Top Earning Players in the LEC: A Look at Salary Disparities in 2025

Top Earning Players in the LEC: A Look at Salary Disparities in 2025

20. January 2025 by Valentin Pasetti

League of Legends’ European Championship (LEC) continues to be a battleground not just for esports glory, but also for substantial paychecks. As we enter the winter 2025 split, a new report has uncovered surprising figures about the highest-paid players, revealing how salaries vary significantly depending on player roles.

This insight into player compensation offers a rare look at how financial power plays out within the top tier of European League of Legends esports.

Salary Breakdown: Key Insights

As of January 2025, players in the LEC can expect an average salary of around €240,000 for the winter split. However, there’s more to the numbers than just an average. Significant differences exist between players based on their role, with some seeing their paydays significantly outpacing others.

LEC

The Role of Midlane in LEC Salaries

Unsurprisingly, midlaners dominate the salary charts in the LEC, with prominent players like Rasmus “Caps” Winther sitting at the top of the list. Midlane is widely regarded as one of the most influential roles in the game, and these players often receive compensation reflective of their high visibility and crucial position in team dynamics.

Their responsibilities not only involve high mechanical skill but also leadership and strategic planning, making them highly valuable assets to their teams.

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Support: The Least Lucrative Role

On the flip side, the support role continues to suffer from a significant salary gap, with these players earning considerably less than their midlane counterparts. Despite being indispensable to the team’s success, supports often fly under the radar.

Their tasks—ranging from vision control to initiating team fights—are crucial for a team’s strategic setup but are often overshadowed by the flashy performances of carry roles like midlaners and ADCs.

Key Trends in LEC Player Salaries

Several other noteworthy financial trends were observed in the report:

  • Performance Bonuses: A large portion of player earnings is made up of bonuses tied to trophies, rankings, and media appearances. These incentives push players to perform at their best, and success in major events can lead to significant increases in their overall income.
  • Top Spending Teams: G2 Esports, Fnatic, and Movistar KOI are the major spenders in the LEC, investing heavily in their rosters to compete at the highest level. In contrast, organizations like SK Gaming and Team Heretics have scaled back on financial commitments for the upcoming season.
  • Tax Impact: Salaries reported in the financial breakdown are gross figures, meaning players take home less after taxes. In countries like Germany, the net salary after tax deductions can be as low as 53% of the reported gross salary, impacting the overall take-home earnings for top players.

lec salaries

The Balance Between Star Power and Team Roles

The financial imbalance between different roles highlights a larger trend in esports: star power often dictates compensation.

Players in positions with higher visibility and game-changing potential—like midlaners—are able to command larger salaries, while those in more foundational, albeit less visible, roles like supports or junglers often earn less despite their crucial impact on the team’s success.

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Conclusion

The salary landscape in the LEC paints a clear picture of how roles and visibility impact compensation. While midlaners continue to rake in the biggest paychecks, support players remain underpaid despite their essential contributions to team success.

As the league continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these financial trends shift, especially as team strategies and role recognition grow in importance.

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