Surprising moneymakers: From polo to pro gaming, the niche sports with the highest-paid athletes
Above Esports (Photo: RDNE Stock project via Pexels)
Biggest prize money: The International 2019 (Dota 2) hit US$34.3 million total purse; winners bagged over US$15 million
Why it pays: Streaming deals, brand sponsorships, and ownership stakes can eclipse even massive prize checks
Esports has evolved into a billion-dollar industry—and one of the most lucrative for top players. Tournaments like The International and League of Legends Worlds offer staggering payouts, but real wealth comes from Twitch streams, YouTube content, and brand endorsements. Stars like Faker and N0tail have built empires, proving gaming is serious business. 3. Sailing (America's Cup)
Above Sailing (Photo: Mike Knibbs via Pexels)
Biggest prize money: Around US$1 million championship purse in SailGP, a spin-off from America's Cup
Why it pays: Salaried contracts, luxury sponsorships, and billionaire-backed teams
At the elite level, sailing is less about prize purses and more about patronage. Champions like Jimmy Spithill are backed by syndicates funded by billionaires and global brands. While SailGP sweetens the deal with actual prize money, the America's Cup remains a career-defining event, opening doors to long-term endorsements and prestige. 4. Professional bass fishing
Above Bass fishing (Photo: cottonbro studio via Pexels)
Biggest prize money: The Major League Fishing's Redcrest Championship offers US$300,000 for the winner
Why it pays: Gear sponsorships, branded merchandise, personal licensing deals
In the US, bass fishing is big business. Icons like Kevin VanDam earn more from sponsorships—boats, bait, branded gear—than tournament wins. Many launch their own product lines and outdoor TV shows, combining niche fame with national influence. Think Nascar, but on the water. 5. Show jumping
Above Show jumping (Photo: Kelian Pfleger via Pexels)
Biggest prize money: Grand Prix events award up to €300,000 (US$320,000)
Why it pays: Horse ownership, sponsorships, and the elite equestrian circuit
Show jumping rewards both athleticism and animal investment. Top riders like Scott Brash don't just win events—they breed and sell champion horses for millions. With brands like Rolex, Longines and Land Rover in the mix, the sport maintains its gilded image, blending business and equestrian elegance. 6. Snooker
Above Snooker (Photo: Tomaz Barcellos via Pexels)
Biggest prize money: World Snooker Championship: £500,000 (US $630,000) to the winner.
Why it pays: Endorsements, exhibition matches, media appearances.
Massive in the UK and China, snooker's top players—Ronnie O'Sullivan among them—enjoy strong fan bases and steady income beyond tournaments. High appearance fees and celebrity TV spots sustain their earning power, turning quiet concentration into commercial success. 7. Table tennis
Above Table tennis (Photo: Jenny K via Pexels)
Biggest prize money: ITTF World Cup: around US$150,000 for the winner.
Why it pays: Corporate sponsorships, government rewards, luxury endorsements.
In China, table tennis players are national celebrities. Stars like Ma Long attract state-backed bonuses, luxury endorsements and even lifetime pensions. While global prize pools are modest, they often pale in comparison to national hero treatment and long-term benefits.
Also read: Roger Federer ranked by Forbes as World's Highest Paid Athlete of 2020 8. Surfing
Above Surfing (Photo: Pixabay via Pexels)
Biggest prize money: The World Surf League Championship Tour awards US$100,000 to US$150,000 per win
Why it pays: Endorsements from global brands and personal surfwear lines
Championships matter, but brand image is everything in surfing. Athletes like Gabriel Medina and Carissa Moore leverage their appeal for endorsement deals with brands like Rip Curl and Jeep. Their sun-soaked, aspirational lifestyles are bankable across both sport and social media. 9. MotoGP
Above MotoGP (Photo: Pixabay via Pexels)
Biggest prize money: Relatively small per race; top salaries reach US$14 million/year
Why it pays: Salary contracts, endorsements, performance bonuses
Unlike Formula 1, MotoGP riders earn most through their contracts. Marc Márquez, for example, has one of the highest-paying deals in motorsport. Add to that endorsements from energy drinks, apparel and tech brands and the financial speedometer keeps climbing.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Tatler Asia
09-07-2025
- Tatler Asia
Multi-billion superstar: how Scarlett Johansson became the undisputed queen of the box office
