Esports has grown into a billion-dollar industry where professional gamers compete on global stages. What makes this space even more fascinating is how young talent continues to rise and dominate in games once considered a casual pastime. The Youngest Esports Players in the World prove that age is just a number when it comes to skill, strategy, and mental sharpness.
From children barely out of kindergarten to teenagers going head-to-head with veterans, these players have made their mark in the competitive gaming universe. Let’s count down the Top 10 Youngest Esports Players in the World.
10. Zai (Age 14)
Ludwig Wåhlberg, better known as Zai, began his professional gaming career at the age of 14. Born on August 5, 1997, in Sweden, Zai first made waves in the competitive Heroes of Newerth scene before transitioning to Dota 2. His journey in esports is a prime example of how the Youngest Esports Players in the World can quickly rise to prominence through sheer talent.
Zai’s versatility made him a valuable asset to top teams such as Evil Geniuses, where he gained global recognition. Over the years, his sharp strategies and consistency in high-stakes matches helped him earn more than $4 million in tournament winnings. Currently, Zai represents Team Liquid, continuing to dominate as one of the most respected names in professional Dota 2.
9. Life (Age 14)
Lee Seung Hyun, better known by his in-game name Life, became one of the most iconic figures in the StarCraft II world. Born on January 11, 1991, he started his professional journey at just 14 years old with Team Zenex. His quick decision-making and innovative gameplay made him stand out as one of the Youngest Esports Players in the World to achieve international success.
Life rapidly climbed the ladder, capturing the admiration of fans worldwide. He was considered a prodigy who could rival even the most experienced players in the scene. However, his career took a dark turn when he was convicted of match-fixing. Despite the controversy, his story remains a reminder that even the Youngest Esports Players in the World face pressures that come with fame, money, and competition.
8. Creator (Age 14)
South Korea has produced countless esports legends, and Jang Hyun Woo, known as Creator, is among them. Born on February 23, 1997, Creator began his professional journey at age 14, competing in the GSL May Code A tournament in 2011. He quickly earned recognition as one of the Youngest Esports Players in the World.
Specializing in the Protoss race in StarCraft II, Creator developed a reputation for his deep strategic gameplay. He initially played for Team Prime and later joined Club NV (formerly Team NV), where his tactical mastery kept him at the forefront of the esports scene. His career proves how the Youngest Esports Players in the World can evolve into long-lasting stars when supported by dedication and skill.
7. Maru (Age 13)
Cho Sung Choo, widely known as Maru, is a household name in StarCraft II. Born on July 28, 1997, he made history at age 13 by becoming the youngest competitor in the Global StarCraft II League (GSL). His early achievements firmly cemented his place among the Youngest Esports Players in the World.
Fans fondly call him the “Marine Prince” and “Hamster Terran,” nicknames that reflect his aggressive yet strategic gameplay style. Maru has since become one of the highest-earning esports professionals, with prize money exceeding $1 million. His journey from a teenage prodigy to a global esports champion demonstrates just how far the Youngest Esports Players in the World can go.
6. Scott Gandhi (Age 13)
Scott Lussier, better known as Scott Gandhi, entered the esports scene at age 13. Born on September 24, 1989, he quickly made a name for himself in competitive Halo. His early days showcased why he belonged in the conversation about the Youngest Esports Players in the World.
By 2005, Gandhi’s team, which later became Team Carbon, began securing significant wins, including titles at MLG Nashville and MLG Seattle. Their biggest triumph came at MLG Dallas in 2007, where they clinched first place. Gandhi later transitioned from a player to a respected commentator and even worked as a designer at Hi-Rez Studios, contributing to the development of SMITE. His career illustrates how the Youngest Esports Players in the World can influence the industry beyond just playing.
5. iGotUrPistola (Age 12)
Justin Deese, famously known as iGotUrPistola, began competing in Halo tournaments at the tender age of 12. Born on November 20, 1992, he rose to prominence as one of the Youngest Esports Players in the World during the mid-2000s.
Nicknamed “the Pistola,” Justin became a dominant force in the Halo esports community. His consistency and precision carried him to 19 international tournament victories. He also featured in the MLG National Championship in 2010, marking the peak of his early career. After years of success, he retired in 2019 following his time with OpTic Gaming, leaving behind a legacy that inspired many of the Youngest Esports Players in the World who came after him.
4. MrKcool (Age 11)
Benedict Ward, widely recognized as MrKcool, entered professional gaming at just 11 years old, specializing in Vainglory. From the UK, he stood out as one of the Youngest Esports Players in the World by competing in international Vainglory tournaments.
His skill and composure under pressure were unmatched for his age. Despite participating in only three tournaments initially, MrKcool managed to earn more than $2000 in winnings before joining the esports powerhouse Mousesports (now MOUZ). His story shows that the Youngest Esports Players in the World don’t just compete, they excel, often outperforming older, more experienced rivals.
3. Mongraal (Age 8)
Kyle Jackson, better known as Mongraal, is one of the most popular figures in Fortnite. Born on August 13, 2004, he started playing professionally at just 8 years old, earning his spot as one of the Youngest Esports Players in the World.
Mongraal has competed in Fortnite, CS: GO, and Halo, but it was in Fortnite where he made his biggest impact. Despite restrictions like curfews during tournaments, he managed to win the Solo Cooler Cup in 2019 and earned a place in FaZe Clan, one of the top esports organizations. His YouTube channel, with over 5 million subscribers, further demonstrates how the Youngest Esports Players in the World can also become digital influencers.
2. 33 Gosu (Age 8)
Joseph Deen, better known as 33 Gosu, is a Fortnite prodigy who stunned the world by signing a professional contract at just 8 years old. Born in 2012, Joseph began gaming at age 4, and by 6, he was already catching the attention of Team 33. His signing bonus of $33,000 made headlines, instantly putting him among the Youngest Esports Players in the World to sign with a professional team.
His entry into professional Fortnite was groundbreaking, showing that the Youngest Esports Players in the World are not just competing for fun—they’re also being recognized with major contracts and financial rewards. With a custom-built gaming PC and elite-level training, 33 Gosu is expected to achieve even greater heights in the years ahead.
1. Lil Poison (Age 6)
At the top of our list is Lil Poison, whose real name is Victor De Leon III. Born on May 6, 1998, he started gaming at just 2 years old, guided by his father and uncle. By the age of 6, Lil Poison became the youngest professional gamer ever, earning his place in the Guinness Book of World Records as one of the Youngest Esports Players in the World.
Specializing in Halo, Lil Poison competed in Major League Gaming tournaments against much older players and held his own with incredible skill. His story even reached the big screen, with a documentary about his life premiering at the HBO Latino Film Festival. Lil Poison’s career remains one of the most inspirational examples of how the Youngest Esports Players in the World can achieve legendary status before even reaching their teenage years.
READ MORE:
