Esports is no longer just about computer games; it has become a multibillion-dollar industry that is rapidly capturing the hearts of millions of fans worldwide. With the growing popularity of tournaments and professional leagues, esports is quickly entering the realm of match betting. In this article, we will discuss the popular disciplines in 2025 and provide valuable betting recommendations for esports.
What is Esports Betting and Why is it So Popular?
Esports betting is a form of wagering on the outcomes of computer game competitions. In essence, it is very similar to traditional sports betting: you choose a team or player, predict the outcome, and if your prediction is correct, you win. So, what fuels this rapid growth in esports betting popularity?
First, it’s the young and highly active audience, already immersed in the digital world and open to new forms of entertainment.
Second, the unprecedented accessibility and interactivity—matches are broadcast worldwide in high quality, often with professional commentators and in-depth analytics, making the viewing experience as spectacular and understandable as possible.
Third, the high dynamics and excitement of the esports battles themselves, filled with unpredictable twists and thrilling moments, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
Finally, realizing the enormous potential of esports, more and more betting sites are offering a wide range of events and convenient tools for placing bets.
Which Esports Disciplines Are Most Popular for Betting?
Today, there are several key games that attract the lion’s share of attention from bettors:
- CS:GO (Counter-Strike: Global Offensive) — a legendary tactical first-person shooter where two teams compete to complete objectives or completely eliminate the opposing team. Betting in CS:GO is incredibly diverse, ranging from match or round winner predictions to total kills, spreads, and even the first kill of the map.
- LoL (League of Legends) — one of the most popular MOBA games in the world. In this game, two teams of five players fight to destroy the enemy’s base. Betting on LoL often includes match outcomes, total kills, and predictions on which team will destroy the first tower, dragon, or Baron Nashor.
- Dota 2 — another grand MOBA, similar to LoL, but with its own unique heroes, mechanics, and strategies. Betting types in Dota 2 are usually similar to those in LoL, including predictions on the winner, totals, and specific in-game events.
By 2025, we are seeing growing interest in disciplines like Valorant, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (especially popular in Asia), and continued growth in the significance of Call of Duty and StarCraft II. Many bookmakers, including 1xbet, 1win, and Stake, are actively expanding their offerings, adding these and other new esports events and markets to meet the rising demand.
-
1xBet€1,500 + 150 FS New players can claim a welcome package that offers up to €1,500 spread across four deposits. Additionally, this package includes 150 free spins. -
1Win500% + 75 FS You will receive an additional deposit bonus in your bonus account for your first 4 deposits to your main account. The bonus is credited automatically after topping up the main account: • 200% on the 1st deposit amount • 150% on the 2nd deposit amount • 100% on the 3rd deposit amount • 50% on the 4th deposit amount.
-
Stake CasinoNo Bonus Unlike many online casinos, Stake Casino does not offer a traditional welcome bonus for new players. Instead, the platform focuses on regular promotions, VIP rewards, and exclusive tournaments. Players can still take advantage of cashback, rakeback, and special bonuses through ongoing promotions. It’s always a good idea to check the official Stake Casino promotions page for the latest offers.
Betting Formats in Esports
The esports betting market offers much more than just picking the match winner, opening up a range of exciting opportunities for players.
One popular format is tournament betting, or pre-match betting. These long-term predictions are made before the tournament begins. You can bet on the overall winner of the championship, predict which team will make it to the playoffs, or even identify the best player of the tournament. These bets require deep analysis and an understanding of the current team forms, as success depends on long-term vision.
Another, much more dynamic and thrilling format is live betting. Here, you make predictions in real-time, responding to events unfolding right before your eyes. These can include betting on the winner of the next round in CS:GO, who will get the next kill in LoL, or which team will capture a strategic objective first. Live betting requires immediate reactions and an intuitive understanding of the game, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the action.
Additionally, bookmakers offer in-game parlays and special bets. Parlay bets allow you to combine several independent outcomes into one coupon. If all your predictions are correct, your potential winnings increase significantly due to the multiplication of all the odds. Furthermore, unique in-game bets are available, such as “first blood” (first kill in the match), “first team to destroy a tower,” or even “the number of kills by a specific player.” These markets can offer very high odds, but it’s important to remember they also come with higher risks.
How to Choose a Platform for Esports Betting
When choosing a bookmaker for esports betting, pay attention to several key aspects. First, make sure the platform has a valid license and is regulated by the appropriate authorities. This is your main guarantee of safety and rights protection. It is also extremely important to study the reputation and user reviews. Reliable bookmakers like 1xbet usually have a positive reputation and a large number of active players.
Look at the variety of disciplines and betting markets — the wider the selection of esports events and types of bets, the more opportunities you have for profitable predictions. The ease of use of the interface and the functionality of the mobile app also play a major role, allowing you to place bets anytime, anywhere. Don’t forget to check available payment methods and withdrawal speeds as well.
If you are just starting to bet on esports matches, it’s recommended to follow a few simple rules. Always start with small amounts. Focus on one or two esports disciplines that you are familiar with and well-versed in.
Conclusion
Esports betting is not just a passing trend, but a stable and growing phenomenon that will continue to develop actively in 2025 and beyond. Esports offers exciting and unique opportunities for betting, but like any form of gambling, it requires thoughtful and responsible engagement. Choose only trusted and reliable bookmakers like 1xbet, 1win, and Stake, conduct thorough analysis before each bet, manage your bankroll wisely, and always remember to play responsibly.