Betting on esports — what is it?

Esports is rapidly growing, attracting millions of viewers worldwide. Virtual battles have become an integral part of the modern entertainment industry, and betting on esports offers fans the opportunity not only to follow their favorite teams but also to earn money by using their knowledge. In this article, we will delve into what esports betting entails, what types of bets exist, and what you need to know for successful predictions.

Popularity of Esports Betting

In recent years, interest in esports betting has significantly increased. The reasons for such popularity include:

• Wide selection of disciplines — users can place bets on various game genres, from shooters to strategies.
• Spectacle and dynamics — matches are fast-paced, and their outcome can change at any moment.
• Diversity of bets — from standard bets on the winner to complex predictions on in-game events.
• Round-the-clock access — esports tournaments take place worldwide, allowing bets to be placed at any time of day.
• Industry development — the growth of prize pools and the popularity of esports make betting on it increasingly attractive.

Main Esports Disciplines

Esports betting covers a wide range of video games. The most popular ones include:

• First-Person Shooters (FPS): CS:GO, Call of Duty, Rainbow Six Siege. These games emphasize team tactics, weapon proficiency, and map knowledge.
• MOBA games: Dota 2, League of Legends. Here, strategy, team coordination, hero selection, and current patch meta are crucial.
• Fighting games: Mortal Kombat, Tekken. Key aspects include reaction time, combo attacks, and game mechanics knowledge.
• Real-Time Strategy games (RTS): StarCraft II, Warcraft III. These games require quick decision-making, macro- and micro-controls.
• Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPG): World of Warcraft. Tactical cooperation and role distribution in the team are important here.

Each discipline has its own characteristics that influence betting strategy. For example, in Dota 2, it’s important to consider the patch meta and teams’ playstyle, while in CS:GO, map knowledge and players’ individual form are crucial.

Types of Esports Bets

There are several types of bets that make esports betting unique:

• Match winner bet — the classic option where you predict which team will win.
• Handicap bet — a bet on the score difference between teams (on maps, rounds, kills).
• Outright bet (tournament winner) — a long-term bet on the team that will become the tournament champion.
• Total bet — a bet on the number of maps, rounds, kills in a match.
• First blood bet — a bet on the team that will make the first kill in the match.
• First 10 kills bet — the team that will reach a certain number of kills first.
• Special bets — for example, betting on a kill with a specific weapon or the duration of a map.

Tips for Successful Bets

To minimize risks and increase your chances of successful bets, it’s important to follow certain principles:

1. Study the game — understanding game mechanics and tournament specifics increases prediction accuracy.
2. Follow teams and players — analyzing current form and team composition helps make more informed bets.
3. Use statistics — analyzing maps, win rates, and opponents’ head-to-head records provides an objective view.
4. Manage your bankroll — budget management helps avoid major losses.
5. Monitor odds — bookmaker odds can indicate likely match scenarios.
6. Exercise caution with live bets — real-time bets require quick reaction and good game knowledge.
7. Avoid emotional decisions — it’s important to stay composed and not try to make up for a failed bet.

Conclusion

Esports betting is an exciting and rapidly expanding segment of the market. It allows fans to delve deeper into esports and earn money using an analytical approach. However, as with any form of gambling, it is important to approach betting responsibly, study the discipline, and carefully analyze all factors before placing a bet. A sensible approach and thorough preparation will help you enjoy and maximize your chances of success.