Forbes has released its list of the top ten most valuable esports organizations of 2020, placing LA-based Team SoloMid at the top. Other popular esports companies like Cloud9, G2 Esports, and FaZe Clan make the list as well.
Forbes’ valuations are made based off of information gathered from esports organizations, their investors, advisors, and analysts. Multiple organizations make their first-ever appearances on this list, including Luminosity Gaming parent company Enthusiast Gaming.
TSM tops the list at $410 million, with an estimated revenue of $45 million, 50% of which comes from esports. The org sponsors teams in League of Legends, Fortnite, Apex Legends, and more, and hosts a number of popular content creators.
Cloud9 comes in second at $350 million, a 13% dip from last year. The company’s estimated revenue stands at $30 million, 70% from esports. Cloud9 hosts many popular teams in League of Legends, CS:GO, VALORANT, and more.
Team Liquid’s valuation comes in at $310 million, with an estimated revenue of $28 million, 89% from esports. Founded in 2000, Team Liquid sponsors successful teams in League of Legends, CS:GO, StarCraft II, and more.
FaZe Clan stands at fourth with a $305 million valuation and $40 million in estimated revenue. Alongside esports, FaZe has gained popularity in the gaming world with its lifestyle and apparel brands. The company also hosts an array of content creators, while still sponsoring teams competing in Call of Duty, CS:GO, VALORANT, and more.
100 Thieves comes in fifth, at a $190 million valuation. Similar to FaZe, 100 Thieves has a big lifestyle apparel brand popular within the gaming and streaming communities. While competing in Call of Duty, League of Legends, Fortnite, and VALORANT, 100 Thieves also sponsors many popular streamers such as Valkyrae, Yassuo, and CouRage.
Making its first appearance on this list is Korean esports organization Gen.G, whose valuation comes in at $185 million. The company has an estimated revenue of $14 million, 75% coming from esports. The organization sponsors teams in League of Legends, NBA 2K, Overwatch, and more, while also hosting many streamers.
Enthusiast Gaming comes in a $180 million, with an estimated revenue of $95 million, only 6% of which comes from esports. The company also owns Call of Duty League and Overwatch League franchises Seattle Surge and Vancouver Titans. G2 Esports, NRG Esports, and T1 make up the final three, with $175 million, $155 million, and $150 million valuations, respectively.
While esports has struggled throughout 2020, many of these companies have earned recognition through streamers or other means outside of competitive gaming. With multiple organizations making their first appearances on this list, it will be interesting to see if new companies form to challenge them in the coming years.
