In 2023, three Russian esports athletes earned a spot on Forbes 30 Under 30 in the Sports and Cybersports category. The trio included Anton “dyrachyo” Shkredov, Egor “Nightfall” Grigorenko, and Sergey “Ax1Le” Rykhtorov. Reported in regional outlets, their achievements highlighted the growing influence of Russian competitors on the global stage.
Shkredov, then 21, played Dota 2 for the Gaimin Gladiators, a team renowned in the MOBA scene for its strategic plays and fast-paced lane pressure. Grigorenko, 20, represented Dota 2 as part of BetBoom, a squad that had been climbing the international ladder with aggressive drafts and coordinated teamfights. Rykhtorov, also 20, showcased his skills in CS:GO as a member of Cloud9, a squad that consistently ranked among the world’s top teams and helped raise the profile of Russian players in first-person shooter competition.
Forbes noted that Shkredov became the eighth Russian to claim victory at a major Dota 2 event, marking the first time a Russian player achieved that milestone while competing with an English-speaking team. This milestone underscored the adaptability of players who can perform at the highest level even when language and regional dynamics are in flux.
Grigorenko’s early career demonstrated significant prize earnings. At the age of 20, he accrued more than $500,000 in tournament winnings, equivalent to roughly 40.9 million rubles at current exchange rates. He also advanced to The International, Dota 2’s premier annual event, on two occasions, signaling his persistent presence among the sport’s elite and his ability to compete under intense global scrutiny.
Rykhtorov’s achievements in CS:GO extended beyond individual matches. He earned the title of tournament MVP three times and contributed to eight championships across different competitions. As a Cloud9 player, he helped the team stay near the upper echelon of global rankings throughout 2022, according to HLTV, cementing his status as a standout performer in the scene and reinforcing the strength of the Russian talent pipeline in shooter disciplines.
Beyond their on-screen feats, the esports ecosystem has witnessed moments of volatility. During a PUBG Mobile event, tensions flared between teams Elevate Reborn and Infamous, culminating in a scuffle at a Philippine mall. The players involved issued apologies afterward and faced expulsion from the tournament. Such incidents highlight the high-pressure environment surrounding competitive gaming and the ongoing emphasis on professionalism in the sport.