Top Games for Money: How to Earn While Playing in 2025

Gaming has evolved beyond just entertainment, offering players the chance to earn real money through various platforms and methods. Whether you are a casual gamer or a competitive player, there are multiple ways to monetize your skills and time spent playing games. Below, we explore the most popular and legitimate games for money in 2025, along with their earning potential, requirements, and key features.
Skill-Based Competitive Gaming
Competitive gaming, or esports, remains one of the most lucrative ways to earn money through gaming. Players can participate in tournaments hosted by platforms like Twitch, YouTube Gaming, or dedicated esports organizations. Popular games for competitive play include titles like Fortnite, League of Legends, and Counter-Strike 2. Earnings vary based on skill level, with top players earning thousands of dollars per tournament.
- Fortnite: Epic Games hosts regular tournaments with cash prizes, including the Fortnite Champion Series (FNCS).
- League of Legends: Riot Games organizes the League Championship Series (LCS), offering substantial prize pools.
- Counter-Strike 2: Valve-sponsored events like the CS2 Majors attract professional teams with multi-million-dollar prize pools.
Play-to-Earn Blockchain Games
Blockchain technology has introduced play-to-earn (P2E) games, where players can earn cryptocurrency or NFTs by participating in gameplay. These games often involve trading digital assets or completing in-game tasks for rewards. Some popular P2E games include Axie Infinity, Gods Unchained, and The Sandbox.
- Axie Infinity: Players breed and battle digital creatures called Axies, earning Smooth Love Potion (SLP) tokens.
- Gods Unchained: A trading card game where players earn NFTs by winning matches.
- The Sandbox: A virtual world where players can create, own, and monetize gaming experiences.
Mobile Apps That Pay You to Play
Several mobile apps reward users for playing games with cash or gift cards. These apps are ideal for casual gamers looking to earn small amounts of money in their free time. Popular options include Mistplay, Lucktastic, and Swagbucks.
- Mistplay: An Android app that rewards users for trying out new games.
- Lucktastic: A scratch card game app that offers cash prizes.
- Swagbucks: A rewards platform that includes gaming as one of its earning methods.
Comparison of Top Games for Money
Game/Platform | Earning Method | Potential Earnings | Payout Options |
---|---|---|---|
Fortnite | Tournament prizes | $100 – $1M+ | Bank transfer, PayPal |
Axie Infinity | Cryptocurrency (SLP, AXS) | $5 – $500/day | Crypto wallets |
Mistplay | Gift cards, PayPal | $10 – $50/month | Gift cards, PayPal |
Tips for Maximizing Earnings
To make the most of games for money, consider the following tips:
- Choose the right platform: Select games that match your skill level and interests.
- Invest time wisely: Focus on games with higher earning potential if you aim for substantial income.
- Stay updated: Follow gaming news and updates to discover new opportunities.
- Avoid scams: Stick to reputable platforms and read reviews before investing time or money.
For more information, visit trusted sources like Twitch , Epic Games , and Swagbucks .