How to Earn Money Playing CS2

The idea of earning money by playing a game is immensely appealing. But is this really possible?

Well, the short answer is “Yes!”. Many esports professionals make a fortune thanks to their career, and playing a game is just part of their daily occupation. Streaming platforms, such as Twitch, are filled with quite successful content creators, who basically play games and show this process to the world. Skins traders make cash selling in-game items. Dedicated gamers master industry-related skills and get involved in their favorite hobby on a totally different level.

But there should be a long answer, and it is not that simple and straightforward. If you want to just play a game and then find some extra cash in your wallet — this is definitely possible, but the sums will be rather small, and such a source of income is pretty risky. While methods of earning money by playing games, and specifically Counter-Strike 2, are quite clear and well-known, they become possible only with some extra actions and a very specific approach.

Let’s discuss potential ways to earn playing CS2 in more detail and with a clear head — to get rid of illusions and find relevant strategies.

Stream/Create CS2 Content

This game brings powerful rejuvenation to the Counter-Strike community. Many gamers are back to the shooting maps, exploring new opportunities. And even relatively active players have more motivation to join matches.

This wave of interest is perfect to ride for streamers and content creators. CS2 videos reach new heights in the numbers of views. Increased attention from the gaming community brings revenue from video platforms and direct sponsors.

It’s essential to understand a few aspects here:

You should be really good at CS2. Give people a reason to watch you.
Your equipment should be decent. There is no need to have the best PC and background lighting, but everything should be technically good and pleasant to the eye. Which streams do you personally enjoy watching? Would you watch someone streaming with no camera, on a lagging computer, and with an awful microphone? Basic equipment is a way to earn experience, not money.
Your consistency is key. If you start streaming or making YouTube videos, have a clear schedule to show your followers and stick to it. Don’t expect to get any revenue in a week or a month. Prepare your background support — how will you survive for quite a few months before your streaming career really shoots to the stars?

Being a CS2 content creator is a real thing, and it is potentially financially beneficial. There are many components on this path, like the uniqueness of your personality and your playing style — to create something interesting for people.

Many try, not everyone succeeds. You certainly may be among those who eventually get their revenue and sponsors. But always be aware of the risks. We’ve written an article with tips on how to be successful on Twitch. Check it out for more info.

CS2 Esports Career

One thing is common to every method of earning money by playing Counter-Strike 2. Regarding an esports career, this thing is quite crystallized, so we mention it here.

It is your natural passion for the game, community, and industry that leads you to cash and fame — nothing else. If you are focused on money from the very beginning, then there are other, more certain ways to reach this goal. But if your thoughts are whirling around the game and your time is dedicated to it, then a monetization method is just a matter of personal preference.

You become an esports professional not because you dream of sponsor contracts and countless fans. You earn them as a side effect of playing Counter-Strike for many hours, every day, through the years. You look for methods for self improvement. You reach out to other players to form a team and get more victories. You win small tournaments and get noticed by esports agents. Your career is born from passion, and it is the most important thing for it.

But some additional layers are sure necessary:

Be open to communication and new opportunities. Big CS2 success comes to teams and organizations. It is hard to be social from the darkness of your gaming room.
Find a perfect way to unleash your talent as a CS2 player. Your position in the team, your approach to ever-changing situations — unlock your true potential.
Strive for the best skills ever. It’s the basis of your esports career, and the process of training to be a better player doesn’t end.

Like with the streaming opportunity, reliability of this process depends on external factors, and it is not always possible to control them. Play CS2 but have a plan B (no, it’s not about Rush B here, stop). Or read our guide with powerful tips on how to play CS2.

Learn more on the best Counter-Strike players; this might give you ideas and expand your horizons. Don’t copy, though. Everyone’s path is unique.

Trade CS2 Skins and Earn

DMarket was founded to help people earn money by playing games, and CS2 skins trading is a big part of our marketplace. It’s a pretty good way to earn cash, but some points have to be properly explained.

Let’s start with… destroying illusions. It is rather impossible to just play CS2, then sell items you’ve got from the random drop, and thus get enough money for living. It is certainly a way to get some extra cash — you can get your money and spend it on anything you want. But making this the main source of income? Some luck and special strategies are required.

To succeed in this business, you need to be more of a trader, not a gamer.

You need to know the industry. Players understand what is popular in their community. Esports fans see which skins are highlighted by athletes at tournaments. But traders know the price of items and general trends in the industry — like what becomes cheaper and why, what gets more expensive, and how to use this.
Often, time should be spent making trades, not playing. The business is based on buying something cheap and selling it for a bigger price. Pro traders know how to find the best deals — and constantly search for them.

Playing CS2 is still necessary for this method, otherwise you lose connection with the community and don’t understand your customers. Revenue here directly depends on your involvement in both trading and gaming activities.

Luck is also relevant here. For instance, you open a random case from your many playing sessions and get a CS2 knife in it. But the skills of a trader, like finding offers on DMarket, are absolutely essential.

Creative Work

This method is not about playing Counter-Strike, strictly speaking, but it’s impossible without good experience in the game.

The Workshop on Steam is filled with all sorts of community products for CS2 (check out the best CS2 workshop skins), so you could try and join this market as a creator. Community maps, mods, or items can be sold for money. But it’s a long process, and to get support from players, you need to invest a lot of time in the process (starting even from learning the tools). The result is uncertain, but it’s certainly a method of how to earn with CS2. As for playing, you need to be part of the community to know what people here like and want.

In a very good scenario, your skins may get added to the official collection. Would you like your creations listed on DMarket?

Final Thoughts

Being creative and flexible in your approaches is quite important for earning money playing CS2. The primary methods described in this article can be freely mixed and extended.

Cooperate with other streamers and experiment with content beyond CS2 — it will help you get a bigger audience and find your best style as a creator.
Sell your coaching sessions and share your experience with beginners — before your dedicated practice brings you pro contracts.
Coin ideas for your merch and sell it to fans of your streams — and your fans when you’re an esports player.
Add elements of the skins trading business to your videos. For example, opening cases online may be exciting, especially if you react emotionally. Or use skins you get and showcase them during streams.
Get more professional with CS2. Consider esports commentating or other roles in the esports industry. Does Valve have open positions for you?

The sky’s the limit here, and your dedication to Counter-Strike will certainly help you find ways to earn cash.

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