Millions of Dollars and Thumb Injuries: League of Legends Champion Series Is No Game Head of CLG Greg Kim and pro player Juan "Contractz" Garcia break down the astronomical numbers behind the League Champion Series.

By Dan Bova

CLG

At this point, we all know the huge numbers surrounding esports, but they bear repeating: In 2021, global viewership of pro tournaments topped 474 million and generated over $1 billion in revenue. Pro players in the United States alone earned a combined estimated $169 million.

It is for these reasons that I stopped telling my children to read books and now encourage them to play more video games.

It is also the reason I was so excited to speak with Greg Kim, who was recently named the head of CLG, which is one of the largest esports organizations in the world, and CLG pro League of Legends player Juan "Contractz" Garcia.

Related: How to Be Nice While You Kill Everyone Around You in Pro Gaming

CLG has won multiple championships throughout its history, including the League of Legends Champion Series (LCS) Summer 2015 Championship at Madison Square Garden, the LCS Spring 2016 Championship at Mandalay Bay, and the Halo 2016 World Championship in Hollywood, California. As the League of Legends Lock-In Tournament kicks off, I wanted to find out what it takes to become a champion in esports (more hours of training than you can imagine), where the industry is headed (lots more money), and if the smart bet is on CLG to take the title in 2022 (yes!)

Dan Bova

Entrepreneur Staff

VP of Special Projects

Dan Bova is the VP of Special Projects at Entrepreneur.com. He previously worked at Jimmy Kimmel Live, Maxim, and Spy magazine. His latest books for kids include This Day in History, Car and Driver's Trivia ZoneRoad & Track Crew's Big & Fast Cars, The Big Little Book of Awesome Stuff, and Wendell the Werewolf

Read his humor column This Should Be Fun if you want to feel better about yourself.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Business News

Here's the Exact Amount of Money You Need to Be Wealthy, According to a Charles Schwab Survey

Financial service giant Charles Schwab's annual Modern Wealth Survey reveals some eye-popping numbers.

Business News

Meta Invests Billions in World's Largest Eyewear Company After Ray-Ban Smart Glasses Success

The deal arrives one month after Meta debuted new Oakley Meta AI smart glasses in partnership with the eyewear company.

Money & Finance

Why Surcharging Is a Bad Move For Small Businesses — and What to Do Instead

Before you add credit card surcharges, learn what the big players know — and how to protect your business from costly mistakes.

Starting a Business

As Gen Z Embraces Physical Media, This Entrepreneur Launched a New CD Music Service: 'I'm Packaging All These Orders Nonstop'

Tired of the disconnection he felt when streaming songs and albums, 24-year-old Hunter White created a company that literally puts music back in the hands of passionate music lovers.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.