Global Esports Landscape and Its Impact on the Vietnamese Market

Looking at the global esports landscape in 2026, there is a story unfolding behind the numbers: money is not disappearing, it is simply being reallocated. The in-depth analysis of the esports transfer and finance market indicates that the collapse of The International (TI) prize pool from $40M in 2026 to just a few million recently is not a sign of decline but a consequence of Valve changing the Battle Pass model, severing the crowdfunding mechanism. This forces organizations to seek new revenue sources. In Vietnam, where teams like GAM Esports or Saigon Phantom once relied heavily on prize money, the pressure is even greater. The Esports World Cup (EWC) 2026 with a total prize pool of $75M and the Saudi eLeague 2026 featuring 37 clubs demonstrate that Middle Eastern capital is creating a new power center. Vietnamese teams, traditionally strong in titles like League of Legends and Dota 2, need to adapt quickly to avoid being left behind. The departure of Falcons — the TI 2026 champions — from Dota 2 is a strategic decision: they chose to focus on titles with higher commercial profitability, a lesson for Vietnamese organizations considering portfolio expansion. In South Korea, the LCK has implemented a salary cap and luxury tax to control costs and ensure competitive balance. This is a move that VCS (Vietnam Championship Series) might consider, as player salaries have risen faster than revenue. The case of Dplus KIA — EWC 2026 champions yet still delaying salaries and seeking a new owner — shows that competitive success does not guarantee financial health. A Vietnamese team that once won SEA Games or reached global top ranks could face a similar situation without a sustainable business strategy. The gap between roster costs and revenue is the core issue. Player salaries have risen faster than revenue growth during the boom phase, leading many 'million-dollar rosters lacking commercial value' to become burdens. Sponsors now only care about major tournaments and sustainably operated organizations. In Vietnam, teams need to build strong brands and diversify income, not just rely on prize pools or owner funding. Ultimately, there are no accidents in the transfer market, only things we haven't read carefully enough. Vietnamese esports organizations should view these global upheavals as a wake-up call to restructure and adapt to a new era where money is allocated, not vanished.