What are the most popular esports to bet on?
Learn about the top esports to bet on and how arbitrage betting can help you secure risk-free profits.
What are the most popular esports to bet on?
The most popular esports to bet on include games like League of Legends, Dota 2, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, and Valorant.
These games attract millions of viewers worldwide and feature large competitive scenes with frequent tournaments, making them ideal for betting markets.
While traditional betting on esports involves risk and uncertainty, arbitrage betting can eliminate guesswork by securing profits regardless of outcomes.
League of Legends (LoL)
League of Legends is one of the largest esports globally, known for its strategic depth and massive fanbase. Its frequent seasonal leagues and world championships provide numerous betting opportunities. The variety of markets includes match winner, first blood, and map outcomes.
- •High liquidity in betting markets
- •Regular international tournaments
- •Diverse betting options from match to player performance
💡Example: Betting on LoL Worlds
During the World Championship, odds fluctuate based on team form and patch changes. Calculating optimal bets can be complex, but arbitrage betting ensures profit by exploiting odds differences across bookmakers.
Arbitrage percentage = (1/Odds Team A) + (1/Odds Team B); if under 1, arbitrage opportunity exists.
Dota 2
Dota 2 offers a rich competitive scene highlighted by The International, one of the biggest esports prize pools. Its 5v5 format and unpredictable matches create dynamic betting markets, including outright winners and live in-game bets.
- •Massive prize pools attract top teams
- •Complex game dynamics affect betting odds
- •Popular for live betting due to game length variability
💡Example: Live Betting Challenges
Odds shift rapidly during matches due to in-game events, making it hard to place risk-free bets. Arbitrage betting removes this guesswork by identifying guaranteed profit situations across bookmakers.
Live odds arbitrage requires quick calculation; software like ArbitUp automates this process efficiently.
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO)
CS:GO is a fast-paced shooter with a strong esports presence. Its betting markets focus on match winners, handicap bets, and round winners. The game's popularity ensures a wide range of bookmakers offering competitive odds.
- •High-frequency tournaments throughout the year
- •Betting markets for both pre-match and in-play
- •Strong global betting interest
Arbitrage Betting in CS:GO
Because odds vary between bookmakers, arbitrage betting is effective in CS:GO. It allows bettors to lock in profits without relying on match outcomes or predicting momentum shifts.
- →Eliminates risk from volatile in-play odds
- →Simplifies complex betting strategies
- →Can be automated using tools like ArbitUp
💡Example: Handicap Betting Arbitrage
If one bookmaker offers a favorable handicap on Team A and another bookmaker offers better odds on Team B, arbitrage bettors can cover both outcomes for guaranteed profit.
Use the formula: (1/Odds Handicap Team A) + (1/Odds Team B) < 1 to identify arbitrage.
Valorant
Valorant is a newer entrant with rapidly growing esports betting markets. Its tactical shooter gameplay has attracted strong competitive tournaments, increasing betting interest and market liquidity.
- •Emerging esports with expanding betting markets
- •Popular for both match betting and proposition bets
- •Ideal for bettors looking for fresh arbitrage opportunities
Challenges and Arbitrage Solutions
Due to Valorant’s evolving meta and less stabilized odds, bettors face uncertainty. Arbitrage betting removes this by focusing on price discrepancies rather than predicting complex game outcomes.
- →Reduces risk in a developing market
- →Ensures consistent profits despite volatility
- →Simplifies decision making for bettors
💡Example: Early Market Arbitrage
New Valorant tournaments often have inconsistent odds between bookmakers. Arbitrage bettors can capitalize on these discrepancies before markets stabilize.
Monitor odds quickly and calculate arbitrage percentage; tools like ArbitUp can streamline this process.
Other Popular Esports for Betting
Besides the major titles, several other esports have growing betting markets including Overwatch, Call of Duty, and StarCraft II. While these may have smaller audiences, they can present unique arbitrage opportunities due to less efficient odds.
- •Overwatch offers team-based betting markets
- •Call of Duty features seasonal league betting
- •StarCraft II popular for individual match bets
💡Example: Finding Niche Arbitrage Opportunities
Less popular esports often have wider odds gaps between bookmakers, creating arbitrage chances for savvy bettors. These require careful monitoring but can yield steady profits.
Calculate combined inverse odds to confirm arbitrage: (1/Odds Team A) + (1/Odds Team B) < 1.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ⚠️Ignoring odds movement and missing arbitrage windows because of slow reactions
- ⚠️Betting emotionally on favorite teams rather than analyzing odds for value or arbitrage
- ⚠️Failing to account for bookmaker commissions or fees that can erode profits
- ⚠️Overcomplicating strategies without leveraging automated tools like ArbitUp for calculations
- ⚠️Neglecting bankroll management which can lead to losses despite arbitrage opportunities
- ⚠️Relying on a single bookmaker instead of comparing multiple to find arbitrage
- ⚠️Not verifying the legitimacy of bookmakers leading to payout issues
The Power of Arbitrage Betting
Arbitrage betting eliminates guesswork by guaranteeing profits through exploiting price differences across bookmakers regardless of match outcomes.
- ✓Removes risk associated with unpredictable esports results
- ✓Provides consistent, reliable profits over time
- ✓Simplifies betting decisions by focusing on mathematical opportunities
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IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER
This content is for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Sports betting involves substantial risk. Only bet with money you can afford to lose. See our Terms of Service for complete legal disclaimers.