With the popularity of esports on the rise, the industry draws a lot of attention. This includes sponsors who provide hefty prizes and fans who anticipate iconic events. Esports bets always accompany the events. Therefore, it’s no surprise that esports meet users online not only on streaming platforms but also on sportsbooks.
What is the secret to successful esports wagering, though? We know and are going to unveil it in this article. Read on our esports betting tips to find out how to bet on esports to maximize your chance of winning.
Table of Contents
Esports Betting Is Blooming
Esports have been around for a while. However, the industry started to gain popularity rapidly a couple of years ago. It’s accumulating significant revenue: for example, it surpassed $950 million in 2020, according to data revealed by Statista. The revenue growth is driven by an increasing number of tournaments and, consequently, esports teams. The income, in turn, attracts investors who ramp up prize pools every year. For example, the largest one equaled $34.33 million during the International 2019 – Dota 2.
All these inevitably promote esports wagering. Of course, sportsbooks can’t stay indifferent: professional companies tend to expand their expertise and presence in the industry. Parimatch, for example, has partnered with such esports teams as Fnatic, Virtus.pro, HellRaisers, and others. If you want to place esports predictions, choose professionals: register on Parimatch and start winning now!
What Games Are Popular in Esports Betting?
Online esports wagering, as with any other gambling niche, has a pool of leaders that attract the highest viewership rates. Typically, such video games are much more fun to watch and bet on. Here are the most popular esports to place an esports prediction:
League of Legends (LoL) Betting
LoL is rightfully called the most popular esports in the globe, with more than one million viewers watching its championship in 2019. The MOBA resembles Dota 2, yet it’s much simpler for beginners, hence driving more interest. The game offers many tournaments: the most iconic ones are the Mid-Season Invitational, League of Legends Championship. If you want to try esports betting there, study these LoL betting tips first.
Top teams: Damwon Gaming, Suning, G2 Sports
World Championship 2020 winner: Damwon Gaming
Dota 2 Betting
Dota 2 is among the leading video games on the globe. It’s a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) that is rather similar to the king – League of Legends. But Dota 2 requires a deeper understanding of the game.
The game ranked first as the leader in terms of audience engagement in Q3 2020. Its main tournaments like MDL Majors or The International also attract a lot of attention. To master esports wagering on this game, read Dota 2 betting tips.
Top Teams: OG, PSG.LGD, Evil Geniuses
International 2019 winner: OG
CS: GO Betting
Another one of the most popular esports games that follow Dota 2 in audience engagement is CS: GO or Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. The most popular of all first-person shooters have been around for a while and established a community of loyal fans. The gameplay’s simplicity attracts millions of viewers who eagerly watch such events as CS: GO Major Championship, Counter-Strike. ESL Pro League, ESL, or IEM Masters. Here, we have shared the esports tips on CS: GO online betting.
Top Teams: Astralis, Team Vitality, Natus Vincere
StarLadder Berlin Major 2019 winner: Astralis
Overwatch
Overwatch blends MOBA and first-shooter games like LoL and CS: GO. Although many thought it would be successful, in reality, its community is much scarcer than the ones of the esports mentioned above. For example, the Grand Finals (Overwatch League) last year were viewed by almost 187 000 users. Besides this event, users also often choose Overwatch World Cup for esports prediction.
Top teams: Philadelphia Fusion, Shanghai Dragons, RunAway
Overwatch World Cup winner: Team United States
PUBG
An online multiplayer battle royal game, PUBG, attracted, on average, 151,100 concurrent viewers on Twitch last year. The maximum was 254,600. Users watch how 100 professional esports players enter an arena, look for weapons, and try to remain the last man standing. The key event in this discipline is the PUBG Global Championship.
Top teams: Orange Rock, Yoodo Gank, Four Angry Men
PUBG Global Championship 2020 winner: Nova XQF
Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft
Based on the Warcraft series, Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft is a turn-based card game for two opponents only. The ultimate goal is to destroy an enemy’s hero with abilities or minions. Its main tournament is Hearthstone World Championship, with a peak viewership of 276 206 users in April 2020.
Top players: Glory, Bloodyface, Monsanto
Hearthstone World Championship 2020 winner: Glory
Fortnite
It is an online video game with three game modes that let players slaughter zombies, fight till the last man standing, or develop the worlds and battle arenas. The largest competition that interests viewers and bettors is Fortnite World Cup; its finales gathered about 2.3 million concurrent viewers in 2019.
Top players: Bugha, TFue, Fray
Fortnite World Cup winner: Bugha (solo), Nyhrox + aqua (duos), Fish Fam (Creative Cup)
Valorant
It’s a first-person multiplayer tactical game where professional esports players aren’t just shooting each other but can apply their unique abilities. The ultimate feature is tactical team play that spices Valorant up. Its key event is Valorant Champions, a global tournament series that will take place in 2021 for the first time. However, it has already carried out regional tournaments like Valorant First Strike: North America.
Top teams: Sentinels, G2 Esports, Absolute Jupiter.
Valorant First Strike: North America 2020 winner: 100 Thieves
Rocket League
The game is like soccer, but while driving a car. It’s quite an extraordinary blend that managed to gain some users’ attention: its maximum Twitch viewership surpassed 140,000 concurrent users. However, the game is among the best for esports predictions, especially for those who already have some experience: it mirrors traditional sports statistics. If you are interested, consider betting on the Rocket League Championship Series.
Top teams: NRG NRG, NV Team Envy, SSG Spacestation Gaming
Rocket League Championship Series 2019 winner: NRG Esports
You can also try esports betting predictions with Parimatch on such games as:
- King of Glory
- Rainbow Six Siege
- Starcraft 2
How to Understand Esports Betting Odds
Understanding the odds is vital for successful esports betting predictions. Parimatch implements a decimal odds format that is easier to work with compared to others. For instance, the number shows the underdogs and favorites: for the underdog, the odds number is bigger than for the favorite.
The odds are represented in the following way: 1.60, 3.20, etc. The number indicates the gain or the total payout, not the profit. It means that it already includes your stake. To calculate the end-earning, use the following equation: Stake x Decimal Odd Number = Total Payout.
Let’s look at an example: Natus Vincere vs. MiBR in Counter-Strike Blast Premier. A bet “Overtime on map 1” has the following odds: 10.00 for “Yes”, and 1.03 for “No”. It means that the analysts are pretty sure that there will be no overtime as the odds for “No” are far smaller than for the opposite outcome.
Suppose you bet 2000 INR on “No overtime on map 1” and the odd wins. Then, your payout will be 2,000 INR x 1.03 = 2060. However, if you bet on “Yes,” and it’s true, you get 2,000 INR x 10.00 = 20,000 INR. To know the profit, you need to deduct your initial investment, e.g., 20,000 INR – 2,000 INR = 18,000 INR.
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How Does Esports Betting Work?
Esports predictions are versatile: it will take quite some time to get at least a basic grasp of the main esports betting tips and rules and how to bet on esports. In this part of the article, we are going to cover the main bets.
Esports Betting Types
Let’s elaborate on esports betting predictions options on Parimatch.
Moneyline or Game Winner
This is the most widespread bet, in which you assume the winner of a match. However, it’s also applicable to a series of rounds or maps at one time. The exact number varies from game to game. For example, in CS: GO, you can bet on the overall winner, Map 1 Round 1 winner, Map 1 Round 16 winner, Map 2 Round 1 winner, and Map 2 Round 16 winner.
Handicap
A handicap is a bet in which a sportsbook gives a virtual advantage or disadvantage to one of the opponents. To know whether the bet wins or not, you need to add up the handicap to the selected competitor’s score: if it’s predicted right, the bet wins; if it’s a draw, you will receive a refund. For example, in the Dalanjing– Sparking Arrow Gaming match (Dota 2), Dalanjing needs to finish the match with a -1 score for you +1.5 handicap esports prediction to win.
Total Maps
In this esports prediction, you wager on the total number of maps played. For example, in Dota 2, NoTechies vs. Extremum, the total is 2.5. If you bet on over, you win if three maps are played. If you bet under, you win if the game finishes after two maps only.
Map Win
Map Win is betting on who will win on the particular map. In CS: GO, you can bet on Map 1 and Map 2. For example, you will gain money if you bet on Virtus.pro’s victory against Spirit on Map 1. If Virtus.pro loses, however, so will you.
Overtime
Here, you wager whether there will be overtime when playing a particular map or not. For example, for an eNergy and Ex-Online Kingdom match (CS: GO), the odds for no overtime (MAP 1) are 1.08, yes – 7.00. It means the game is likely to finish in regular time.
First Kill
This is a very risky bet that states which team will be the first to kill. In Dota 2, you can bet on who makes the first kill and who totally destroys Roshans on each map. For example, the odds for Vikin.gg are 2.35, while for OG – 1.55. If you bet on OG and it wins, you can multiply your bet by 1.55 and await the gain.
Race to 5/10
Here, you wager on which team makes the first five/ten kills. Typically, the esports prediction is specified for each map in Dota 2. However, the odds may be the same: the case of the Latam Defenders vs. Unknown match (2.80 vs. 1.40 respectively).
Game-specific Props
As each esports game has its own specifics, it offers different prop bets. For example, in CS: GO, you will find a bomb-related, knife or Molotov kill bets. In LOL, you can bet on which team will destroy the first tower or inhibitor, while in DOTA 2 – on the first team to press glyph on a certain map.
