Top 10 Highest-Earning Esports Players Under 18

The world of esports has created a new generation of young millionaires. These prodigies didn’t just play games—they dominated them, earning massive prize money before even turning 18. Here’s a look at the highest-earning esports players who made it big while still in their teens.

Meet the Highest-Earning Esports Players under 18 who made millions before adulthood. Explore how teen gamers like Bugha, Aqua, and SumaiL rose to global fame through competitive gaming.

1. Bugha (Kyle Giersdorf) 🇺🇸

Game: Fortnite
Total Earned Before 18: $3,201,511.72
Overall Earnings: $3,777,425.05
% Earned Before 18: 84.75%
Earliest Prize: March 24, 2019
Notable: Won Fortnite World Cup 2019 and became one of the Highest-Earning Esports Players globally at a young age.

Kyle “Bugha” Giersdorf became an overnight sensation after winning the Fortnite World Cup Solo Championship in 2019, taking home a staggering $3 million at just 16 years old. By the time he turned 18, Bugha had amassed over $3.2 million in prize money, solidifying his place among the Highest-Earning Esports Players in history. His calm under pressure, strategic brilliance, and consistent performances on the world stage made him a globally recognized figure in competitive gaming.

2. SumaiL (Syed Sumail Hassan) 🇵🇰

Game: Dota 2
Total Earned Before 18: $2,401,531.54
Overall Earnings: $4,156,098.58
% Earned Before 18: 58.05%
Earliest Prize: January 6, 2015
Notable: Youngest to win over $1M in a single Dota 2 event (The International 2015).

SumaiL shocked the Dota 2 scene in 2015 when, at only 15 years old, he joined Evil Geniuses and helped them win The International—one of the biggest esports tournaments in history. By 18, he had earned over $2.4 million, securing his reputation as one of the most skilled and youngest champions in Dota 2 history. He is widely regarded as a pioneer among the highest-earning esports players from South Asia.

3. Aqua (David Wang) 🇦🇹

Game: Fortnite
Total Earned Before 18: $1,932,941.23
Overall Earnings: $2,197,375.23
% Earned Before 18: 87.97%
Earliest Prize: January 6, 2019
Notable: Won Fortnite World Cup Duos 2019 alongside Nyhrox.

Aqua, a talented Fortnite player from Austria, rose to prominence after clinching victory at the Fortnite World Cup Duos in 2019 alongside teammate Nyhrox. His impressive share of the prize pool earned him over $1.9 million before turning 18, placing him firmly among the Highest-Earning Esports Players in his age group. Known for his clutch performances and sharp strategic thinking, Aqua quickly established himself as one of the most respected young competitors in the Fortnite scene.

4. Nyhrox (Emil Bergquist Pedersen) 🇳🇴

Game: Fortnite
Total Earned Before 18: $1,540,495.69
Overall Earnings: $1,543,145.69
% Earned Before 18: 99.83%
Earliest Prize: November 2, 2018
Notable: Earned nearly all career prize money before 18; Fortnite World Cup Duos champ.

Emil “Nyhrox” Pedersen, hailing from Norway, was Aqua’s duo partner in the 2019 Fortnite World Cup, where the two clinched first place in the Duos competition. Nyhrox earned nearly all of his lifetime prize money—over $1.54 million—before the age of 18. His sharp communication and support play were instrumental to the duo’s success and his ranking among the highest-earning esports players under 18.

5. Wolfiez (Jaden Ashman) 🇬🇧

Game: Fortnite
Total Earned Before 18: $1,368,108.07
Overall Earnings: $1,368,108.07
% Earned Before 18: 100%
Earliest Prize: April 28, 2019
Notable: Top UK earner at Fortnite World Cup with full earnings before age 18.

Jaden “Wolfiez” Ashman shocked the esports world when he secured second place in the Fortnite World Cup Duos event, becoming one of the youngest competitive gaming stars from the UK. Earning over $1.3 million before the age of 18, Wolfiez ranks among the Highest-Earning Esports Players globally in his age group. His unexpected rise to success made him not only one of Britain’s most accomplished young athletes, but also an inspiration for aspiring gamers around the world.

