Esports has long ceased to be entertainment for boys, but a full-fledged industry, where crazy money is involved - hundreds of millions of dollars. Tournaments in Dota 2, CS:GO and League of Legends gather audiences that Hollywood could never have dreamed of. But how do you know what bets to make and what to pay attention to so as not to be left in the red? In this article, we will analyze the basics of betting on esports and give valuable advice on each discipline.
The Basics of Esports Betting
When it comes to eSports betting, there are several types, each of which allows you to evaluate not only the team or player, but also deeper aspects of the game. Here are a few of them:
Types of bets
- On the result - one of the most straightforward and probably the most popular. Everything is simple here: predict who will win the match and bet on this participant.
- Handicap is a bit more complicated. It estimates the difference in scores between two participants.
- Totals - for those who want to go further than just guessing the winner, a more analytical approach. Requires a good understanding of the game and its pace.
- Long-term - if you are interested not only in predicting the outcome of a single match, but also in assessing the general trends of the tournament, then this is an excellent choice.
Each of these types opens up different horizons, allowing you to experience the full breadth of the esports world.
How do odds work?
Odds are not just numbers, but a kind of barometer of how likely or unlikely a bookmaker thinks a certain outcome is. They show how much you can win if your selection turns out to be successful, while also revealing the bookmaker's view of the chances of each outcome. Here's how they simply work.
Imagine that you bet on a match with odds of 2.0, for example, $10, and you get twice as much, that is, $20, of course, if you guessed correctly. But the higher the odds, the riskier this outcome is considered from the bookmaker's point of view.
For example, if the odds are 5.0, the bookmaker sees the chances of such an outcome as much less likely. But if it does happen, you will win five times more than you bet.
For a bookmaker, odds are a way to balance risks. They calculate them in such a way as to balance their potential losses as much as possible, regardless of how the match ends. The lower the probability of an outcome, the higher the odds will be, and the more likely the outcome, the lower they will be. It's simple: the bookmaker insures himself against possible large payouts.
So it turns out that odds are not only a tool for calculating your possible winnings, but also a mirror of how bookmakers assess the chances of various events. And every time you bet on a match, you find yourself in a game where you not only follow the results, but also can understand how risky the choice is in the eyes of professionals.
The importance of analytics
Analytics is not just a buzzword, but a real key to success. As in any other field, preparation and gathering information make each step more confident and prepared, which means that the chances of winning can be given much more room to grow. Why rely only on intuition when you can operate with facts and deep analysis?
- Team form is the foundation of everything. No matter how much you love a team or player, it is important to understand what form they are in at the time of the match: at the peak of their game or, conversely, experiencing a decline. The history of recent matches is an indicator that cannot be ignored. Even the strongest teams sometimes go through a series of failures, and knowing this helps to build a more accurate forecast.
- Head-to-head statistics are a fundamental aspect. We all have our strengths and weaknesses. And what makes teams different? They manifest themselves in confrontations with each other. Knowing such nuances helps to avoid blind bets.
- Map and champion selection can often be decisive. In esports, the maps on which a match takes place are of great importance. Teams can be incredibly strong on one map and almost helpless as puppies on another. It is also important to monitor the selection of champions or heroes. Some players and teams play certain characters like gods, while for others, the choice of hero can be fatal.
Analytics allows you to look at the match like a mosaic. And how do pros increase the chances of making a profit? Only this way. After all, a decision based only on emotions or random facts is much riskier than one supported by detailed data analysis.
In general, by approaching this issue with your head, you not only increase your chances of success, but also become part of a more complex game, where every move is thought out, not random. This is the art of winning.
Dota 2 betting
Main features of the game
Dota 2 is a universe where a match is a unique and dynamic event, where the clash of strategies and team decisions turns into an epic spectacle. In this team-based MOBA, two groups of five players fight to destroy the enemy throne, but everything is not as simple as it seems at first glance.
