Bwipo (image via Getty)

Bwipo’s $1.5 Million Fnatic Contract: Justified Earnings and Esports Salary Debate

League of Legends veteran Bwipo reflects on his lucrative Fnatic contract, his impact on the team, and the future of esports salaries

Bwipo has been a well-known figure in the League of Legends competitive scene since 2016. Over the years, he has built a solid reputation, and recent revelations about his earnings during his time with Fnatic have sparked discussions among fans. Many believe that the salary he received was a fair reflection of his contributions to the team.

In an interview with Mais Esports, Bwipo disclosed that he had signed a three-year contract with Fnatic worth 1.5 million dollars. This revelation quickly made its way to Reddit, where fans debated the significance of his role in the team’s success. Many agreed that his performance justified the lucrative contract he was given.

“I had a very big contract at Fnatic. It was a three-year contract for 1.5 million, which I still think is a lot,” Bwipo stated. He was with Fnatic for a total of four years, but according to Leaguepedia, his initial contract expired at the end of his first year in 2018. This suggests that the 1.5 million dollar deal was likely signed after the team’s remarkable run to the Worlds 2018 finals.

Fnatic’s Success During Bwipo’s Tenure

Bwipo played a significant role in Fnatic’s accomplishments during his time with the team. Fans on Reddit pointed out that his presence was instrumental in their domestic and international victories. One of the top comments emphasized his impact, mentioning his contributions to multiple championships and final appearances. His ability to adapt to different roles also made him a valuable asset.

Bwipo (image via Getty)

Fnatic enjoyed a dominant run in 2018, winning both European titles that year. They also made it to the semifinals of the Mid-Season Invitational and the grand finals of Worlds. Over the next few years, they remained a competitive force, reaching four of the next five LEC Finals. Although they fell short in those finals, they continued to qualify for Worlds and reached the playoffs twice during that period.

By the end of 2021, Bwipo parted ways with Fnatic and moved to North America to join Team Liquid. His time there did not yield the results he had hoped for, and by 2023, he had transitioned to FlyQuest. His current team secured a major victory by winning the 2024 LCS Championship, adding another trophy to his collection.

The Debate Over Esports Salaries

Despite the impressive earnings, Bwipo believes the esports industry should be driven by passion rather than excessive salaries. He cited the example of TSM’s deal with SwordArt, where the player was offered six million dollars for two years. In comparison, he noted that FlyQuest operates its entire roster on the same budget.

Bwipo, Fnatic (image via Getty)

“Did you know that six million is what FlyQuest operates their whole team for right now? […] I actually think that probably two whole teams could function on [six million dollars] for a whole year. It just goes to show that whoever was in charge was just an absolute idiot,” Bwipo remarked.

While lucrative contracts have been common in esports, Bwipo’s stance highlights concerns about financial sustainability. He believes that balancing salaries with long-term growth is essential for the industry’s future.

Fans eager to see Bwipo in action can watch FlyQuest compete in the upcoming LTA Split One playoffs. With a strong roster and recent success, they aim to qualify for First Draft 2025, the year’s first major international event.

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