Play-To-Earn: Legit Ways To Make Money From Sports And Hobbies

After a long day of grinding and hustling, many of us turn to hobbies and sports as a way to unwind — and for some, even explore play-to-earn opportunities.. From chasing ranks with your ”Mobile Legends: Bang Bang!” squad at the mamak, muscling through boulder problems at the local rock climbing gym, or even quietly planting vegetables in our own backyard, the possibilities are limitless. 

With rising living costs and the popularity of having flexible side hustles, more Malaysians are looking to turn hobbies into income and explore play-to-earn opportunities. From fitness and gaming to gardening and cooking, play to earn in Malaysia is becoming a growing movement.

But the question remains, how can one convert passion into an income-generating side hustle optimally and strategically? The crucial element is in carving out your niche and starting out small.

Turn your passion into practice: start your play-to-earn journey

Getting started on your play-to-earn journey doesn’t require massive investments. The key is to test your idea in small, low-risk ways. If you’re a fitness enthusiast, you might begin by offering weekend training sessions for friends or neighbours. If you love baking, start with small-batch sales at pasar malam or local community events.

These first steps act as  validation in assessing whether your passion has earning potential. More importantly, they build confidence and discipline, two essentials for turning hobbies into something more. By starting small and staying consistent, you create a path where your “play” can naturally evolve into profit.

Play hard, earn smart

For many Malaysians, sports often start as a form of recreation to stay fit and maintain a healthy lifestyle. But with the right mindset, they can also become play-to-earn opportunities. Unlike professional athletes who train full-time, everyday hobbyists can still “play to earn” through smaller but meaningful opportunities.

Let’s take esports and gaming, two popular play-to-earn trends, for instance, it is no longer just a favourite pastime; many have turned it into a legitimate source of income. The rise of esports has opened doors for players to earn from prize pools, sponsorships, and streaming, proving that even “play” can translate into real income.

The esports communities have proven that a serious commitment to playing competitively can undoubtedly bring significant returns. In June 2025, Malaysian-hailed Valorant team “Paper Rex” clinched RM1.49 million (US$350,000).

For the average and everyday Malaysians, the path to earning doesn’t always have to lead to million-ringgit tournaments. Small but steady earnings can come from joining local competitions, streaming gameplay to niche audiences, or even offering coaching for popular titles like Mobile Legends and Dota 2.

Furthermore, with support from the Malaysia Esports Federation (MESF), esports gamers are provided with the necessary resources to further strengthen their skills and ultimately compete at a much higher level. This backing signifies that esports is no longer just a hobby, but also an acknowledged pathway for those who seek to nurture and eventually monetise their passion

The point here is that sports and esports don’t just have to cost money. With creativity, they can also become ways to supplement income. Whether it’s through coaching, guiding, and event organising, everyday sports show that playing hard and playing smart can, quite literally, pay.

Harness the power of your community

Many tend to overlook the power of their immediate circles. Many successful hobby monetisers and key opinion leaders (KOLs) in Malaysia start with humble beginnings of sharing their passion with friends, family and even local groups. 

For example, Khairul Aming started his gig as a social media series of sharing Ramadan recipes on social media has led to him becoming a household name in the content creation space. 

By zeroing-in on his tight-knit community he laid the foundation for something bigger. Eventually, through the community he created he is able to generate RM42 million in sales from his product Sambal Nyet.

Communities create trust, word of mouth, and the motivation to keep going when things get tough. They are the space that generate your first supporters as people are more likely to show up and support your play-to-earn journey.

Identify and leverage your strengths for play-to-earn growth

Another key component of turning hobbies into a steady source of income is recognising and leveraging your own strengths. 

By leaning into what you’re already good at, be it gardening, cooking, or even sports, you can develop a niche that attracts people who value your expertise and authenticity. 

Here’s an interesting story for you. A Kelantan homemaker featured in local news managed to transform her love for gardening into a thriving business. What began as a small passion for growing plants eventually evolved into a steady source of income through plant sales and gardening services, earning around RM8000 a month. 

Her story highlights one key lesson: you don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Once you have identified your strengths, think about the most practical ways to package and position your products or offerings.  

By playing to your strengths and tailoring them to solve the everyday needs in your community, you open the door to more play-to-earn opportunities..

Small following, big potential

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need viral fame to turn your passion into income. With the right mix of consistency, creativity, and a willingness to experiment, even a small following or niche market can help you succeed in your play-to-earn niche.

Not to mention, today’s platforms make it easier than ever to earn from what you love, even without a huge following. TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook allow Malaysians to monetise niche content, whether it’s cooking tutorials, badminton tips, or livestreaming your gameplay with only a few hundred engaged viewers. 

Start small, refine your strengths, and use today’s digital tools to grow. Your next hobby could be your next play-to-earn success story.