WIRED Staff
Culture

Slideshow: Play FarCry, Earn $300K

Gamers stuck in the United States have had little chance of going pro. Until now. By Bruce Gain.
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Onlookers watch as Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne finalists duke it out during the Electronic Sports World Cup held earlier this year. Professional gamers on the pro circuit travel around the world for a shot at over $2 million in prize money over the course of a year.Photo: Bruce Gain

See related story: Play FarCry, Earn $300K

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According to technology and industry department of the Samsung Economic Research Institute, there are 240 professional gamers, some of whom earn several hundred thousands dollars a year. South-Korea's Lunatic-Hai is considered one of the world's most formidable Counter-Strike teams. The team holds online training sessions six to seven hours a day, six days a week, said 20-something team manager Beun-Joon Cho, who said he has "retired" as a player to study economics at Pennsylvania State University.Photo: Bruce Gain

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Craig Levine, 23, owner and manager of Team 3D, estimates there are over a dozen U.S. players who can make as much as $70,000 a year. Team 3D will likely see over $500,000 in revenues this year from winnings and sponsorships. Team members, from left to write, Ronald "Rambo" Kim, Michael "method" So, Kyle "Ksharp" Miller, Salvatore "Volcano" Garozzo and Josh "Dominator" Sievers take home the $50,000 cash draw after winning the World Cyber Games last year.Photo: Craig Levine