These are the top wealthiest Russian esports players

Luke Warr Published May 8, 2022

Russia is the third highest-earning country in esports, but who exactly are the wealthiest Russian esports players now?

In recent years, Russia has seen quite some growth in esports, both in terms of popularity and winnings. By 2023, players and teams from Russia had earned a total of over $14 million in prize money at tournaments, ranking it among the top three highest-earning countries in the world of esports. A quick look at the statistics shows that the majority of these winnings come from a single game title: Valve’s popular MOBA Dota 2.

Russia makes up 11.32% of Dota 2’s player base, ranking third globally in player representation. It’s no surprise then that the top five wealthiest Russian esports players all earned their wealth by playing Dota 2.

Yaroslav “Miposhka” Naidenov: $6 million

Team Spirit’s captain, Miposhka, tops the list with $46 million in earnings. As the captain and position five support for Team Spirit, he led the team to victory at The International 2021 and The International 2023, making them the second team in history to win the event multiple times.

His career began with Yellow Submarine in 2014, and he has since played over 1,100 professional matches, accumulating $6,013,102 in winnings and making him the wealthiest Russian esports player of all time.

Alexander “TORONTOTOKYO” Khertek: $4.49 million

Alexander “TORONTOTOKYO” Khertek is Russia’s second wealthiest esports player, with over $4.49 million in career earnings. He became popular as the mid laner for Team Spirit, leading them to an underdog victory at The International 2021, where he earned $3.64 million, accounting for approximately 81% of his total prize money won.

TORONTOTOKYO later shifted to a support role with BetBoom Team and before moving on to Aurora Gaming.

Magomed “Collapse” Khalilov: $5.7 million

Magomed “Collapse” Khalilov ranks as Russia’s third wealthiest esports player, amassing over $5.72 million in prize earnings over the course of his career. As Team Spirit’s offlaner, Collapse gained international recognition during The International 2021 thanks in large part to his crisp plays on Magnus.

His performance at the event not only secured a whopping $3.64 million share of the prize pool, but also boosted Magnus’ popularity and pick rate in the competitive Dota 2 scene. TI10 earnings alone constitute approximately 63.62% of Collapse’s total prize money as of 2025.

Roman “RAMZES666” Kushnarev: $2.2 million

Roman “RAMZES666” Kushnarev ranks as one of Russia’s wealthiest esports players, having earned over $2.2 million in winnings through a diverse playing career that has seen him represent teams spread all across the globe.

Many fans remember him primarily as Virtus.pro’s carry, thanks to his jaw-dropping performances during the team’s peak era between 2016 and 2019. That was the time when Virtus.pro secured five Major titles and multiple top-six finishes at The International. Notably, his performance at The International 2018 earned him $229,789.60, helping to earn him a spot on the list of the wealthiest Russian pro players in esports.

Aleksey “Solo” Berezin: $2.03 million

Aleksey “Solo” Berezin ranks as Russia’s fifth wealthiest esports player with over $2.03 million accumulated in career earnings. His most significant single-event earnings came in the form of a $229,789.60 prize share at The International 2018.

Solo was also named MVP at ESL One Hamburg 2017, earning a Mercedes-Benz for his performance, which also contributes to his total winnings. It’s one part of what makes Solo one of the wealthiest Russian esports players of all time.

Stepping back and looking at the list of the top wealthiest Russian esports players in the industry’s young history, one thing remains clear above all: Dota 2 has made many of its top pro players rich over the years.

Unfortunately for new and aspiring Dota 2 pro players, The International no longer pays out the astronomical figures that it once did through crowdfunding. But there’s still much to be had in Dota 2 and in other games, and so long as fans continue to watch, tournament organizers will continue to post big prize pools for which the top esports competitors will strive, in Russia and elsewhere.