Fans may interact with their favorite games on a new level thanks to the fascinating and quickly expanding esports betting market. The popularity of live streaming and competitive video gaming has made esports an international phenomenon that attracts millions of spectators and participants worldwide. With a vast range of titles, 2023 promises to be a crucial year and should also be exciting for bettors. With the widely popular games, 2023 will debut several new esports titles, including Street Fighter VI and the upcoming EA Sports FC game, which expects to replace the well-known FIFA series of video games. Which top esports games should you seek to wager on in 2023? Below are the games that will provide the most betting possibilities, markets, value, and enjoyment for the year.
Counter-Strike: General Offensive (CS: GO)
We started with CS: GO because of its long history in the esports community. The current version dates back to the early 2000s and has entertained players since 2012. In addition to having a thriving market for weapon skins, the game receives frequent patches and updates. Together with essential leagues like BLAST Premier and ESL Pro League, significant events like IEM Katowice, DreamHack Anaheim, ESL One Rio de Janeiro, and ESL One Cologne happen every year. Major competitions typically have prize pools of $1 million, and competitions like the IEM Katowice regularly draw more than a million spectators. With everything above, it should be no surprise that CS: GO betting is the most well-liked category among esports bookies.
League of Legends (LOL)
LoL is incredibly well-liked all across the world, but in Asia especially. With 8 million players worldwide, the game has almost 20 times as many players as Dota 2. It makes it the most-played PC game worldwide. Because it is one of the two multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games that rule esports, LoL betting is widespread among esports bookmakers. Winners have won over $80 million in thousands of events since the game’s introduction 12 years ago. Korea tops the list in popularity, and total prize money won, accounting for 8 of the top 10 international earners. Only one player in the top 10 (Luka “PerkZ” Perkovic) is not Asian.
DOTA 2
Regarding the audience, prize money, and wagering interest, Dota 2 is second to CS: GO. The US, China, France, and Romania are among the 16 nations in the top 25 grossing countries for this Valve-created game, played worldwide. The second most popular option is Dota 2 betting. Dota 2 is the game with the highest prize money, even though we have put it second. The in-game Compendium, which includes a tonne of goodies like extra modes, skins, and challenges, is bought by fans to support the yearly International, which has a massive prize pool. The total prize fund has surpassed $34 million recently and receives 25% of the Compendium. Every rated participant may contend for a share.
Fortnite
Fortnite has given millions of dollars to its top players, and that’s for a game that has only been alive for three years. While some people question if Fortnite is a legitimate sport (due to Epic frequently changing the game before significant events), the fact remains. Only CS: GO and Dota 2 offer more prize money than it. The Fortnite esports ecosystem is still prospering, even though the initial frenzy has somewhat subsided. Around 250 million individuals have registered for the game across all platforms, which is still quite popular. Even now, Epic hosts frequent Fortnite competitions, some open to all players. The majority of esports bookmakers provide Fortnite betting in the meanwhile.
Overwatch
Overwatch, the masterwork first-person shooter from Blizzard Entertainment, has grown enormously in the eSports world. The mind behind Blizzard’s Call of Duty series is familiar with the hidden components that build fantastic video games. A combination of shooters and social multiplayer online war arenas is called Overwatch (MOBA). Over the past five years, the Overwatch League has solidified its position as a truly international league. With a prize pool surpassing $5 million, it now hosts regional “conferences” between teams from the Atlantic and Pacific. Live streamers and broadcasters are becoming more interested in Overwatch as league matches are routinely available on streaming websites like Twitch. There are alternatives with online sportsbooks that offer in-play Overwatch markets.
FIFA
The 20 top FIFA eSports double acts on the planet recently competed in the EA Sports Cup, which ended mid-January. Two direct qualifying spots for the FIFA Club World Cup 2023 and a $250,000 prize pool after the tournament’s conclusion were the prizes. This FIFA tournament is currently the most prestigious in the globe. FIFA tournament prize money increased to $3.65 million in 2022 from $2.09 million in the prior year. It highlights the changing business interest in virtual football. The French hosts in Paris intend to run an “Olympic Esports Week” during the 2024 Summer Olympic Games, with FIFA eSports expected to play a part. With sports games being firmly on the eSports map, this will further boost the profile of competitive FIFA.
