Esports has grown in popularity in recent years due to their engaging gameplay and opportunities for professional players to make an income. With so many regular tournaments and handsome cash prizes on offer, many people have found it worthwhile to bet on the outcomes. Many bookmakers and casinos now offer Esports betting options. For those unfamiliar with eSports betting, a comprehensive guide is available here.
The nature of Esports
Esports can be classified into two major categories of action video games and sports games modeled on popular sports. Video games grew out of traditional PlayStation platforms to become Esports with professional players and tournaments and a fanatical following. Sports games are inspired by traditional sports and are extremely popular among Esports fans.
Action Video Games
DOTA 2
DOTA2 is a MOBA that features two teams of five players, each facing off. The aim is to destroy the opponent’s base, with the first team to do so being the winner. It is one of the most popular Esports, with tournaments regularly breaking records for prize pools.
League of Legends
League of Legends is another extremely popular MOBA featuring two teams of five players. The aim is to destroy the opponent’s base. LoL has over 8 million players globally and regularly offers attractive prize pools. The League of Legends World Championship is often the biggest tournament on the Esports calendar.
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
CO:GO is a first-person shooter game where one team attempts to detonate a bomb in the enemy’s base while the other tries to frustrate them. The game has 30 rounds, each of which can be won by either detonating the bomb, defusing it, running down the clock, or killing the enemy team. CO tournaments can attract over one million viewers and has no offseason. It is the most popular esports game in terms of trading activity.
Valorant
Valorant is a relatively new FPS that offers traditional shooting contests, tactical challenges, and other forms of combat, making it dynamic and unpredictable.
Overwatch
Overwatch is a popular FPS game where teams of six players face off in a fierce contest to capture objective points or escort a payload to its destination. There is an Overwatch League where teams battle for the annual Grand Finals.
StarCraft II
StarCraft is another strategy game with a massive following and has dedicated fans and many professional players and tournaments. Most gamers are from South Korea, though wagers can bet on the ESL Pro Tour for StarCraft II from any part of the world.
Traditional Sports Games
FIFA
FIFA is modeled on international football and features teams from different countries competing in international tournaments. Typically, two players compete by playing one international team against another. Wagers can bet on match events such as yellow cards or freekicks and results just like regular football. It is one of the easiest Esports games to bet on because the rules are simple and familiar to most sports fans.
Madden NFL
Madden NFL is modeled on American football and allows American football fans to play their favorite sports on Esports. The most popular NFL Esports tournament is the Madden 21 Club Championship, which offers the participants a prize of $750,000.
NBA 2K
NBA 2K is the most popular Esports tournament for basketball fans. The game has a dedicated TV channel and an Esports league where wagers can bet on various events and outcomes.
Rocket League
Rocket League combines aspects of racing and football. Two teams play it intending to push the ball into the opponent’s goal. It features weekly events and seasonal contests. The annual prize can rise to $4.5 million.
Esports Betting Has Tremendous Potential
Esports betting was valued at over $1 billion in 2020 and is projected to double by 2025. The growth will be driven by the increasing acceptance of live streaming and gaming in popular culture. Streaming platforms such as Twitch and dedicated gaming channels on YouTube connect fans with players and teams where they can participate and hone their skills.
More gaming competitions will emerge, and more amateur players will go pro. These activities are going to drive interest in Esports betting among traditional casinos as well as bookmakers. Many casino brands now offer Esports betting with features that make it easier to make deposits and cash out.
Esports Betting Tips
Esports wagers can bet on single matches or tournaments. Match bets involves betting on events and outcomes of single matches. Betting on tournaments involves wagering on the outcome of an entire tournament that may take weeks or months. Betting on tournaments increases your chances of winning because the competition has many participants and you can bet on different teams. Wagers can also earn by entering contests and competing with other gamers. Your choice will depend on your gaming experience and the risk involved in making a bet.
For even more news from the Rising World of eSports Head here
You must be logged in to post a comment.