How Much Do CS2 Players Earn: Statistics by Skin.Club [2024]

Counter-Strike 2 has emerged as one of the premier esports titles, captivating audiences and creating a booming industry that attracts players from across the globe. Beyond the thrill of competition and the pursuit of victory, CS2 has become a lucrative profession for many players. This article delves into the various avenues through which professional CS2 players earn their income, showcasing the dynamic landscape of esports and the potential rewards for those at the top of their game.

How do pros make money?

Tournament Winnings

A major way CS2 players make money is through tournament winnings. CS2 has many tournaments happening all year, ranging from local events to big worldwide championships. These tournaments have huge prize money, often in millions of dollars. Players and teams earn a big part of their money by doing well in these tournaments.

Victory in these tournaments not only brings players substantial cash prizes but also enhances their reputation and popularity in the esports community. The potential for earning money and gaining fame serves as a strong motivation for players to practice and improve their CS2 skills.

One of the significant tournaments in 2023 was IEM Katowice, which took place from February 4th to 12th. It was a big deal for CS:GO players, offering a chance to win a portion of the massive $1 million prize fund. The winner, G2 Esports, secured a hefty sum of $400,000. It’s worth noting that this tournament took place before the release of CS2, and with the upcoming launch of CS2, we anticipate even larger prize sums in future tournaments.

This kind of tournament is a gold mine for players. If they perform well and win, they get a big chunk of that prize money. G2 Esports, by clinching the victory, not only won a substantial amount but also gained a lot of respect and recognition in the gaming community. Such triumphs fuel players’ motivation to train hard and compete for these appealing opportunities.

CS2 player Earnings with Livestreams and Brand advertising

Let’s talk about playing games live and teaming up with companies — two different but related things that really matter for a player’s online image. The more people know a player, the more chances they have to make money through online stuff.

Sometimes, companies ask players to work together. Players can become ambassadors for these companies, or they can do small things, like giving away free stuff.

Because of places like Twitch, players can show off their gaming skills to lots of people online and even make money. Some CS2 players like to play games live so they can talk to their fans. When they do this, they can earn money from ads, donations from people who like them, support from companies, and by selling their own stuff related to their games.

One well-known CS2 pro player who streams is “s1mple,” a highly skilled player from Natus Vincere (Na’Vi). He frequently streams his gameplay on platforms like Twitch, where fans can watch and learn from his impressive skills and strategies. S1mple’s Twitch channel boasts an impressive following of 3.5 million fans. Furthermore, he collaborates with various brands, as evidenced by the advertisements featured in his profile information, showcasing partnerships and sponsorships that enhance his streaming experience.

Players can also get cool things for free, like new gadgets. All they have to do is share about them on their social media. And sometimes, companies give players special things in the game or make the game stuff cheaper for them. This is a great deal for both the players and the companies — they both get something nice!

Tier 1 CS2 players salary and tier 2-3 CS2 players salary

Aside from tournament winnings, players receive a fixed salary and additional benefits from their respective teams. These agreements encompass a range of provisions, such as a consistent monthly or yearly payment, covered travel and accommodation, provision of necessary equipment, and even supplementary rewards for exceptional performance. These arrangements provide stability for players, allowing them to focus on playing and continuous improvement over an extended period.

Professional CS2 players’ salary is different depending on the team and where they are. The really skilled players, usually in the top teams (Tier 1), compete in big tournaments and get paid a lot every month — between $5,000 to $50,000. They get the best equipment and spend a lot of time every day practicing to get even better.

But if a player is not in one of the best teams (Tier 2-3), they might not be as good and won’t earn as much. They compete in smaller tournaments and receive less sponsorship and support from the organizations managing their teams. Their monthly pay can range from $1,000 to $8,000, depending on their team’s success in tournaments.

It’s important to understand that these earnings are not accessible to all CS2 players. To get a substantial salary, players must excel at the game and exert a significant amount of effort. This implies extensive practice, participation in numerous tournaments, and at times, making sacrifices in their personal lives to pursue their passion for the game. Perhaps, the story of a Na’Vi team could inspire anyone looking to kickstart their career in esports.

Stickers in CS2: Unlocking Revenue for Players

For CS:GO’s big 10th birthday bash, the game’s developers had some exciting news. They revealed that all the CS2 esports organizations and players together made a whopping $70 million in one year. This special year included two major tournaments: one in Stockholm and another in Antwerp. The teams in Sweden got special capsules for the top 16, while in Belgium, all 24 teams got them. When we do the math, it means each team earned roughly $1.5-1.75 million from stickers during these major events.

We don’t have exact info on which stickers were the most popular, so let’s imagine that autographs and team stickers sold about the same. With this idea, a player could make around $150-175 thousand from stickers in one major. Remember, these are just rough guesses.

A neat thing to note is that players’ stickers first appeared during EMS Katowice and were a part of 18 out of 19 major events. This meant players like Dupree, who played in all the majors, got some extra money from stickers in 18 events. At the start, it was a small extra bonus, but over time, it became a big part of what they earned.

CS2 players’ Earnings Unveiled

In the world of CS2, players have multiple income streams, including tournament winnings, streaming, advertising, and stickers. Major tournaments like IEM Katowice offer substantial prize money, boosting player earnings significantly. Player income varies based on skill, team tier, and tournament success. Stickers, especially autograph ones, contribute notably to player earnings during major events. As the esports industry continues to grow, CS2 presents promising financial opportunities for skilled and dedicated players, making it an exciting realm for aspiring professionals.