Popular Esports Tournaments to Bet On
Online betting is much easier if you aim for popular events only. The participants typically have a lot of information that can be analyzed to make esports betting predictions. Here are the leading esports events:
The International
The major Dota 2 championship, The International, is annually organized by Valve. It was first held in 2011 and has taken place every year since then, except for 2020 (canceled because of the pandemic). The championship used to welcome 16 esports teams, but since 2017 it has had 18 teams. The participants compete for the share of a significant pool prize that reached $34 million in 2019.
League of Legends World Championship
Another name for this championship is Worlds, where participants from all over the globe battle in the arena. They can win a multi-million dollar prize, the 20-pound Summoner’s Cup, and the champion title. It’s the most popular esports event on the globe and has taken place since 2011.
ESL Pro League
ESL Pro is a professional CS: GO esports league that encompasses 24 esports teams globally. The league was introduced in 2015 and has been hosting seasonal competitions since then. Its pool prize isn’t counted in millions but in hundreds of thousands and still, there are big prize pools: the 2019 finals prize was $600,000.
Fortnite World Cup
It’s another one of the annual major tournaments to bet on. This one is for Fortnite fans who have already watched the event for three years: it was founded only in 2018. The event combines several categories like Solos, Duos, Creative Cup, and Pro-Am. Although the tournament is rather new, its total pool prize equaled $30 million in 2019.
ESL Intel Extreme Masters (IEM)
Intel has founded its own Electronic Sports League (ESL) in 2007 that encompasses several esports. In 2020, for example, the events were held for Counter-Strike and Starcraft II only. Nonetheless, the championship has already become iconic, with the finals taking place in Katowice, Poland. While the location remains the same, the rewards don’t. This year, the CS: GO players will fight for a $972,000 prize pool, while last year, it was only $500,000.
ESL One Dota 2
This is another esports tournament organized by ESL, only for Dota 2. It was held in Hamburg in 2014 for the first time when the event gathered 10,000 visitors. Since then, the location has been changing, the number of spectators and the pool prize has been increasing. The total reward last year hit $400,000.
Where Can You Watch Esports Live Streaming?
Esports betting predictions don’t make sense without watching a live stream. You can observe the matches via:
Parimatch LIVE
You can place live esports predictions and watch live streams on the Parimatch website. Go to the Live Esports section, click on the video icon within a certain match and enjoy! Be sure to log in to access the video.
Twitch
Twitch is an obvious choice as the platform generates the highest scope of esports content daily. It covers the majority of main online video games and features all the major championships. Twitch also attracts users by allowing them to watch regular streams of professional and average players.
YouTube
YouTube broadcasts all the main events; however, it still falls behind Twitch. Therefore, if a tournament isn’t of the top tier, you may not find it there. However, YouTube has some advantages: for example, you can watch the recorded games even when they finish.
Working Esport Betting Tips & Strategies
Esports predictions are impossible without a deep understanding of what you should do to succeed. Otherwise, you put hope in fate and risk losing all the money if the odds aren’t in your favor. With these tips, you will be much more prepared for esports betting:
Know What You Are Betting on
If you aren’t an advocate of random betting, you always make predictions before placing a bet. How can you assess the opponents and estimate the outcome if you lack a basic understanding of a game? There is no way.
That’s why you need either to study a game properly or to play it beforehand. Only then will you know what is necessary to kill the Roshans in Dota 2 or what the Nexus is in League of Legends. Without a deep understanding of the main game concepts, you are blinded and can’t make accurate predictions.
Watch out for Underdogs
In traditional online betting, gamblers beware of underdogs: it’s a sign of loss; thus, the money is usually wagered in favor of the competitor. In esports betting predictions, however, this isn’t always the case. Many factors may change the outcome of the game.
The common one is technological. Although every team has a strong tech back-up with a good Internet connection, failures do happen. And they lead to minor or major mistakes that can make the leading team lose to an outsider. That’s why you shouldn’t blindly avoid underdogs and bet on them when it seems reasonable.
Learn the Team/Player Stats
No accurate esports predictions can be made without a statistical backup. The statistics show the previous performance and allow to identify winning or losing trends. Here, however, you should rely on the latest data only: outdated figures may no longer be relevant as the teams evolve and change their roster.
When looking at the statistics, you should assess the team in general and its players in particular. With a changed roster, you need to evaluate the ex-player’s contributions and the new ones’ possible input. After that, you will have a clear picture of where the team is standing.
Esports Betting: Common Mistakes to Avoid
You won’t be successful in esports predictions with tips and tricks only. You should also know which mistakes to avoid. Here are the most common ones:
Avoiding Favorites in Best of One
Best of one matches are very risky: they are too hard to predict. That’s why you don’t make a prudent bet based on data but merely risk losing your money. Relying on luck and fate may be fun, but don’t put too much money on BO1.
