Spectators at the final of League of Legends national championship on April 18, 2021. (Photo courtesy of Vietnam Championship Series)

Esports Earnings compiled the figures of prize money won based on information published on the internet. Sources included news articles, forum posts, live report threads, interviews, official statements and reliable databases, the site said.

It calculated that domestically and internationally, 1,044 Vietnamese pro esports players have earned a total of $4,754,653.

Leading the world in esports earnings is the U.S. with $165,620,229, followed by China ($127,797,066) and South Korea ($100,168,772).

In 2020, Vietnam earned $1,102,534 with 453 active players, despite missing out on several international tournaments due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Four months into 2021, Vietnamese players have earned $139,167, mainly from domestic tournaments.

Esports has grown significantly in the country over the last decade. In Vietnam, esports teams have garnered large fan bases and won accolades on the international stage.

As the host of this year’s SEA Games 31, Vietnam has decided to include six esports games in the event.