The final kill registers, the screen flashes, confetti rains from the rafters, and the crowd erupts in excitement… Five champions raise their trophy high, a moment that cements their CS2 glory while also boosting their bank account balances.
Yet, for those watching these tournaments, or wondering how CS2 teams earn money beyond the prize winnings, there’s a deeper story to tell. And, in this article, we’ll go through it all, breaking down the business model behind leading CS2 orgs like FaZe Clan, G2, and NAVI.
Prize Money
Prize money is the most visible form of revenue.
Consider PGL Major Stockholm 2021, which boasted a $2 million prize pool, or the $250,000 at the first Major back in 2013. You’ll see just how far the pro scene has come.
But there’s a drawback. Prize money is fantastic when it happens, but it’s inconsistent. The money is usually split heavily in favor of the players, with organizations taking a smaller cut.
And, for every winner, a dozen other teams are going home with just enough to cover their flights.
Sponsorships
Sponsorships are one of the most stable and reliable sources of income for any serious esports team.
Every logo, from energy drinks like Red Bull to hardware from Logitech or Alienware, represents a lucrative partnership, with brands buying access to one of the most engaged and digitally native audiences on the planet.
A deal can involve jersey branding, social media campaigns, exclusive product placements, or even entire tournaments. For example, the Vitality CS2 superteam is sponsored by ASUS ROG, GG.BET, and Philips Evnia, highlighting just how evolved these partnerships have become.
The reasoning is that when Vitality, or any other big team, signs a multi-year, multi-million-dollar deal, it’s because a sponsor knows that team brand credit leads to sales.
This amount of cash pays the salaries, funds the training facilities, and keeps the whole operation running.
Stickers
Stickers are a unique part of the CS2 economy, and every time a Major rolls around, the game’s publisher Valve releases digital stickers for each participating team and player. Fans then buy these sticker capsules in-game to decorate their weapons, showing support for their heroes.
But the genius part? The teams get a big cut, with Valve splitting the revenue from these sticker sales 50/50 with the players and organizations. For a popular team, this can translate into millions of dollars, as fans purchase rewards based on popularity and performance, which in turn attracts more fans to the team.
Media Rights
Still picturing basic t-shirts? Not anymore, the merchandise has evolved into high-end streetwear collaborations that sell out in minutes. Organizations like FaZe Clan have even blurred the lines between an esports team and a culture-defining label.
Every hoodie, hat, and mousepad sold generates high-margin revenue, but their media presence helps build the brand.
Content Creation: Star players are often massive streamers, generating revenue from Twitch subscriptions, donations, and advertisements. Organizations also run their own YouTube channels, producing high-quality content that attracts viewers and ad revenue.
Media Rights: While not as centralized as in traditional sports, tournament organizers sell exclusive broadcasting rights to platforms like Twitch and YouTube for huge sums.
Live Events: When the IEM Katowice or a BLAST Premier Final happens, ticket sales generate millions. Teams can receive a share of the revenue, too.
Team Expenses
Running a top-tier CS2 team can be costly:
Star players require salaries that can exceed $10,000 per month.
Support staff, including coaches, analysts, managers, and content creators, all require compensation.
A global circuit means constant flights, hotels, and logistics.
High-end gaming houses or training centers are the standard.
Marketing and content production build the brand, which costs money.
For many organizations, revenue streams are impressive, but the expenses are equally substantial. This is why a strong brand and diverse income sources are essential.
Becoming a Pro Player
A casual player must overcome tremendous challenges to become a pro player. yet talent, alongside dedicated practice, lays the foundation for achieving professional status.
Do you want to start playing at an advanced level? You can bypass the time-consuming grind by purchasing a CS2 account for sale, which expedites the early rank progression. Forget struggling and start playing at the rank you deserve today!
