Esports, or electronic sports, have exploded in popularity over the past decade, with games like League of Legends, CS, and Dota 2 drawing massive audiences. This surge in interest has led to the rise of Esports betting, giving fans a chance to bet on their favorite teams and players in the virtual world. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you how to bet on Esports, the types of bets available, and strategies to maximize your chances of success.
Understanding Esports Betting
Esports betting functions similarly to traditional sports betting, but the key difference is that the events are video game competitions. Players or teams compete in various video games, and you place bets on the outcomes. Esports include a wide variety of genres such as first-person shooters, battle royales, and real-time strategy games.
Popular Esports Games
Here are some of the top games that dominate the Esports scene:
- League of Legends (LoL): A multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game that requires strategy and team coordination.
- Dota 2: Another highly popular MOBA, similar to LoL but with more complex mechanics.
- Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS): A first-person shooter (FPS) game where teams of terrorists and counter-terrorists compete.
- Call of Duty (CoD): A military-themed FPS with various multiplayer modes, including battle royale.
- Overwatch: A team-based FPS with unique heroes and abilities, combining strategy and fast-paced action.
- Fortnite: A battle royale game where 100 players compete to be the last one standing.
- Valorant: A tactical FPS with hero-based gameplay, blending the elements of CS
and Overwatch. - StarCraft II: A real-time strategy game where players manage resources and armies to outwit their opponents.
- FIFA: A popular soccer simulation game, where players bet on virtual soccer tournaments.
Esports Tournaments
Esports has a structured tournament system, much like traditional sports leagues. Some of the most prestigious Esports tournaments include:
- The International (Dota 2): Known for its massive prize pools.
- League of Legends World Championship: The pinnacle of LoL competition.
- CS Majors: Global tournaments for Counter-Strike players.
- Overwatch League: A structured league system for Overwatch teams.
- Call of Duty League: The official competitive league for CoD players.
Types of Esports Bets
Esports betting offers a wide range of markets, allowing bettors to wager on different aspects of a match or tournament. Here are the most common types of Esports bets:
Moneyline (Match Winner)
The most straightforward Esports Betting is the moneyline, where you bet on which team or player will win a match. For example, in a CS
match between Team A and Team B, you bet on the outright winner.
Map Betting
In games that involve multiple maps or rounds, such as LoL, Dota 2, and CS, you can bet on which team will win a specific map. For instance, you can bet on Team A to win Map 2 in a best-of-three series.
Over/Under (Total Maps or Rounds)
For games that are played over several rounds or maps, you can bet on the total number of maps or rounds played. For example, in a CS
match, the sportsbook may set the total maps line at 2.5, and you bet whether the match will go over or under that number.
Handicap Betting
Handicap betting in Esports Betting is similar to traditional sports, where one team is given an advantage or disadvantage in terms of maps or rounds. For example, if Team A is heavily favored in a Dota 2 match, they may start with a -1.5 map handicap, meaning they need to win 2-0 for your bet to win.
First Blood/First Kill Betting
In games like LoL, Dota 2, and CS, you can bet on which team will get the first kill or draw first blood. This is a quick and exciting bet as it is usually decided early in the game.
Outright Betting (Tournament Winner)
You can place outright bets on which team or player will win an entire tournament, rather than just a single match. This type of bet is typically available before the tournament starts and sometimes during the event, though odds will adjust.
Prop Bets
Proposition bets, or prop bets, allow you to wager on specific events within a match. These can include betting on which player will have the most kills, how long the match will last, or even how many headshots will be achieved in a CS
game.
Live Betting
Live betting allows you to place bets while the match is in progress. Esports Betting live markets may include bets on the next round winner in a CS
match, or whether a team will make a comeback after losing the first map.
How to Bet on Esports
Step 1: Choose a Reputable Esports Betting Sportsbook
The first step to betting on Esports Bettingis choosing a trustworthy sportsbook that offers a wide range of Esports betting markets. Look for sportsbooks that provide:
- Competitive odds
- A variety of Esports titles
- In-depth markets
- Live streaming options
- Bonuses and promotions specific to Esports
Step 2: Research Teams and Players
Before placing your bets, conduct thorough research on the teams or players involved. Esports is a skill-based environment, and factors such as player form, team coordination, and even patch updates in the game can influence the outcome.
Step 3: Study Game Mechanics
Understanding the mechanics and strategies of each game will give you an advantage when betting. Each game has unique objectives and gameplay styles, so familiarizing yourself with how teams win or lose is essential.
Step 4: Compare Odds
Just like in traditional sports, different sportsbooks offer different odds for the same Esports events. Shopping around for the best odds ensures you get the highest potential returns on your bets.
Step 5: Place Your Bet
After you’ve done your research and found the best odds, place your bet on your preferred market. Be sure to bet responsibly and only wager what you’re willing to lose.
Key Factors to Consider in Esports Betting
Team Form and Recent Performance
Just like traditional sports teams, Esports teams go through slumps and hot streaks. It’s crucial to look at a team’s recent performance when placing your bets. Are they on a winning streak, or have they been struggling in recent matches?
Player Roster Changes
Player roster changes can significantly affect a team’s performance. If a key player has been substituted or a new addition has joined, it can either strengthen or weaken a team’s chances.
Game Updates and Patches
Esports games are often updated with new patches or balance changes. These updates can impact the meta (most effective strategies), and teams may take time to adjust. Keeping track of patch notes and how they affect the teams you’re betting on is crucial.
Head-to-Head Records
Examine the head-to-head records between teams or players. Some teams may have a historical advantage over others due to playstyle mismatches or mental edges. This data can be useful when deciding which team to back.
Home/Away Advantage
Although most Esports events are held online, certain tournaments are played in physical arenas, where the crowd and location can influence player performance. Home-field advantage can play a role in boosting morale or applying pressure.
Esports Betting Strategies for Success
Bet on Underdogs in Competitive Matches
In Esports, upsets happen frequently, especially when the skill gap between teams is small. Betting on underdogs in competitive matches can provide excellent value, especially if you spot a potential upset.
Focus on One Esports Title
To become proficient in Esports betting, it’s beneficial to focus on one game and master its betting markets. Whether it’s CS, LoL, or Dota 2, specializing in a single game allows you to develop a deeper understanding of the teams, players, and meta.
Take Advantage of Live Betting
Live betting is particularly exciting in Esports because of the fast-paced nature of the games. Watching the game unfold allows you to make better predictions based on in-game performance and momentum shifts.
Stay Updated on Game Patches and Changes
Game patches and balance changes can drastically affect the competitive landscape. Staying updated on these changes will help you predict how they will impact teams and players in upcoming matches.
Bet Based on Data and Analysis
Esports betting should be based on thorough data analysis rather than gut feelings. Analyze statistics, recent performance, and game conditions to make informed bets.
Conclusion
Esports betting offers a thrilling way to engage with the fast-paced world of competitive gaming. By understanding the various betting markets, researching teams and players, and applying strategic insights, you can enhance your chances of success. Remember to stay informed about game updates and tournament formats, and always approach betting with a data-driven mindset to maximize your potential rewards.
