The Most Popular Esports Games to Bet On in 2024

Esports betting has exploded in popularity over the past decade, becoming a significant segment of the global gambling industry. With an ever-growing array of games and tournaments, the options for esports betting have never been more diverse or exciting. Whether you are a seasoned bettor or new to the esports scene, understanding which games dominate the betting markets can help you make informed choices and enhance your betting experience. Here's a look at the most popular esports games to bet in 2024.

1. League of Legends (LoL) - League of Legends remains a titan in the esports world, attracting millions of viewers and a substantial betting community. The game's competitive scene draws massive betting volumes, notably the annual World Championship. With numerous regional leagues leading up to the World Championship, plenty of opportunities exist to place bets throughout the year. Popular bet types include match winners, map winners, and first blood.
2. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS) - CS is one of esports' longest-standing and most revered titles. The game's straightforward yet intense gameplay, combined with its rich history and large pool of professional teams, makes it a staple for esports bettors. Major tournaments like the ESL Pro League, PGL Major, and BLAST Premier are particularly popular, offering various betting options such as match outcome, map score, and total rounds.
3. Dota 2 - Dota 2 is another cornerstone of the esports betting scene, largely thanks to The International, one of the biggest and most prestigious tournaments in esports. The game's complexity and its players' high skill ceiling create an exciting and unpredictable betting environment. Fans can bet on match outcomes, map winners, total kills, and more, making it a favorite among bettors who enjoy high-stakes action.
4. Valorant - Although a relatively new entry in the esports arena, Valorant has quickly risen to prominence. Developed by Riot Games, the same company behind League of Legends, Valorant combines elements of tactical shooters like CS with unique character abilities, making it a fresh yet familiar betting option. The game's global tournaments, such as the Valorant Champions Tour, have garnered significant attention from bettors, with popular betting markets including match winners, first to ten rounds, and individual player performance.
5. Call of Duty (CoD) - The Call of Duty franchise has long been a favorite among gamers, and its esports scene is no different. With the Call of Duty League (CDL) entering its fourth season, it continues to draw large betting audiences. The fast-paced, high-action nature of Call of Duty makes it thrilling for both players and spectators, and bettors can enjoy a wide range of markets, including match winners, total kills, and map winners.
6. Fortnite - Fortnite's impact on the gaming world is undeniable, and its competitive scene has also found a place in the esports betting market. While not as traditional as other esports titles, Fortnite's unique battle royale format and frequent high-profile tournaments, such as the Fortnite World Cup, offer exciting betting opportunities. Bettors can wager on player placements, total eliminations, and even specific in-game events, making Fortnite a dynamic option for esports betting.
7. Overwatch 2 - With the release of Overwatch 2, Blizzard's popular team-based shooter has revitalized its esports scene. The Overwatch League (OWL) continues to be a major draw, with teams worldwide competing in high-stakes matches. Betting on Overwatch 2 involves predicting match winners, map scores, and specific in-game achievements like most eliminations or objective captures.
8. Rainbow Six Siege - Rainbow Six Siege has carved out a niche in esports with its strategic gameplay and intense, tactical matches. The game's esports scene, highlighted by the Six Invitational and Pro League, offers a variety of betting opportunities. Fans of the game can bet on match outcomes, map winners, and specific in-game objectives such as the number of defuses or kills.
9. FIFA has a unique position in the esports betting market due to its crossover appeal with traditional sports fans. The FIFA eWorld Cup and other major tournaments attract football enthusiasts and esports bettors, creating a vibrant betting scene. Common bets include match outcomes, tournament winners, and in-game events such as goals scored or penalties awarded.
10. StarCraft II - While not as mainstream as before, StarCraft II remains a staple in the esports betting community, especially in South Korea. The game's strategic depth and fast-paced gameplay make it an exciting option for bettors. Tournaments like the Global StarCraft II League (GSL) and World Championship Series (WCS) continue to offer plenty of betting opportunities, with markets including match winners, total maps, and specific in-game achievements.

Top Esports Betting Platforms

Choosing the right platform can make all the difference when it comes to betting on esports. Among the top online esports betting platforms, Bet365, 22Bet, and 1xBet stand out for their comprehensive offerings and user-friendly experiences. Bet365 is renowned for its extensive market coverage, offering a wide range of esports events with competitive odds and live betting options. 22Bet also excels with its broad selection of esports titles, including niche games, and supports multiple payment methods, including cryptocurrencies. 1xBet is another major player in the esports betting scene, known for its diverse betting markets and generous promotions explicitly tailored for esports enthusiasts. Each platform provides a robust and secure environment for betting on esports, making them top choices for novice and experienced bettors.

Top 10 Interesting Facts About Esports:

1. Global Audience Growth: Esports has seen explosive growth in its international audience, with estimates suggesting over 500 million worldwide watched esports events in 2023, surpassing the viewership of many traditional sports.
2. High-Stakes Prize Pools: The largest esports tournament prize pool to date is from The International, a Dota 2 tournament, which in 2023 offered over $40 million in prize money, surpassing many traditional sports events.
3. Olympic Recognition: Esports is inching closer to being recognized as an Olympic sport. The International Olympic Committee has acknowledged esports as a potential future Olympic event, reflecting its increasing legitimacy in the sports world.
4. Professional Athletes: Top esports players are now regarded as professional athletes, with some earning millions annually from winnings, sponsorships, and streaming. For example, the highest-paid esports player, Johan "N0tail" Sundstein, has earned over $7 million from Dota 2 tournaments alone.
5. Esports Arenas: Dedicated esports arenas are being built worldwide, such as the HyperX Esports Arena in Las Vegas and the Esports Stadium Arlington in Texas, designed specifically to host large-scale esports tournaments.
6. Diverse Game Genres: Esports is not limited to one type of game. It spans various genres, including MOBAs like League of Legends and first-person shooters like CS.
7. , strategy games like StarCraft II, and even sports simulations like FIFA.
9. Scholarships and Education: Universities and colleges increasingly offer esports scholarships and even degrees in esports management, recognizing the industry's growth and the career opportunities it presents.
10. Esports in Asia: Asia, particularly South Korea and China, is the powerhouse of esports. South Korea was one of the first countries to recognize esports players as professional athletes and Chinese esports players dominated games like Dota 2 and League of Legends.
11. Female Representation: While esports has traditionally been male-dominated, there is a growing number of female players and teams. Events like the GirlGamer Esports Festival are dedicated to promoting female participation in esports.
12. Health and Fitness: Top esports teams now employ coaches, nutritionists, and psychologists to ensure players maintain physical and mental fitness, recognizing that peak performance requires more than game skills.

Conclusion

Esports betting offers a dynamic and ever-evolving landscape for gamblers. With games ranging from tactical shooters to strategy-based MOBAs, there's something for everyone in esports. Staying updated on the latest tournaments and understanding the intricacies of each game can enhance your betting strategy and increase your chances of success. Whether you're betting on a classic like CS or exploring newer titles like Valorant, the thrill of esports betting is here to stay.