How to make money with League of Legends

Participating in online video game tournaments

Competing in one-on-one (1v1) video game tournaments offers a unique avenue for players to win money while showcasing their LOL skills.

Unlike the traditional team-based format seen in Esports contests, 1v1 matches focus solely on personal prowess, strategy, and in-depth knowledge. Understanding your opponent’s strengths, weaknesses, and optimal build paths are all crucial for success.

Regular participation in 1v1 practice matches can significantly sharpen reflexes, improve decision-making, and develop a deeper understanding of one-on-one combat mechanics. Additionally, staying informed about the current meta, including the most effective champions and item builds for solo duels, can provide a competitive edge.

Strategically, winning in 1v1 tournaments involves more than just mechanical skill; it requires psychological insight and adaptability. Each match is a mental game, where understanding and predicting the opponent’s moves becomes as important as executing your own strategy.

Successful players often study their opponents’ past matches and tendencies, if available, to gain insights into their playstyle and preferred champions.

In-game, adapting strategies based on the flow of the match is vital. For instance, knowing when to play aggressively, when to farm safely, or when to go for objectives like tower damage can be the difference between winning and losing. You’ll need to manage resources efficiently, such as health, mana, and cooldowns, to maintain an advantage over the opponent.

To start winning money in 1v1 League of Legends tournaments, players need to find and participate in reputable competitions offering cash prizes or other monetary rewards. These can range from online tournaments hosted on platforms like Battlefy or Toornament to local or regional esports events.

Building a reputation within the 1v1 community can lead to success in other ways of making money, such as attracting sponsorships or invitations to higher-stakes tournaments with larger prize pools. Equally, streaming or creating content around your tournament experiences can open additional revenue streams, such as viewer donations, ad revenue, and sponsorships.

Betting on LOL esports matches

Betting on esports contests is a rapidly growing facet of the online betting industry, offering fans another option for engaging more deeply with their favorite games and tournaments.

The process of betting begins with understanding the basics of esports and the specific games that are popular, such as League of Legends, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Dota 2, and Overwatch.

Each game has its unique set of rules, player dynamics, and strategies that can affect the outcome of matches. Before placing bets, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with these aspects, as well as the current teams, players, and their recent performance history. This knowledge is crucial for making informed bets.

The next step is to choose a reputable and legally compliant betting site that caters to bettors from your region. Look for sportsbooks and bookmakers that are licensed and regulated to ensure security and fair play. The review I carried out of Bet365 demonstrated why they’re classified as one of the leading platforms. They offer various betting options, including match winner, overall tournament winner, and more specific in-game events alongside several other types of esports betting markets. 

Becoming a professional Esports team player

Embarking on a professional esports career in League of Legends is a journey that combines talent, dedication, and strategic planning. Aspiring professional players often start by honing their skills in the game, aiming to reach high ranks in the LoL ranked ladder, which serves as a fundamental proving ground.

Players interested in pursuing an esports-based career can take several steps that will help their visibility:

• Participation in online tournaments and local leagues can provide valuable competitive experience and visibility.
• Building a personal brand through social media and streaming platforms like Twitch or YouTube also plays a crucial role in attracting attention from professional teams.
• Networking within the community, seeking mentorship from experienced players, and staying abreast of the evolving meta-game are crucial steps.
• Joining amateur or semi-professional teams can provide practical experience in a team environment, which is essential for making the leap to professional play.

The path to becoming a pro player in LoL is arduous and requires not only gaming prowess but also mental resilience, adaptability, and a strong work ethic.

Selling upgraded game accounts

Making money by upgrading your account level in League of Legends (LoL) is an unconventional method and typically not a direct source of income. However, there are indirect ways that a higher account level can potentially lead to monetary benefits.

Primarily, in LoL, account level signifies the amount of time and effort a player has invested in the game. Higher-level accounts often have access to a wider array of champions, runes, and in-game features, which can be advantageous in competitive play.

For players looking to monetize their LoL experience, a well-developed account can be a stepping stone. It can lead to improved performance in ranked matches, which is essential for a player aspiring to enter the realms of streaming, content creation, or professional gaming.

An account with a high level and an impressive ranked status can attract viewers on streaming platforms like Twitch or YouTube, where revenue can be generated through ads, sponsorships, and fan donations.

Additionally, for players interested in coaching or mentoring, a high-level account can serve as a testament to their game knowledge and skill, thereby attracting potential students.

Anyone taking this route should note that directly selling or monetizing an upgraded LoL account is against Riot Games’ terms of service and can result in account penalties, including bans.