'The Avengers' movies (2012 to 2019) – US$7.7B Above The ensemble 'Avengers' films generated a combined US$7.7 billion worldwide. The four core Avengers films represent the monumental bedrock of Scarlett Johansson's box office supremacy. From the groundbreaking original assembly in 2012 to the epic conclusion of Endgame in 2019, these ensemble blockbusters generated a combined US$7.7 billion worldwide. As one of the original six Avengers, Johansson's Black Widow served as the emotional anchor and pragmatic conscience of the team, making her indispensable to the franchise's success. 'Captain America: The Winter Soldier' (2014) – US$714M Above The spy thriller elevated Johansson from supporting player to true co-lead. More than just another Marvel instalment, this critically acclaimed spy thriller elevated Johansson from supporting player to true co-lead. Her chemistry with Chris Evans's Captain America became a fan-favourite dynamic, while the film's gritty, 1970s-inspired aesthetic showcased her dramatic range. The US$714 million global gross proved that audiences were hungry for more Black Widow, fuelling demands for her solo film. 'Lucy' (2014) - US$457M Above 'Lucy' became a box office phenomenon, grossing over 11 times its US$40 million budget. This Luc Besson sci-fi thriller stands as the definitive proof of Scarlett Johansson's solo star power. Built around an original, R-rated concept with no pre-existing fanbase, Lucy became a genuine box office phenomenon, grossing over 11 times its US$40 million budget. Johansson's transformation from terrified student to omnipotent being captivated global audiences, demonstrating her ability to lead a blockbuster without franchise support. Don't miss: Female action heroes: 8 women who redefined courage long before 'Ballerina' pirouetted in 'Captain America: Civil War' (2016) – US$1.15B Above In 'Captain America: Civil War', Johansson's Black Widow navigated the treacherous waters between her found family. This billion-dollar behemoth placed Johansson's character at the ideological centre of the Avengers's most personal conflict. As the team fractured along moral lines, Black Widow navigated the treacherous waters between her found family, showcasing the emotional intelligence that made her irreplaceable. 'The Jungle Book' (2016) – US$951M Above Johansson's distinctive, husky voice proved bankable in 'The Jungle Book'. Johansson's distinctive, husky voice proved equally bankable as her physical presence in Disney's photorealistic adaptation. Voicing the hypnotic python Kaa, she brought menacing allure to the classic villain, contributing to the film's nearly US$1 billion global success. This performance showed that her appeal goes beyond traditional leading roles, extending her marketability into lucrative family films. 'Sing' (2016) – US$631M Above In this animated musical, Johansson voiced a prickly teenage porcupine. In Illumination's original animated musical, Johansson voiced Ash, a prickly teenage porcupine with punk-rock sensibilities. The film's US$631 million global success further proved her versatility and broad appeal beyond the MCU. Her ability to breathe life into animated characters showcased yet another dimension of her star power, appealing to audiences across all demographics. 'Jurassic World: Rebirth' (2025) – $322M and climbing Above The film's US$322 million global opening provided the push that crowned Johansson as the highest-grossing leading actor of all time. The coronation film that officially secured Scarlett Johansson's throne arrived with prehistoric force. Her decade-long pursuit of a role in the Jurassic franchise culminated in portraying Zora Bennett, an ex-military specialist. The film's massive US$322 million global opening provided the final push that crowned her the highest-grossing leading actor of all time, proving her lasting star power in Hollywood. Credits This article was created with the assistance of AI tools
Tatler Asia
25-06-2025
- Tatler Asia
Labubu, sneakers and vintage Dior: where Gen Z are putting their money now
2. Sneakers, the original alt asset Long before NFTs, sneakers were the first major 'hype' asset class for digitally savvy young investors. Limited-edition pairs, especially those tied to basketball icons or high-fashion collaborators, can appreciate significantly post-release. A pair of Travis Scott x Nike Jordans, for instance, can triple in value within weeks if kept box-fresh. Gen Z investors not only wear the shoes but treat them as appreciating assets, storing them in climate-controlled boxes, tracking their value through selling apps and flipping them strategically. The rise of sneaker auctions at major houses like Sotheby's and Christie's further legitimises the category—no longer subcultural, it's big business. 3. K-pop photocards and idol merch Photocards, those glossy, wallet-sized portraits included in K-pop albums, have evolved into a bona fide investment category. A rare Jungkook photocard from a 2019 BTS fan meeting can fetch over US$1,000, especially if it's an out-of-print or Japan-only release. Fans track card values through detailed spreadsheets, monitor scarcity in real time and negotiate trades in Discord servers and Twitter threads. Official merch collaborations (like the Starbucks x Blackpink collection) also sell out within hours and appear immediately on resale platforms. For some, it's about emotional connection; for others, it's high-speed arbitrage with a fandom twist. Now read: Chasing K-pop dreams: must-visit spots in Seoul for superfans 4. Digital collectables and NFTs While the 2021 NFT boom has cooled, Gen Z isn't entirely out of the digital collectables game. What's changed is the criteria: aesthetic-driven 'PFP' projects are out, and utility-driven tokens are in. NFTs tied to exclusive event access, gaming perks or digital identity verification are gaining traction. Platforms like Zora, and even Nike's .SWOOSH are launching Web3 projects that combine collectability with tangible value. Still, risks