Texas gamer wins Madden Bowl and $250,000 prize – NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth

A North Texas gamer just took home a big payday all from playing Madden. 

26-year-old Drini Gjoka of McKinney was ranked 13^th going into this year’s Madden Bowl. But despite being the underdog, he came out as the winner.

“The winner ended up making $250,000, which ended up being myself,” 26 Madden Bowl winner Drini Gjoka said.  So it was a crazy accomplishment. And this is an amount that I have never even sniffed before. This is an insane amount. So $250,000 going home, I don’t know how to process all that.”

He has been playing professionally since graduating from high school. His career has already earned him more than $760,000. 

Gjoka said gaming changed his life.

“It’s crazy that Madden actually ended up, you know, being the reason that I have a house myself, that’s really, really nice,” Gjoka said. “I am so appreciative for everything EA has done for my life.”

When he won six years ago, the prize was $40,000. He said the Esports industry is growing and sends this message to young gamers and their parents.

“If you really feel like you’re one of the best, I say go for it because there is a lot of money in a lot of these games,” Gjoka said.

Gjoka said being the best does take a lot of practice.  He said that when Madden 27 comes out, he can spend 10 to 12 hours a day playing and learning the game.