Using skills for Eloboosting

Elo boosting, in the context of League of Legends (LoL), refers to a practice where a skilled player (the booster) logs into another player’s account (the boostee) to play ranked games with the intention of artificially increasing the boostee’s rank or elo (a term originally used to describe a player’s skill level in chess, but now commonly used in various competitive gaming contexts).

Through superior gameplay, the booster wins matches, thereby increasing the account’s rank.

Elo boosting is typically a paid service. The boostee pays the booster or a game-boosting service company for the improvement in rank.

Boosting is controversial due to issues around fairness. It’s generally frowned upon in the gaming community and is considered unfair and unethical. It undermines the integrity of the competitive ranking system, as it places players in ranks that do not accurately reflect their skill level.

Engaging in elo boosting is against the terms of service of League of Legends. Riot Games, the developer of LoL, penalizes players who participate in boosting, both boosters and boostees, with punishments ranging from temporary bans to permanent account suspension.

Streaming a personal game on Twitch.tv

Streaming and content creation offer readily accessible pathways to monetize League of Legends gameplay.

Platforms like Twitch and YouTube have become hotbeds for gamers to broadcast their gameplay, share insights, and entertain a global audience. Successful streamers and content creators generate income through advertising, subscriptions, donations, and brand partnerships.

This monetization approach rewards gaming skills, creativity, personality, and the ability to engage and grow a community of followers. As a content creator, the potential to earn is closely tied to one’s ability to consistently produce compelling, high-quality content that resonates with the LoL community.

Creating and maintaining a channel on YouTube.com with game guides and training videos

Creating and maintaining a YouTube channel focused on League of Legends game guides and training videos offers a viable avenue for monetizing gaming expertise.

The initial step involves creating content that caters to a wide range of LoL players, from beginners seeking basic guidance to advanced players looking to refine their skills. This content can include comprehensive game guides, champion-specific tutorials, strategic advice for different game phases, and analysis of professional matches.

High-quality, engaging, and regularly updated content is key to building and retaining a dedicated viewer base. Utilizing SEO strategies by incorporating relevant keywords in video titles, descriptions, and tags can enhance visibility on YouTube.

Additionally, integrating interactive elements like live gameplay, Q&A sessions, and community challenges can foster viewer engagement.

As your channel grows, so does the potential for monetization through YouTube’s Partner Program, which allows you to earn revenue through ads displayed on your videos.

Beyond the ad revenue generated by a successful streaming account, there are several other ways to monetize a League of Legends YouTube channel.

Affiliate marketing is one such method, where you can earn commissions by promoting gaming-related products or services. This could include linking to gaming gear, LoL merchandise, or software tools in your video descriptions.

Sponsorships from gaming brands or companies are another lucrative opportunity, although they typically require a substantial and engaged subscriber base. Creating and selling channel merchandise, such as branded apparel or accessories, can also generate additional income.

Over time, a well-trafficked channel can evolve into a personal brand, opening doors to collaborations with other content creators, invitations to gaming events, and even opportunities in esports commentary or analysis.

Offering professional coaching, mentoring and tutoring services

For those with a deep understanding of the game, coaching and mentoring other players is a rewarding and profitable avenue.

Whether working with beginners or advanced players, coaches can offer personalized training sessions, strategic advice, and gameplay analysis.

Creating and selling game items

Creating and selling items gained in League of Legends for real money is a practice that goes against Riot Games’ Terms of Service. Items such as skins, champions, and other in-game assets are the intellectual property of Riot Games, and the company strictly prohibits their sale or trade outside of their official in-game or store channels.

Hence, engaging in such activities not only risks legal repercussions but also can result in the permanent banning of accounts involved in these transactions.

On other levels, selling in-game items can undermine the game’s integrity and fairness, and often exposes sellers and buyers to potential scams and security risks.

That said, there are several platforms dedicated to marketing in-game items. Playerauctions.com is an example of a well-known auction-based site where you can trade LOL skins.

Use your skills as a LOL content writer

To make money as a content writer focusing on League of Legends, you’ll need to demonstrate high-quality writing skills and deep knowledge of the game, especially if covering the professional esports scene.

Starting as a freelancer on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, writers often begin with lower-paying jobs to build a portfolio. Fluency in English, either as a native speaker or at a near-native level, is crucial.

Specializing in a specific niche like LoL esports requires showing familiarity and expertise in that area.

Payment for content writing is typically based on word count, with an initial rate of around $15 per 1000 words being common. As experience and portfolio quality grow, writers can command higher rates.

Overall, the income can be steady and potentially substantial, depending on the volume of writing and the pay rate. For instance, writing ten 1000-word articles a week at $20 each can yield about $800 per month, with opportunities for higher earnings as one’s reputation for quality and professionalism grows.

