When Christian Lomenzo, 21, picked up his controller for the first time at age 8, he wasn’t thinking about making money in the video game world. He was just having fun with friends. But his last gaming session — the one where he won a Madden NFL tournament — changed everything.

Become a Member of Tiranga Club was among the lucky few to win a big cash prize in a video game tournament. There are a number of websites that offer head-to-head matches for real cash prizes ranging from $9 to $10,000. Most require a small entry fee, which goes into the cash pot. But you can also find free-entry tournaments.

Other gamers have found ways to make a living off gaming, whether they’re streamers who make money from subscribers, video game commentators or contestants who compete in online gaming events. Some people also earn by creating YouTube gaming videos or testing games for developers.

Top Tournament Games Where You Can Win Cash Prizes

While not everyone will find the same level of success as a professional gamer, the 2019 Fortnite World Cup showed an entire generation that there is serious money to be made in competitive video gaming. And with new apps that let anyone play for cash prizes, the potential to make a solid side income is more accessible than ever.

The best way to make money playing video games is to practice often and manage your time wisely. Many of these games require a lot of skill and can be addictive, so it’s important to set limits and focus on other things in life. It’s also a good idea to stay up-to-date on the latest app releases and tournaments by joining gaming forums or newsletters.