Ignoring When the Team Roster Changes
The roster plays a major role in a team’s performance. Neglecting this factor undermines the reliability of your esports predictions. Never forget to check the participants before you place a bet. If something has changed, analyze what impact it will have, how it will affect the overall team play, what new tactics can be implemented, and so on.
Trusting Unreliable Betting Tips on the Internet
We all want to save time on making betting predictions. That’s why users often turn to online tipsters to help them make esports staking decisions. Beware of fraud as not all of them are true professionals. You should rely on reputable tipsters only.
Being Emotional While Betting
When emotional, you can get overwhelmed and place a too expensive bet on a highly risky match. Such situations usually occur when a gambler chases losses or strives to win the lost money. The best thing to do in such a case is to stop predicting until you are calm again to think clearly.
Betting on Only Match-Winners
Match-winners is the most common bet; however, it shouldn’t be the only one. It’s not as reliable as it may seem. There are many other easier-to-predict bets like totals. You can place esports prediction in map totals or score totals, for example.
Not Knowing When To Stop
There are two golden rules in order not to lose a lot of money. First of all, you should never chase losses as, typically, it is a way to lose much more. Secondly, you should always withdraw funds as soon as you win a lot. Don’t devote them all to more esports predictions; save some!
How Can You Bet on Esports with Parimatch?
Now that you know the basics of esports staking, it’s time to place your first bet. We will discuss how to do this on Parimatch in this step-by-step guide. Visit the Parimatch website to practice right away.
Step 1: Sign Up
If you haven’t bet on the best esports gambling site Partimatch before, you will need to register. For this:
- Visit pari-match-bet.in.
- Find “Sign Up” in the top right corner.
- Fill in the registration form and don’t miss an opportunity to get a welcome bonus.
Step 2: Deposit Money to Your Parimatch Account
To start esports staking, you need to deposit the funds first. Go to the deposit tab, select the preferred payment method, and provide the banking details. The funds will instantly be credited to your account. Don’t hesitate and make your first deposit now!
Step 3: Select the Match
To find the match to bet on, go to the main page and proceed to the Sports section in the menu. Select Esports from the categories and start browsing the available events. You can bet on live and upcoming esport betting games.
Step 4: Identify the Best Bets
We have already discussed that there are many bets to consider. Study the odds, carry out research, and decide which one is going to win. Sometimes, it’s better to bet on totals rather than a match-winner.
Step 5: Bet, Bet, Bet!
To place a bet, you need to choose the odds by clicking on them, specifying the sum of the bet, and clicking “Place Bet.” Please note you can make not only single bets but also parlays and systems.
Esports Betting: What to Consider
Esports predictions are the whole new realm of online betting, where you must be competent to win a lot. The required knowledge base is extensive, from top championships to most-performing teams. At the same time, you should always remember to study the gameplay itself. Otherwise, all the efforts are for nothing.
Also, you can place bets on other sports on Parimatch. And we have many promotions that will allow you to make free bets (bonus money that allows you to place free bet stakes. Free bets valid if you followed all the rules). You can do football free bets or cricket free bets. The choice is on you! Besides, you can visit our Online Casino and win big. Don’t forget to check the casino bonus!
Never forget about general betting rules like not letting your emotions get involved. They apply to esports predictions, as well, and can significantly undermine your chances for victory. We wish you good luck, and may the odds always be in your favor!
How to Bet On Esport FAQ
Is esports betting legal in India?
While esports predictions are controversial in India, you can safely and legally bet using reliable international bookmaker websites such as Parimatch. In fact, esports predictions are widespread in India.
Where can you bet on esports?
You can bet on Esports on Parimatch. You need to register on the sportsbook, deposit the funds, and find the esports match to place a bet on.
How big is esports betting?
The esports betting market is rapidly growing. According to some estimations, it was supposed to double in 2020 and reach $14 million.
Is there live betting on esports?
Yes, there is. Parimatch offers live betting on esports. You need to visit the official website, find the live section, select the match, and choose a live bet.
Is esports betting profitable?
Yes, esports predictions are profitable if you make prudent predictions. For this, you need to analyze the performance of both teams together and separately. Also, you should use our esports tips to win even more!
How are the odds calculated in esports betting?
The odds in esports betting are calculated the same as in traditional sports betting. Parimatch, for example, applies a decimal odds format where the total payout can be easily calculated: Stake x Decimal Odd Number = Total Payout.
Is betting on esports safe?
Yes, esports predictions are safe as long as you don’t make risky decisions. For this, you should always remain calm and don’t place risky bets.