Astralis CSGO stars hit historical money marker
Three of the founding members of Astralis have cleared a long-standing Counter-Strike hurdle.
According to Esportsearnings.com, Andreas "Xyp9x" Højsleth, Nicolai "device" Reedtz, and Peter "dupreeh" Rasmussen have become the first players in Counter-Strike history to earn over $1 million in prize winnings. The threshold was passed at the Esports Championship Series Season 6 finals.
Astralis’ 2018 has been one of the most successful years in the game’s history. After opening with a poor showing at the 2018 ELEAGUE Major, the team rallied and has taken first place in a whopping eight tournaments thus far, including the 2018 FACEIT Major London, ESL Pro League Season 7, and ECS seasons 5 and 6.
That success has ballooned the organization’s total winnings to $4.5 million, and put its players at the top of the all-time earnings hierarchy. Long trailing behind the ex-SK Gaming squad in historical winnings, Astralis’ 2018 has seen its three remaining founders top the leaderboard, with Xyp9x leading with $1,038,721.90.
Not counting Dota 2 competitors, Astralis’ core are the highest paid players in esports behind League of Legends star Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok.
The trio have a substantial lead over the rest of the pack. Brazilian rivals Epitacio "TACO" de Melo, Marcelo "coldzera" David, and fellow Astralis member Lukas “gla1ve” Rossander are all currently sitting between $850,000 and $875,000.
While the players have been undeniably successful, these numbers are not exact. Organizations often take a cut of players’ winnings, and pros also receive money from contract salaries, streaming revenues, and sponsorships.
Regardless, Astralis show no signs of contentment with what they’ve raked in thus far. With how hot the team has looked this year, don’t be surprised if their lead grows further.
Highest earning esports players in Dota 2, Fortnite, League, CSGO
America passes Sweden in total prize money won in CSGO
CSGO legend pashaBiceps joins AGO on trial in comeback bid
Bugha makes top 10 esports earners list after Fortnite World Cup win
Team Liquid players break into top 25 money earners in CSGO history
Ucal joins Afreeca Freecs as new mid laner
Astralis, s1mple, Ninja among Esports Awards winners
Bang and Huhi complete 100 Thieves roster
CoreJJ brings world championship experience to Team Liquid
Astralis defeat MIBR in tight ECS final
GorillA and sOAZ headline new Misfits roster
N0tail goes from TI champ to Forbes 30 Under 30
Top fighting games pro dropped for domestic violence
Gen.G loses most of its roster in big shake-up
Latest Overwatch patch nerfs Brigitte and Doomfist
Jensen leaves Cloud9 for Team Liquid in transfer shock
TI champion steps back from competition
TSM brings in a new coach for 2019
Three more players coming to Florida Mayhem