One major consideration with content writing is the recent growth of AI, where AI tools can now create written material on a par with the best human writers. It’s likely that opportunities to make cash from content writing will reduce significantly.

What’s the best way to make money playing LOL?

Readers of realmoney.games will know I’m keen on real money tournaments as the best way to win cash online, so it’ll be no surprise that for skilled League of Legends players, the recommended way of making money from the game is by competing in head-to-head Player versus Player contests.

Clearly, for players that can progress to the higher competition levels, there are avenues for unlocking immense earnings potential both through prizes and professional esports careers. Top-tier global events like the LoL World Championships offer multimillion-dollar payouts for those able to claim victory on the international stage. Even local amateur tournaments provide four-figure rewards for tournament winners.

The great news is there are significant additional benefits to tournaments over and above the cash prizes you might win. Indeed, the true value lies in gaining exposure and credibility with each rung climbed on the competitive ladder.

Sustained tournament success earns invites to join elite esports organizations with salaries, health benefits, and equipment sponsorships superior to many traditional occupations. Fan followings accumulated from streams and viral highlights enable lucrative branded influencer deals. Sharpening one’s skills against the world’s best builds game knowledge instrumental in pivoting into coaching or analyst roles long-term.

In summary, LoL’s robust tournament ecosystem enables skilled competitors to transform passion into full-time, financially stable gaming careers. Consistently excelling in PvP events generates income through both prize earnings and access to associated opportunities like sponsorships, team contracts, and personal branding deals.

For anyone choosing play over college, university, or corporate life, LoL’s infrastructure uniquely bridges modern enthusiasm for gaming with traditional concepts of professional development and success.

Do you have to pay tax on money you make from LOL?

Most ways of earning cash from LOL will involve some tax considerations.

When earning money as a League of Legends streamer or content creator, tax regulations will vary by country.

In the USA, streamers are categorized as self-employed, subject to a tax rate of 15.3%. In the European Union, the self-employed tax rate is income-dependent, ranging from 14% to 45%. For successful individuals, a significant portion of income may be taxed.

One strategy to potentially reduce tax liability, regardless of location, is to establish a business company and pay yourself a regular wage.

Tax payment schedules differ by country, with some requiring quarterly payments and others annually. Any player earning money from the game should familiarize themselves with local tax rules to avoid legal issues and penalties. In short, tax management is a key aspect of monetizing your League of Legends gameplay effectively.

How much money can you make from the different LOL money-making methods?

The amount of cash you can make varies wildly depending on the method used. The webpage at Runetarium does a good job with some illustrative tables that break down the cash amounts you could typically realize. But here’s a list that’ll give you some rough ideas:

• Playing online video game tournaments – From a few dollars up to hundreds of dollars.
• Betting on LOL esports matches – Most bookies have winnings limits of $100k upwards.
• Becoming a professional Esports team player – Potential earnings of millions of dollars.
• Selling upgraded game accounts – Tens to hundreds of dollars.
• Using skills for Eloboosting – As a paid career, this could give earnings of up to $100k per year.
• Streaming a personal game on Twitch.tv – tens to hundreds of dollars.
• Creating and maintaining a channel on YouTube.com with game guides and training videos – tens to hundreds of dollars.
• Offering professional coaching, mentoring and tutoring services – thousands of dollars per month.
• Creating and selling game items – From $5 up to hundreds.
• Writing LOL content – Potentially around $20 per article.

Summary

The ten main ways to make money from LOL preset a diverse range of opportunities. If you study them, you’ll see there is some crossover between several methods. Earning money encompasses several lucrative avenues aligned with the game’s vast appeal in esports and online entertainment.

At its competitive core, PvP tournaments stand as a prime source of income, offering players not only significant prize money but also avenues for sponsorships and opportunities to join professional esports teams. This path requires exceptional gaming skills and strategic gameplay, with success potentially leading to substantial financial rewards.

The realm of digital content creation presents a flourishing opportunity for monetizing LoL expertise. Platforms like Twitch and YouTube are fertile grounds for players who can engage audiences with compelling content, including live game streaming, strategic guides, and analytical commentary.

Successful content creators benefit from diverse revenue streams such as ad revenue, subscriber fees, and brand sponsorships, contingent on their ability to maintain an active and engaged viewer base.

Beyond gaming and streaming, writing about LoL offers a profitable path for those skilled in crafting engaging articles and in-depth game analyses.

Regardless of the chosen path – competitive gaming, streaming, or content writing – individuals must navigate the tax implications of their earnings, adhering to the varying tax laws specific to their regions.

The key to turning LoL into a revenue stream lies in leveraging one’s skills and passion for the game, combined with a strategic approach to tapping into its expansive fan base and opportunities.