Variables are what make it truly unique. No two matches are the same, because there will always be new combinations, different player decisions, unexpected turns of events. A multitude of factors, such as the location of heroes on the map, team reactions, random encounters and mistakes - all this plays a huge role, making each match unpredictable, exciting. This is a battlefield of minds, where the art of planning and team synergy is manifested, where the fight is a chance to prove yourself as a player and strategist.
Popular tournaments
- The International (TI) is the largest tournament with a multi-million dollar prize pool.
- The Dota Pro Circuit (DPC) is a series of tournaments leading up to TI.
- ESL One, DreamLeague, PGL are regular prestigious tournaments.
Types of bets
- For the team to win: the main view.
- Handicap by cards: on the difference in score.
- Kill Totals: The total number of kills in the game.
- First blood: to the team that gets the first kill.
Factors affecting the result
- Hero selection: A strong peak can give a huge advantage.
- Goal: balance of power between the heroes.
- Individual form of players and team cohesion.
CS:GO betting
Main features of the game
It's a game where one bullet and one step can be decisive, and the outcome of a match depends on many factors. In CS:GO, as in any other esports, it's important to understand not only the game, but also its features to maximize your chances of success.
This is a first-person shooter where two hostile worlds - terrorists and special forces - fight to complete tasks. Each map has its own strategy, the match is like a chess game, in which not only victory is at stake, but also tactical depth, fine-tuning of team actions and readiness for unexpected moves.
Matches are usually played in a Best of 3 format — meaning a team needs to win two games to win. This format requires players to not only react quickly, but also to stay focused and adapt to changing game conditions.
Popular tournaments
- PGL Major, BLAST Premier, ESL Pro League — top tournaments.
- IEM Katowice, DreamHack Masters – prestigious international competitions.
Types of bets
- For the win: classic.
- Handicap by rounds: on the difference in score.
- Totals by Round: a prediction of the number of rounds played.
- Pistol rounds: to the winner of the first round.
Card importance and shape
Different teams play better or worse on certain maps. For example, Na'Vi plays well on Mirage, while Vitality plays well on Inferno. Also, the current form of the players, their shooting level, and tactics can determine the outcome of the match.
Betting on League of Legends
Main features of the game
A world where every match is a unique battle, full of tactics, strategy, and unexpected twists. In this game, the fate of the entire team depends on an action, a mistake, or a decision. A strategic MOBA where two teams of five fight in the most famous and dangerous arena - Summoner's Rift.
A team consists of five cyber gamers who play key roles in the overall strategy. With the help of their unique abilities, they complete specific tasks. But the most important thing is how the team works together. The main goal of the team is to destroy the enemy's Nexus.
When talking about League of Legends, it is important to understand not only the strength of individual players, but also their ability to adapt to the game, synergize with each other, and, of course, their readiness for unexpected turns. In this game, any decision can be the last, and the choice is not just a tactical move, but the most important step to victory.
Popular tournaments
- Worlds is the main event of the year.
- LCK, LEC, LCS, LPL – regional leagues with the best teams in the world.
Types of bets
- For the team to win: classic.
- First Tower/Dragon: on who will destroy the object first.
- Total murders: on the total number of murders.
- Handicap by cards: on the difference in score.
Impact of objectives and champion picks/bans
- If a team is strong in the late game, they need to hold on until the late game.
- The pick and ban of champions can determine the outcome before the match even starts.
- Synergy between champions is the key to success.
Mistakes to avoid
- Betting without analysis: without preparation, the probability of winning is minimal.
- Rebounding after a loss: emotions are not the best helper.
- Ignoring the goal: The game is changing, and what worked before is likely not going to work now.
- Underestimating underdogs: Weak teams sometimes show sensational results.
Conclusion
Betting on eSports is not just about excitement, but also about deep analysis. Dota 2, CS:GO and League of Legends offer a lot of opportunities for prediction and strategic approach. The main thing is to study the game, follow the scene and not do stupid things on emotions. ESports lives on dynamics, and those who can analyze and make decisions with cold calculation win.