6. EpikWhale (Shane Cotton) 🇺🇸

Game: Fortnite
Total Earned Before 18: $1,359,916.54
Overall Earnings: $1,851,487.32
% Earned Before 18: 73.45%
Earliest Prize: March 16, 2019
Notable: 3rd in Fortnite World Cup Solo with strong tournament record.

Shane “EpikWhale” Cotton made his name with a third-place finish in the Solo competition of the Fortnite World Cup. Before turning 18, he had earned over $1.35 million through consistent performances in tournaments. Known for his calm under pressure and polished mechanics, EpikWhale remains one of the most respected North American players in Fortnite history.

7. kinG (Thiago Batista Lapp) 🇦🇷

Game: Fortnite
Total Earned Before 18: $1,175,950.00
Overall Earnings: $1,223,425.00
% Earned Before 18: 96.12%
Earliest Prize: July 28, 2019
Notable: At just 13, stunned the world with aggressive plays at Fortnite World Cup.

At just 13 years old, Argentina’s kinG emerged as the youngest breakout star of the Fortnite World Cup in 2019. His fearless aggression and relentless energy captivated fans worldwide, helping him earn over $1.17 million before reaching adulthood. Ranked among the Highest-Earning Esports Players from Latin America, kinG became a role model for young gamers across the region and a powerful symbol of esports’ growing global influence.

8. Saf (Rocco Morales) 🇺🇸

Game: Fortnite
Total Earned Before 18: $1,098,922.23
Overall Earnings: $1,210,207.20
% Earned Before 18: 90.80%
Earliest Prize: February 14, 2018
Notable: Known for strategic consistency; strong Fortnite World Cup runs.

Rocco “Saf” Morales built his reputation as one of the most consistent and strategic Fortnite players in the scene. He earned over $1 million before reaching adulthood and was known for his ability to make strong tournament runs under pressure. His early earnings place him among the top-tier of the highest-earning esports players globally.

9. Elevate (Hayden Krueger) 🇺🇸

Game: Fortnite
Total Earned Before 18: $988,775.00
Overall Earnings: $994,373.20
% Earned Before 18: 99.44%
Earliest Prize: March 17, 2019
Notable: Dominated NA West tournaments before age 18.

Elevate built his reputation—and his fortune—through outstanding performances in major Fortnite tournaments, especially during the height of the World Cup era. With nearly $1 million in earnings before turning 18, he secured his place among the Highest-Earning Esports Players in North America. Known for his precise building mechanics and strong team coordination, Elevate left a lasting mark as one of the most impressive young talents in the competitive gaming scene.

10. TaySon (Tai Starčič) 🇸🇮

Game: Fortnite
Total Earned Before 18: $896,964.00
Overall Earnings: $1,242,020.74
% Earned Before 18: 72.22%
Earliest Prize: May 5, 2019
Notable: One of Europe’s most consistent Fortnite Solo performers.

TaySon, a Fortnite sensation from Slovenia, rose to prominence through multiple Solo tournament victories and consistent high placements across Europe. By the age of 18, he had already earned over $896,000, with more than 70% of his total esports income coming during his teen years. His sharp rotations and elite game sense earned him recognition as one of the Highest-Earning Esports Players from Europe and a rising star in the global competitive scene.

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FAQs about Highest-Earning Esports Players under 18:

1.Who is the highest-earning esports player under 18?

Bugha (Kyle Giersdorf) is the highest-earning, having earned over $3.2 million before turning 18 after winning the Fortnite World Cup 2019.

2.What game has produced the most top-earning under-18 players?

Fortnite dominates the list, producing most of the highest-earning esports players under 18, thanks to its massive prize pools.

3.Did all of these players become millionaires before adulthood?

Yes, nearly all the listed players became millionaires from esports before turning 18, especially through global tournaments like the Fortnite World Cup.

4.Are these young gamers still active in esports?

Many are still competing professionally or streaming, while some transitioned into content creation or coaching roles after their teenage years.

5.Can teenagers still earn millions in esports today?

Yes, with games like Fortnite, Valorant, and League of Legends, teens continue to break into the scene and earn big as young esports stars.