” Yo-hwan is considered one of StarCraft’s most influential and legendary players. Known for his aggressive play style, Boxer changed how the game was played in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
His creative strategies and quick decision-making helped him dominate Korean esports, earning multiple titles, including 3 World Cyber Games championships and 2 Ongamenet Starleague wins.
Lim “Boxer” Yo-hwan ability to adapt and innovate, especially under pressure, made Boxer stand out. His aggressive tactics and constant pressure on opponents set trends that are still followed by players today.
Boxer was an important figure in the StarCraft community and helped bring esports into the mainstream, proving that professional gaming could be a real career. His influence still inspires players, and his legacy is a big part of esports’ growth into a global phenomenon.
Other Notable Esports Legends
Many other legends have made a big impact on the growth of esports. For example, Fatal1ty became famous for dominating first-person shooters like Quake III Arena and Painkiller.
He won four World Cyber Games titles and multiple CPL (Cyberathlete Professional League) championships. Fatal1ty was one of the first players to earn a living from esports, helping to show that competitive gaming could be a real career.
Another legend is Daigo Umehara, often called “The Beast.” He rose to fame in Street Fighter tournaments and inspired countless players with his skill. These esports icons demonstrated that dedication and talent can lead to greatness in gaming.
Female esports players have made a strong impact, too. Sasha “Scarlett” Hostyn became one of the best StarCraft II players, winning major tournaments like the 2013 World Championship Series Global Finals. Her success has inspired many women in gaming, showing that skill and dedication can break down barriers in a male-dominated industry.
Katherine “Mystik” Gunn was a champion in Halo, proving that women can compete at the highest level. Se-yeon “Geguri” Kim, a pioneering female pro gamer, became the first female player in the Overwatch League.
Highest Paid Esports Players
Here is a simple table showing some of the highest-paid esports players.
| Player Name | Game | Total Earnings | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Johan “N0tail” Sundstein | Dota 2 | $7,000,000+ | |
| Kenny “kennyS” Schrub | CS2 | $1,800,000+ | |
| Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok | League of Legends | $1,200,000+ | |
| Kyle “Bugha” Giersdorf | Fortnite | $3,200,000+ | |
| Tai “Twitch” Dong | PUBG | $1,000,000+ |
Criteria for Determining the Best Esports Players
Skill level and performance in major tournaments play a big role in choosing the best esports player of all time. Esport pro players need quick reflexes, smart decisions, strong aim, or great teamwork, depending on their game.
Famous esports players usually win big titles like The International for Dota 2 or Worlds for League of Legends. Just like in rollover betting, where consistency and strategy are essential to meeting bonus requirements, top earning esports player spots often go to those with high winnings from prize money. Consistency matters too; the most famous esport players must keep up peak form over many years against tough rivals.
Many fans also look at the impact outside of gameplay, such as leadership, sportsmanship, and building communities. Some of the best-paid esports players hold records for MVP awards or have shaped how games are played today.
Final Thoughts on the Best Esports Players Of All Time
To wrap it up, the best esports players of all time have made a huge impact on the gaming world. Their skill, hard work, and big wins have helped esports grow into what it is today.
Players like Johan “N0tail” Sundstein and Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok set the standard for others to follow, while stars like Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev and Kyle “Bugha” Giersdorf brought more eyes to games like CS2 and Fortnite.
FAQs about the Best Esports Players
Who are the best esports players of all time?
The best esports players of all time include skilled competitors such as Lee Sang-hyeok, known for his League of Legends mastery, and Oleksandr Kostyliev, a top Counter-Strike 2 player. These esports famous players have won world championships and set records.
What makes someone one of the esports best players?
Esports best players show strong game sense, fast reactions, and teamwork. They win major tournaments and often lead their teams to victory on big stages.
How do experts decide who are the most famous esports players?
Experts look at tournament wins, overall earnings, fan following, and influence in gaming communities when choosing esports famous players.
Do the games played affect who becomes one of the best esport players of all time?
Yes, certain titles like Dota 2 or StarCraft II give rise to many legendary names among the best esports players of all time because these games have global events with high skill demands.
What is the impact of these top esports players on the gaming industry?
Top esports players have greatly impacted the gaming industry by popularizing esports as a career, setting high standards, and inspiring millions of fans and aspiring players worldwide.