I think you are mistaken.
Last year, the entry cost was around 600 USD (1060 HOF + Mems) yet I doubt you participated.
Also, you are talking about winning all the hardware while you skip the competition part (aka Finals). If you are talking about the qualifiers' giveaway prizes (they will cover 8 people from the qualifiers) then you already aim too low. This is not a competition that is meant to have people joining for the giveaway. The goal is top-12 and if you don't make it, winning something from the giveaway can sweeten the pill.
Also, professional overclockers being the top10 richest guys in hwbot or having "tons of cash" made me laugh.