I’ve been gaming since I could hold a controller, but the day I realized I could earn real money doing it? That changed everything. I’m not a professional esports player or streaming to thousands — I’m just a regular online gamer who loves competition and knows how to grind. Over the past couple of years, I’ve participated in several online tournaments where the top players walk away with prize money.
Here’s a breakdown of 5 games I’ve played that offer cash prizes, how I prepare for the competitions, and what it feels like to actually play under pressure.
1. Fortnite
Platform: PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch
Where the money is: Fortnite Cash Cups, FNCS (Fortnite Champion Series), third-party tournaments on platforms like Z-League and UEFN Creator Events.
My Experience:
The first time I joined a Fortnite Cash Cup, I was completely out of my league. These are fast, sweaty games — players rotate with perfect timing, box fight like pros, and edit like machines. But I learned quickly. After a few failed events, I started scoring decently.
Preparation:
- I warmed up every day with edit and aim maps in Creative mode.
- Watched streamers like Bugha and Clix for rotations and tactics.
- Practiced solo scrims in Discord servers.
What It Feels Like:
It’s intense. You get 10 games, and every elimination and placement point matters. One late-game clutch can change your entire ranking.
2. Call of Duty: Warzone
Platform: PC, Xbox, PlayStation
Where the money is: Warzone Wednesday, Checkmate Gaming, Gamebattles, and private Discord cash ladders.
My Experience:
Warzone tournaments usually go in two styles: kill races or custom lobbies. I’ve entered both. In duos, me and my buddy dropped into public lobbies to get more kills than the opposing team. Some days we did well; others, we got stream-sniped or unlucky zones.
Preparation:
- We played Rebirth for warm-ups, then regular BR for tournament settings.
- Fine-tuned our loadouts and perk setups to match meta.
- Practiced with heartbeat sensors, UAV timing, and rotating through buildings.
What It Feels Like:
Fast-paced and unpredictable. You never know if you’ll run into bots or full squads with walls. Playing under time pressure makes your fingers sweat.
3. Valorant
Platform: PC
Where the money is: Community tournaments on Battlefy, Faceit, SoStronk, and Riot-sponsored events.
My Experience:
I signed up for a 5v5 weekend cup with some players from a Discord aim training group. We weren’t a full-time team, but we’d been practicing together. We made it to semi-finals before getting out-stratted by a proper team with smoke lineups and coordinated site executes.
Preparation:
- Ran 3–4 hours of custom practice, scrims, and aim trainers.
- Learned callouts for every map (Ascent, Bind, Haven, etc.).
- Reviewed VODs and enemy habits.
What It Feels Like:
Valorant tournaments are like chess with guns. Strategy is key. When you win a round by clutching a 1v2 with 2 HP left, there’s no better feeling.
4. PUBG/BGMI (India)
Platform: Mobile & PC
Where the money is: Local mobile esports circuits, platforms like Loco, Rooter, and even college-level BGMI cups.
My Experience:
I joined a BGMI (PUBG Mobile India) tournament hosted by a small Indian gaming platform. Entry was free, but the top 3 squads earned real cash. Our squad placed 5th — not enough for the prize pool, but enough to give us a taste of real battle royale pressure.
Preparation:
- Trained drop spots and rotations in custom rooms.
- Practiced 4-finger claw grip and gyro settings for better recoil control.
- Set up Discord comms and role-based strategy (IGL, scout, fragger).
What It Feels Like:
BGMI tournaments are all about timing. One wrong rotation and you’re wiped. When you’re in the last circle with 3 squads left, heart rate goes wild.
5. Chess.com Titled Arenas & Lichess Events
Platform: Web/App
Where the money is: Chess.com Arena events, especially for titled players, but some open tourneys offer prizes as well. Lichess hosts Swiss tournaments with donations as prize pools.
My Experience:
I’m not a titled player, but I joined some open-entry cash events on Lichess where a small prize was awarded to the top 5. It’s a different kind of game, but still competitive. One time, I made it to 4th and won $15 — not much, but felt huge for a quiet game of chess on a Saturday night.
Preparation:
- Reviewed opening theory and practiced blitz tactics.
- Played 50+ games a week leading up to the event.
- Used Lichess Puzzle Streak and Chess.com lessons.
What It Feels Like:
Mentally exhausting. Every move has consequence. A single blunder at 3 minutes per side can ruin a good streak. But when you win a queen-sacrifice mate, it’s like winning a fight in any FPS.
Final Thoughts: Playing with Pressure
Competing in games for prize money brings a different energy than casual play. There’s adrenaline, expectation, and sometimes even frustration. But there’s also pride — not just for winning, but for improving, for committing to a routine, for being a part of something larger than your own screen.
If you’re thinking about entering your first cash tournament, my advice is simple: don’t stress about the prize — focus on your preparation and mindset. And once you’re in the match, just play the way you practiced.
You never know — that next kill, that clutch play, or that perfect strategy might just pay off.