The most successful and valuable eSports teams and companies of recent years

ESports gaming is now considered a multi-billion-dollar industry with global reach. Leading this digital revolution are premier companies like TSM, 100 Thieves, and Team Liquid. Their success is a testament to eSports potential.

Competitive gaming has become mainstream, and the eSports industry has flourished in recent years. eople today not only play, but also create cybersport tournaments that are worth millions of dollars. Fans cheer for their favorite teams. Betting companies are also not staying on the sidelines. Betting on eSports tournaments is now becoming a norm. People are turning to platforms like bet365 revolut to wager on online gaming events.

Based on the infamous words of Lisa Su, "Gaming brings people together." In this guide, we'll examine eSports organizations that have become successful and amassed wealth on a global stage. Without further ado, let’s get to business!

The Most Valuable Esports teams

The list of top esports companies has shifted slightly in recent years, with many mainstays. Curious about the dominant teams in games like Counter-Strike and Dota 2? Let’s explore the earnings.

TSM

Coming first on our list is United States-based TSM. Based on a 2022 research by Forbes, TSM has an estimated value of 540 million dollars. This was a 32% increase from two years prior. TSM’s growth in value and revenue can be accredited to its $210 million naming rights agreement with the FTX crypto exchange.

Other things that have bolstered revenue include its Blitz app and the Dyno bot. Blitz was designed to train players to become pros in games such as League of Legends, Fortnite, and Free Fire. For users of Discord, the Dyno bot assists in moderating unwanted pings.

100 Thieves

Next on our list of valuable esports teams in the world is the premier lifestyle brand and gaming organization, 100 Thieves (abbreviated 100T). Founded in 2017, the brand has grown rapidly. In the space of five years, 100T hit a market valuation of $460 Million, one of the biggest for a business in the competitive video game industry.

From 2020 to 2022, the worth of 100 Thieves tripled. This defied the trend in eSports, where many companies haven’t lived up to expectations. Recently, 100T partnered with athletic apparel and footwear powerhouse Adidas to launch a collaborative collection. This will cause a further growth in revenue and attract esports enthusiasts.

Team Liquid

Team Liquid is a multi-regional organization that features pro gaming teams from Europe, North and South America, and Asia. Being one of the oldest in eSports, Team Liquid is a forerunner in modern eGaming. Currently, Team Liquid's value is 440 million dollars.

Fact: Operating in several regions has been beneficial to Team Liquid. 

The number of sub-teams playing across over 20 eSports divisions means they are one of the most watched organizations. The company also has a community initiative and a video content division.

Faze Clan

Faze Clan happens to be one of the most popular gaming organizations in the world. Their popularity has seen them break into mainstream culture, creating enormous brand value. According to Forbes, Faze Clan's worth is estimated to be $400 million, with a 31% growth in two years. 

In October 2023, FaZe Holdings was acquired by GameSquare in an all stock deal. GameSquare is listed on NASDAQ. With Faze now being run by a company with several subsidiaries, one can expect much growth in value.

Cloud9

Founded by a professional League of Legends team, Cloud9 has grown from its niche. Now, the organization participates in several tournaments. Valued at  $380 million, Cloud9 generates money from partnerships, sponsors, merchandise stores, donations, and tournament revenue. The company currently operates two franchised teams and non-franchised teams.

Another significant source of income is the Cloud9 YouTube channel. They earn money from advertisements, with estimated annual earnings ranging from $66.82 to $120.28 thousand. The organization is also functional on Twitch and Discord.

G2

G2 eSports is one of the most popular gaming organizations in Europe. Based out of Berlin, the company has amassed over 100 million hours in streams and viewership. The numbers have also reflected on the company's market value as it grew by 94% from 2020 to 2021.

Currently worth $340 million, G2 is home to legendary players, creators, and entertainers. To build on its success, The company is looking to expand globally. There are plans to set shop in the US and Asia.

Gen.G

Coming in seventh is one of the most valuable eSports teams that compete in Asia. Gen.G (Generation Gaming) is currently worth $250 million and generated over 70 million hours of streaming in 2023. These figures reflect future projections, putting the company amongst the most popular eSports teams operating out of South Korea.

Gen.G looks set to enter a period of rapid growth. The company has also expanded its operations to notable parts of the world. With offices in the US and Shanghai, China, Gen.G is going toe-to-toe with top eSports companies.

T1

Ranking eight on our most valuable teams in the world is T1. Known formerly as SK Telecom T1 (SKT T1), T1 is a South Korean squad taking over the world of eSports. Known for its League of Legends division, this club has consistently performed well in both the World Championship and League of Champions.

According to escharts.com, T1 generated 143.6 million hours watched in their esports matches and content creation through 2023. T1 plays in a variety of esports disciplines, but their League of Legends squad is the most popular and one of the most popular esports teams worldwide.

Methodology

American anthropologist and writer Zora Neale Hurston once said, "Research is formalized curiosity. It is poking and prying with a purpose." She wasn't wrong, and this is why iGaming expert Kate Richardson took the time to research and create the concise guide.