Everything you need to know about betting on electronic sports (eSports)

eSports have revolutionised the world of digital entertainment, captivating millions of players and spectators around the globe. More than just gaming, eSports have become a cultural phenomenon, with major competitions and a passionate community.

The adrenaline rush of watching your favourite team fight for victory can be amplified even more through eSports betting. Imagine putting your prediction skills to the test and feeling the thrill of each match intensify!

This guide was created for you, the eSports fan, who wants to dive into the world of betting and turn your knowledge into opportunities. We'll cover the main games, betting strategies and how to find the best sites to bet on.

What are eSports?

Electronic sports are professionally organised video game competitions. Although electronic games have been around for decades, eSports have only emerged as a significant industry in the last 20 years. Today, eSports tournaments attract global audiences and offer million-dollar prize pools.

History and Evolution of eSports

From the first arcade game tournaments in the 1980s, eSports have evolved into large-scale events with major sponsors and live streaming to millions of fans. Games like Counter-Strike, Dota 2 and League of Legends are among the main drivers of this growth.

We currently have very prestigious tournaments on the international scene, such as The International (Dota 2), League of Legends World Championship and ESL Pro League (CS:GO). These competitions even offer prizes that can exceed tens of millions of dollars.

Popular games to bet on

Betting on eSports offers a new dimension of involvement for fans, allowing them to put their predictive skills to the test and add to the excitement of the games.

Although there are many similarities between betting on traditional sports and eSports, such as the variety of bet types and the analysis of statistics, eSports have their own dynamics. Check out the most popular games in this category and understand how to place your bets.

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO)

Recognised for its intense strategies and competitive gameplay, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) is a first-person shooter with a huge player base and following around the world.

CS:GO betting offers several options, allowing enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the action even more. Among the types of bets available are:

• Match winner
• Total rounds
• First team to reach 10 rounds
• Winner of each map

To bet successfully on CS:GO, it's essential to study the teams and their recent performance. Analysing each team's favourite maps can provide valuable insights, as certain teams perform better in certain environments.

In addition, considering the impact of line-up changes can make a big difference, as the entry or exit of key players can significantly alter a team's dynamics.

Dota 2

Dota 2 is a real-time strategy game where two teams of five players compete to destroy the opposition's base. This game is known for its complexity and high learning curve, requiring players to master a wide range of skills and strategies.

In the world of Dota 2 betting, the main types of bets include:

• Winner of the match
• First to destroy a tower
• Total kills
• Total game time

To increase your chances of success in betting, it's essential to follow patch updates and changes to the meta, as these updates can significantly impact the performance of heroes and strategies.

Knowing the history of head-to-head matches between teams can provide valuable insight into how one team might fare against another. In addition, tracking players' individual performances allows you to identify those who are in good shape and can make the difference in critical matches.

Valorant

Valorant is a tactical shooter developed by Riot Games that combines elements of CS:GO and Overwatch. Since its launch, the game has rapidly gained popularity, attracting a dedicated player base and a growing audience in the eSports scene.

In Valorant betting, there are several options available to punters, including:

• Final match result
• Players' individual performances
• Winner of each round
• Team with the most eliminations

If you want to place bets on Valorant, it's essential to look at the composition of the teams and their strategies, as the choice of agents and the synergy between them can significantly influence the outcome of matches.

Checking the teams' recent form in tournaments is also essential, as past performance can indicate future performances. In addition, considering the impact of specific agents on each map is essential, as certain agents have skills that can be more effective in different game environments.

Overwatch

Overwatch is a first-person shooter developed by Blizzard Entertainment, characterised by a diverse cast of characters, each with unique abilities. This game is widely recognised for its fast-paced action and intense focus on teamwork, requiring players to coordinate their skills in order to achieve victory.

There are several ways to bet on Overwatch, such as:

• Match results
• Performance by character
• First team to capture objectives
• Total eliminations

When it comes to Overwatch, in order to do well in betting, it's essential to study the harmony between characters and team strategies, as the right combination of heroes can be decisive in a match.

Keeping up with updates and balance changes is also essential, as Blizzard frequently adjusts skills and characters, which can have an impact on the metagame. And finally, don't forget to analyse the teams' performance history to get a good idea of how they might perform in future matches.

How do you choose a good betting site?

Now that you know what they are and which are the main eSports to bet on, you should know that in order to select a good betting site, you need to consider several factors, such as:

• Security: make sure the site is licensed and regulated to guarantee the protection of your data and funds.
• Variety of games: choose a platform that offers a wide range of games, including your favourites such as CS:GO, Dota 2 and Valorant.
• Competitive odds: compare the odds offered by different sites to ensure you're getting the best possible value on your bets.
• Bonuses and promotions: take advantage of welcome bonuses and other promotions offered by the sites to increase your bankroll and maximise your winnings.
• Customer support: check that the site offers efficient and available support, so you can resolve any problems quickly.

Researching and comparing different betting sites allows you to find the best combination of security, variety, odds and bonuses, giving you a more rewarding betting experience. To discover new platforms and compare the best options, check out Casinoshark.

That's it! Now you know everything you need to bet on eSports in a safe and fun way. With the right knowledge and the right strategies, you can make the most of the experience. Good luck!