When Christian Lomenzo lifted the Madden NFL TirangaGames Fun belt high over his head in Philadelphia last November, he wasn’t thinking about a new source of income. The 21-year-old had been playing video games for about eight years, but never seriously as a way to make money.

Esports tournaments can be lucrative, especially if the player is competing in a popular game that has a strong following and enough teams ready to pay for top placement. Tournaments for the likes of League of Legends, CSGO and Dota 2 typically have prize pools that reach into the millions. Combined with competitive salaries, those winnings can be life-changing.

Gaming Tournaments for Beginners: How to Join and Win

Athletes can also earn a steady stream of income from streaming their gameplay. Those who provide informative, entertaining commentary and engage with viewers can earn a significant amount of money. It’s not uncommon for gamers to receive a regular stream of donations from their fans, too.

Other methods of earning money from gaming include hosting events, selling merchandise and advertising on a gamer’s stream. But while many of these opportunities may seem tempting, it’s important for players to remember that their gaming career is a serious undertaking that requires a lot of time and effort. Practice makes progress, but players must manage their time well so they don’t overextend themselves. Staying in the know about new games that offer cash rewards is also crucial.