8 Gamers Who Became Millionaires Before They Even Turned 18 Years Old
They made their millions from 'Fortnite' and 'Dota 2'.
By Laila Zain — 13 Sep 2024, 12:36 PM
Online gaming site Clash.gg has announced the top individuals in esports who have earned the most money before turning 18.
Here are the results:
1. Kyle Giersdorf (Bugha)
Current age: 21
Earnings before 18: USD3,200,312 (RM13.8 million)
Game: Fortnite
Kyle "Bugha" Giersdorf made headlines when he won the Fortnite World Cup Solo Finals in 2019 at the age of 16, earning a jaw-dropping USD3 million (RM12.9 million). His total earnings before 18 surpassed USD3.2 million (RM13.8 million), making him the highest-earning U-18 esports player ever.
2. Sumail Hassan (SumaiL)
Current Age: 25
Earnings before 18: USD2,401,532 (RM10.3 million)
Game: Dota 2
Sumail burst onto the esports scene at just 15 years old, helping his team, Evil Geniuses, secure a victory at The International 2015, Dota 2's premier tournament. His impressive skills led him to become the youngest esports millionaire, with over USD2.4 million (RM10.3 million) in earnings before turning 18.
3. David Wang (Aqua)
Current age: 22
Earnings before 18: USD1,932,941 (RM8.3 million)
Game: Fortnite
At 16, David "Aqua" Wang and his teammate Nyhrox took home the top prize at the Fortnite World Cup Duo Finals in 2019, securing USD3 million (RM12.9 million). Aqua's share boosted his earnings to nearly USD2 million (RM8.6 million) by the time he turned 18.
4. Emil Bergquist Pedersen (Nyhrox)
Current age: 22
Earnings before 18: USD1,540,496 (RM6.6 million)
Game: Fortnite
Nyhrox's esports career soared after his Fortnite World Cup Duo victory alongside Aqua. By the time he was 18, his total prize earnings reached over USD1.5 million (RM6.6 million), solidifying his place among Fortnite's elite.
5. Jaden Ashman (Wolfiez)
Current age: 20
Earnings before 18: USD1,368,108 (RM5.9 million)
Game: Fortnite
Jaden "Wolfiez" Ashman made history at 15 when he placed second in the Fortnite World Cup Duo Finals in 2019, taking home over USD1 million. His runner-up finish helped him amass USD1.37 million (RM5.9 million) in total earnings before adulthood.
6. Shane Cotton (EpikWhale)
Current age: 22
Earnings before 18: USD1,359,917 (RM5.8 million)
Game: Fortnite
EpikWhale rose to fame after placing third in the Fortnite World Cup Solo Finals at age 16, earning USD1.2 million (RM5.1 million). His consistent performances led to nearly USD1.36 million (RM5.8 million) in earnings by the time he turned 18.
7. Thiago Bautista Lapp (k1nG)
Current age: 18
Earnings before 18: USD1,175,950 (RM5 million)
Game: Fortnite
At just 13 years old, Thiago "k1nG" Lapp wowed the esports world by finishing fifth in the Fortnite World Cup Solo Finals. His performance at such a young age pushed his total earnings past the USD1 million (RM4.3 million) mark.
8. Rocco Morales (Saf)
Current age: 22
Earnings before 18: USD1,098,922 (RM4.7 million)
Game: Fortnite
Saf cemented his place in Fortnite’s competitive scene with multiple high placements, including a fourth-place finish at the Fortnite World Cup Duo Finals in 2019. His consistent play helped him accumulate over USD1 million (RM4.3 million) before turning 18.
