Explore Big Daddy is no longer just for kids and teens. Today, anyone can turn their passion for gaming into a real-life career, with many players earning substantial paychecks by competing in gaming tournaments or streaming their gameplay. The eSports (electronic sports) industry is booming, with superstar gamers like Tyler Blevins, better known as Ninja, making millions of dollars from their skills and popularity. And despite the perception that gamers spend all day sitting in front of their consoles, even mere gaming mortals can earn money from playing video games and game apps on their phones with some simple strategies.

Getting involved in eSports tournaments can be a lucrative way to make money, with prize pools for popular titles reaching million-dollar amounts. Tournaments are usually held online or at physical arenas, and participants can start out by participating in smaller tournaments before advancing to larger events. Some platforms like Skillz offer cash prizes to competitors, while others allow gamers to practice their skills with free tournaments before attempting to win real-life money.

Daily and Weekly Tournaments That Pay Real Cash

There are five primary ways that professional gamers earn money: prize money, salaries, sponsorships, live-streaming and video-on-demand content. Traditionally, many of these players relied on prize money for their livelihoods, but when major eSports tournaments began to feature competitive salaries, it helped change the culture and made it easier for players to focus on competing rather than worrying about meeting financial obligations.

For the average player, though, it’s not likely that they’ll be able to snag the $35,000 payout that a champion in a popular eSports tournament would receive. But with a little patience and strategy, gamers can find a wide range of opportunities to play for money in the gaming world.