remain high—rug pulls and overpromises are common, and liquidity can disappear overnight. Gen Z investors navigating this space are savvier now: they're asking about roadmap execution and community governance, not just hype. 5. Designer resale and vintage luxe Luxury fashion has become another investment frontier for Gen Z. Instead of buying new, many scour platforms like The RealReal, Grailed and Vestiaire Collective for vintage or archival pieces with appreciating value. A 2000s-era Dior Saddle bag or a rare Rick Owens jacket can generate significant profit if resold at the right time. TikTok trends can trigger sudden spikes in demand, so investors monitor what's gaining traction and act fast. Increasingly, they're blending fashion knowledge with financial literacy, seeing fashion not just as personal expression but portfolio diversification. Items are tracked, appraised and even insured—just like any other asset. In case you missed it: Is your designer bag verified? The Digital Product Passport is the smart tech redefining authentic luxury For Gen Z, investing isn't just about compound interest or retirement planning—it's about identity, community and access. And for now, a Labubu on a shelf isn't just decoration, but part of the strategy. NOW READ 9 mental health non-fiction books that will transform your understanding of yourself 8 beauty products that double as bag charms 11 animal design objects: From Bottega Veneta to vintage collectibles
Tatler Asia
20-06-2025
- Tatler Asia
Nicole Kidman at 58: 8 incredible fashion moments stitched with confidence and elegance
The feminine force Nicole Kidman's appearance at the 2025 Critics Choice Awards marked a departure from typical red carpet glamour. She arrived in an oversized, tan-coloured power suit from Saint Laurent's Spring 2025 collection, complete with exaggerated shoulder pads and matching wide-leg trousers. The masculine silhouette was counterbalanced with feminine details: gold jewellery, soft wavy hair and black slingbacks, creating a fusion of power and femininity. The sensual bombshell At the 2025 Golden Globes, Nicole Kidman delivered her most sensual look yet in a custom Balenciaga Haute Couture creation. The one-shouldered gown featured iridescent silver, crystal-and-rhinestone-embroidered mesh with a dramatically low back achieved through near-invisible transparent netting. Completed with a voluminous, sky-high ponytail inspired by the '60s and Studio 54 glamour, this 'sex kitten' look made a powerful statement about age, sexuality and confidence in Hollywood. The avant-garde artist Nicole Kidman's arrival at the 2025 Palm Springs International Film Festival was nothing short of striking. Her custom Loewe mermaid gown featured a handcrafted, sculptural bodice made of iridescent mother-of-pearl shell accents—a feat of artistry, with each shell shard carefully pieced together by hand. More than just a red carpet moment, it was a statement of intent: Kidman continues to embrace fashion as art, positioning herself as both icon and connoisseur. The ethereal heroine At the TIME 2025 Women of the Year Gala, Nicole Kidman embraced the emerging Boho 2.0 trend in a custom Chloé creation by creative director Chemena Kamali. The delicate, blush-hued silk gown featured an intricate lace-trimmed bodice and cascading tiers of ballerina-like tulle. The brilliant styling moment came when she later layered a black cropped jacket over the ethereal gown, creating a compelling visual narrative between romantic femininity and modern authority. The vintage vixen During promotion for her series Expats , Nicole Kidman demonstrated her ability to reference fashion's past without looking costume-y. Her retro Balmain ensemble featured a black bolero jacket over a top with rose-shaped buttons paired with a flouncy, high-waisted white mini skirt adorned with polka dots. The look expertly navigated the delicate line that polka dots present, avoiding childishness while landing squarely in elegant territory. Styled with classic black pumps and a chignon, it was a modern tribute to mid-century glamour. The modern minimalist Nicole Kidman's appearance at the Omega Her Time event in Paris proved her savvy understanding of influence. Her crisp white Valentino two-piece set—a boxy crop top and voluminous A-line midi skirt worth nearly US$6,000—was strategically paired with US$73 Charles & Keith slingback pumps featuring whimsical red rose-shaped heels. This high-low styling wasn't accidental but brilliantly calculated, creating a viral fashion moment that democratised glamour. The romantic lead For the Babygirl Los Angeles premiere, Nicole Kidman was abloom, wearing a custom Balenciaga Haute Couture strapless gown covered in pink and ivory organza petal flowers and cinched with a black bow belt. The unabashedly feminine look, which paid homage to Cristóbal Balenciaga's Spring 1964 collection, challenged conventional notions of what a seasoned actress should wear, proving her status as a true fashion provocateur. NOW READ Your next read: 8 provocative books curated by Natalie Portman Angelina Jolie turns 50: 9 movies that crown her as true Hollywood royalty 5 millennial songs from film and TV that shaped the rhythm of our lives Credits This article was created with the assistance of AI tools