PUBG
Last, PUBG is currently one of the most intriguing eSports games. It claims to be the only widely played full-fledged mobile eSports game. Its rapid rise among casual mobile gamers worldwide has facilitated its availability for download on Android and iOS smartphone and tablet devices. One of the strongholds of the PUBG gaming scene is the PUB Mobile Pro League. Seven regional Mobile Pro League contests occur annually, covering Southeast Asia, South Asia, Turkey, the Middle East, and South and North America. Prize pools for PUBG in 2021 reached an incredible $14 million, underscoring the game’s growing popularity in both the commercial and competitive arenas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Esports Betting
"Skin betting" is a form of betting that uses in-game items, also known as "skins," as a form of currency. These skins can be earned or purchased in-game, and can be used to bet on the outcome of esports matches or other in-game items or real money. Skin betting can take place through third-party websites that use skins as a form of currency, or through the use of in-game trading platforms that allow players to exchange skins with one another. The practice of skin betting has been controversial, with some arguing that it constitutes illegal gambling, while others argue that it is a legitimate form of virtual currency trading.
The process of determining odds for esports matches can vary depending on the bookmaker or the betting platform. In general, the odds will reflect the perceived likelihood of a particular team or player winning a match.
One way that odds are determined is through the use of statistical analysis and data. Bookmakers will use historical data on teams and players to evaluate their performance, and use this information to set odds. They will also take into account current events and factors that might influence a match, such as injuries or roster changes.
Another way odds are determined is through the use of public betting patterns. Bookmakers will track the bets that are placed on a particular match, and adjust the odds based on the amount of money that is being placed on each side. This can create a feedback loop, where the odds are influenced by the bets being placed, which in turn influences where people place their bets.
Bookmakers also use expert analysis and predictions from professional players and analysts to set odds. They also take into account the general perception of the teams and players on the scene, their performance on the previous tournaments, and the map pool.
It is important to note that the odds for esports matches can change frequently and rapidly in the lead-up to a match and during the match as well. So it's advisable to keep an eye on the odds and make sure to place your bets at the right time.
In-game items and virtual currencies can play a significant role in esports betting. As mentioned before, "skin betting" is a form of betting that uses in-game items, also known as "skins," as a form of currency. These skins can be earned or purchased in-game, and can be used to bet on the outcome of esports matches or other in-game items or real money.
Skins can also be used to purchase virtual currency, which can then be used to place bets on esports matches. Some bookmakers or betting platforms offer the option to use virtual currency to place bets, in addition to or instead of real money.
In-game items and virtual currencies can also be used as prizes in esports betting. For example, a bookmaker may offer a skin or virtual currency as a prize to the winner of a betting pool or competition.
In-game items and virtual currencies can also be bought and sold on third-party marketplaces for real money. This means that players can earn real money by selling in-game items that they have earned or purchased. This creates a whole economy around in-game items and virtual currencies, which factors into esports betting.
It's important to note that while some sites are legitimate, many are not, and the use of in-game items and virtual currencies for betting can be risky. Players should be aware of the legal and regulatory issues surrounding skin betting, and should only use licensed and regulated platforms.
Yes, here are a few tips and strategies for successful esports betting:
- Research and stay informed: Keep up to date with the latest news and developments in the esports scene. This includes information on teams, players, tournaments, and game updates.
- Understand the game: Have a good understanding of the game you're betting on, including the rules, strategies, and the current meta.
- Use statistics: Use statistics to help you make informed decisions. There are various websites that provide statistics on teams and players, including their performance in past matches and tournaments.
- Keep track of odds: Keep track of the odds for the matches you're interested in betting on, and make sure to place your bets at the right time.
- Manage your bankroll: Set a budget for your bets and stick to it. Don't chase your losses, and never bet more than you can afford to lose.
- Have discipline: Have discipline and control over your emotions, avoid impulsive betting.
- Shop around for the best odds: Different bookmakers will offer different odds for the same match, so make sure to shop around for the best deal.
- Specialize in a specific game or league: It's better to specialize in a specific game or league rather than trying to follow everything.
- Never overlook the underdogs: Don't overlook the underdogs, as they can sometimes pull off an upset, and offer better odds.
- Use a betting exchange: Consider using a betting exchange, which allows you to bet against other players rather than against a bookmaker.
It's worth noting that while these tips and strategies can help increase your chances of winning, there is no guarantee of success in esports betting, and it's always important to gamble responsibly.
Yes, we do offer bonuses for new players, such as sign-up bonuses, referral bonuses, and loyalty bonuses. These bonuses can be in the form of free bets, deposit matches, or cashback.
Yes, many online esports betting sites offer live betting, which allows players to place bets on ongoing esports matches.
The most popular esports to bet on include games like League of Legends, Dota 2, CS:GO, and Overwatch.
