FIFA 18: Some professional gamers are actually earning more than professional footballers

What's the story?

Here's a news item you never thought you would be reading. If you're a gaming enthusiast and an EA Sports FIFA one at that, there might be a bright future lying ahead in terms of monetary gain.

An I-gaming company by the name of Casumo has recently revealed a shocking statistic claiming that the top 10 professional gamers in the world are actually earning more money than many professional footballers around the world.

In fact, one gamer, Spencer "Gorilla" Ealing, has earned $250,000 in FIFA 17 tournament winnings over a one-year time period. On the other hand, Iain Hume of ISL club Kerala Blasters pockets an annual salary of $215,000!

In case you didn't know...

There has been a sudden boom in the gaming industry with the introduction of advertising deals for some of the best pro-gamers around and there is a healthy monetary benefit from the numerous tournaments being conducted all year long.

The heart of the matter

Casumo has calculated a rise of 850% in prize earnings for pro gamers since 2015 making this a lucrative industry to become a part of and have estimated how the earnings will further increase over the coming years.

The estimation clearly shows that, on an average, the top 10 gamers can earn more than pro footballers in the near future. An elite few in the gaming field might even earn amounts that would put Premier League players on notice.

It is of course very difficult for any amateur gamer to make this much money but nonetheless, it opens up an array of options for those looking to make a career out of what may be considered a hobby of some sort.

What's next?

If prize earnings continue to increase at the rate that they are, it could be a matter of time before gamers around the world put their footballing counterparts' bank accounts to shame.

Author's take

This is surely an astonishing piece of information but one that has been coming when you consider the sheer number of players in the gaming industry and the opportunities available in this day and age.