Since its humble beginnings in the 1990s, eSports has evolved from a passion project of enthusiastic gamers organizing local tournaments with meager prize funds to a global phenomenon with serious sponsors and massive audiences. Bookmakers have recognized the potential in eSports and now sponsor various eSports clubs, with their logos adorning team jerseys, attracting a broad audience for their advertising endeavors. The year 2020 marked a turning point for eSports, as traditional sports competitions faced suspension during the pandemic, while virtual eSports soared in popularity, leading to a surge in betting activity. Today, eSports stands strong as a highly popular betting category.
Types of eSports It is essential to distinguish eSports from virtual sports, as they are two distinct concepts. In eSports, real teams or individuals compete against each other, whereas virtual sports rely on algorithms to determine the outcome of simulated events, resembling casino-like activities. eSports encompasses a wide range of disciplines, with bookmakers accepting bets on several dozen types.
Some of the most popular eSports include:
- CS:GO (Counter-Strike: Global Offensive)
- Dota 2 (Defense of the Ancients 2)
- LoL (League of Legends)
- PUBG (PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds)
- Valorant
- Rainbow Six
- Fifa
- World of Tanks
- King of Glory
- Rocket League
- World of Warcraft
- Starcraft and Warcraft series
Among these, CS:GO and Dota 2 reign supreme in terms of popularity and betting activity. These games boast a massive player base, numerous tournaments, and substantial prize pools, attracting betting enthusiasts from around the world.
CS:GO Betting Counter-Strike: Global Offensive has captured the hearts of players across generations, from the older demographic to the younger generation. Dozens of CS:GO tournaments are held globally, offering various prize pools, status, and regional representation. European organizations, especially those from Eastern Europe, Denmark, Sweden, and France, are known for their strong presence in CS:GO. However, players from the USA and Brazil have shown impressive progress as well.
Main Types of Bets on CS:GO In most CS:GO matches, teams compete until one side secures victory on two maps (BO3 format). Other formats, such as BO1 and BO5, are also used for specific tournaments.
Key types of bets on CS:GO include:
- Winner of the round, map, and match.
- Total frags and cards (in-game items).
- Handicap on separate locations and the whole match.
- Victory in the pistol round.
- Whether a frag will be a knife kill.
- Whether the bomb will explode.
Additionally, long-term bets (outright bets) are available, allowing players to predict tournament winners, finalists, or teams advancing to the playoffs from the group stage.
CS:GO Betting Strategies To make informed bets on CS:GO, consider the following strategies:
- Assessing team ranking and form: Analyze both the current ranking and form of the teams to predict their performance accurately.
- Paying attention to roster changes: Keep an eye on team rosters, as reshuffles and roster improvements can significantly impact a team’s performance.
- Capitalizing on Live betting opportunities: Live betting can offer advantageous odds based on real-time performance and dynamics.
Dota 2 Betting Dota 2 boasts one of the largest prize pools in eSports, particularly with its premier event, The International, where fans contribute through in-game purchases to create a staggering cash pool. Dota 2 matches are played on a single map, with each side consisting of five heroes, each with unique abilities and roles.
Main Types of Bets on Dota 2 Common types of Dota 2 bets include:
- Winning on a map or in a match.
- First blood (first hero kill).
- Head start on kills.
- Total kills.
- Final advantage in gold.
- First Roshan (powerful neutral monster) and tower kill.
- The first kill of a courier (in-game delivery unit).
Dota 2 Betting Strategies Dota 2 strategies revolve around understanding team drafts, hero abilities, and gameplay dynamics.
Strategies for betting on Dota 2 include:
- Analyzing team drafts: Dota 2 drafts play a crucial role in determining the outcome of a match.
- Observing Live betting opportunities: Assess teams’ real-time performance to capitalize on Live betting odds.
Betting on Other eSports Although different eSports have their unique aspects, the basic principles of betting apply across the board. Live betting is particularly advantageous, offering real-time insights into team dynamics and performance. As eSports continues to grow and gain official recognition, detailed analytics and comprehensive information on players and teams are increasingly available, aiding in making informed bets.
In conclusion, eSports betting has emerged as a vibrant and exciting category in the world of sports betting. With its rapidly expanding audience and continuously evolving dynamics, eSports betting offers numerous opportunities for players and bookmakers alike. Understanding the intricacies of different eSports disciplines, utilizing informed strategies, and capitalizing on Live betting can lead to a fulfilling and potentially profitable experience in the thrilling world of eSports betting.