The world of professional League of Legends is as competitive as it is global, and nothing highlights this more than the top earners in the game’s storied esports history. While LoL may not reach Dota 2’s towering prize pools, the game’s structure of year-round international play and sustained regional dominance allows elite players to accumulate wealth over time. Unsurprisingly, the top 10 highest-paid LoL professionals come almost exclusively from the LCK (Korea) and LPL (China), two regions that have shaped the game’s competitive identity through consistency, talent development, and strategic excellence.

Top 10 Highest-Earning League of Legends Players as of 2024

These rankings are based on recorded tournament prize money and reflect earnings up to the latest major events. Total figures can shift slightly as new events unfold and official earnings sources update.

🇰🇷 Faker (Lee Sang-hyeok) – $1,922,084.56
Universally regarded as the greatest League of Legends player of all time, Faker remains the only person to approach $2 million in prize money. His five World Championships (2013, 2015, 2016, 2023, 2024) and countless international podium finishes set him apart both in accolades and in earnings.
Esports Earnings profile • Esports Insider overview
🇰🇷 Ruler (Park Jae-hyuk) – $1,035,773.29
A Worlds champion in both 2017 and 2023 with Samsung Galaxy and JD Gaming respectively, Ruler’s consistency across seasons and organizations helped him cross the $1 million threshold.
Esports Earnings: LoL
🇰🇷 Duke (Lee Ho-seong) – $959,072.51
As SKT’s top laner during their 2016 World Championship run, Duke capitalized on deep international placements across several squads to build a near-million-dollar career.
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🇨🇳 JackeyLove (Yu Wenbo) – $926,556.68
The AD carry prodigy who lifted the 2018 World Championship with Invictus Gaming later continued strong performances with Top Esports, elevating his total earnings significantly.
Esports Earnings: LoL
🇰🇷 Bang (Bae Jun-sik) – $915,941.68
One-half of SKT T1’s legendary bot lane, Bang won back-to-back Worlds titles in 2015 and 2016. His continued participation at elite levels ensured his place among the highest earners.
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🇰🇷 Wolf (Lee Jae-wan) – $913,167.87
Famed for his synergy with Bang, the support player was pivotal to SKT’s global dominance. Sustained deep tournament runs through 2013–2017 placed Wolf among top prize recipients.
Esports Earnings: LoL
🇨🇳 Xiaohu (Li Yuanhao) – $850,114.07
One of LPL’s most seasoned veterans, Xiaohu boasts MSI titles and top placements with organizations like RNG and Weibo Gaming, steadily accumulating his earnings through steady performance.
Esports Earnings: LoL
🇰🇷 Bengi (Bae Seong-woong) – $810,882.84
A three-time Worlds winner with SKT (2013, 2015, 2016), Bengi’s early era dominance continues to resonate in his career prize total.
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🇰🇷 Peanut (Han Wang-ho) – $793,351.93
As one of the most dynamic junglers in LoL history, Peanut has played for several elite teams, combining regional titles and international performances to build a long and financially successful career.
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🇰🇷 CoreJJ (Jo Yong-in) – $782,465.36
From winning Worlds in 2017 with Samsung Galaxy to becoming an MVP in the LCS with Team Liquid, CoreJJ’s cross-regional excellence has earned him a top-10 spot.
Esports Earnings: LoL

What Explains LCK and LPL’s Dominance in Player Earnings?

Elite Competitive Infrastructure

The LCK and LPL maintain the deepest competitive ecosystems in League of Legends. In terms of player development, organizational backing, and fanbase, these regions consistently produce internationally competitive teams. The strength of their domestic leagues primes players for success at events like MSI and Worlds.

Consistent International Success

Major events such as the World Championship and Mid-Season Invitational account for the largest distributions of prize money. LPL and LCK teams are frequently found on the final weekend stage, resulting in repeat top-tier payouts that outpace Western counterparts.
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Longevity and Repeat Appearances

Several of the highest-paid players have careers spanning 8-10 years at the top, such as Faker, Ruler, and Xiaohu. Their ongoing presence at global events and seasonal leagues allows them to compound prize winnings with consistent high finishes.
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Prize Earnings vs. Total Player Income

It’s important to note: prize money reflects only a portion of a professional player’s income. Through the franchised league model, Riot Games ensures steady salaries, performance bonuses, and revenue sharing opportunities including exclusive in-game content (e.g., championship skins). For top-tier players, these earnings often exceed tournament prize winnings by a wide margin.
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Future Movers and Potential Break-Ins

Europe’s Top Earner: Caps

Rasmus “Caps” Winther remains just outside the top 10, establishing himself as Europe’s most successful player through multiple finals appearances with G2 Esports. Continued success could see him crack the million-dollar mark soon.
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Ongoing Updates After Major Tournaments

Because databases update with each international event, prize totals can fluctuate slightly. Active players who reach MSI or Worlds podiums each year can rise rapidly up the ranks.
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