Esports in Australia: Competitive gaming becomes a lucrative career

Competitive gaming is evolving from a casual hobby into a professional career path for many Australians. While some, like host Melanie Bracewell, participate at high levels in games like Teamfight Tactics, others have achieved significant financial success through professional play.

Melburnian Dota 2 player Anathan “ana” Pham is a notable example, having reportedly earned approximately $8.33 million before retiring at age 21. Darren Kwan, founding president of Esports Australia, notes that the industry now mirrors traditional sports with established rules, referees, and codes of conduct. The global esports audience is estimated at 300 million people, with viewership levels rivaling major traditional sporting events.