Betting on Esports in 2026

Experience incredible gambling that combines the fun of video games with the thrills of wagering in unique Esports environments. Discover the betting options, game variants, major events, and prizes that you can explore when betting on Esports. Become familiar with this rising star of the sports gambling genre and see how you can partake in it today.

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In This Guide

eSports

Overview

Video games have emerged as one of the most important gaming markets in the iGaming world. Entire generations of video game enthusiasts are flocking to online gambling sites in the hope that they can place wagers on their favorite games and teams.

We realize that you are probably not familiar with the world of Esports, which is why we have prepared this in-depth Esports betting guide. We will show you how you can partake in Esports today.

The Appearance of Esports

Competing in various video games is nothing new. Gamers have been partaking in tournaments and events based around games such as Space Invaders and Pac-Man since the 1970s and 1980s. However, the potential of Esports truly showed itself in the 1990s with the popularization of personal computers and PC games such as Doom and Quake.

These were the forefathers of incredible multiplayer games such as Warcraft II, StarCraft, and the Counter-Strike series. Each of these became big in competitive circles, with streaming platforms like Twitch showcasing them to millions of onlookers.

By the 2000s and early 2010s, it became clear to everyone that Esports was no laughing matter. Major organizations like the Electronic Sports League (ESL) and Major League Gaming (MLG) began hosting competitions based on games such as League of Legends, Dota 2, and Counter-Strike:Global Offensive.

Their esports events began pulling in massive crowds that filled enormous arenas. An entire tourist and entertainment industry sprung up from nothing. Gamers started organizing into teams with coaches and brand-deals supporting them.

The online gambling industry quickly saw the potential of this emerging market, with some platforms specializing solely in Esports gaming. The most prospective of these went the extra mile and started offering fantasy sports alongside video game Esports, which turned out to be a magical marriage of new and old.

The Most Popular Esports Events

The biggest rewards in Esports gambling are associated with the most significant events in Esports. These tournaments, leagues, and championships are next-level events that can easily be compared with the likes of The World Series of Poker. Some of the biggest events include:

Event

Game

The International

Dota 2

World Championship (Worlds)

League of Legends 

Major Championships

CS:GO

Fortnite World Cup

Fortnite

Honor of Kings Champion Cup

Arena of Valor

PUBG Mobile Global Championship

PUBG Mobile

World Series

Free Fire

Champions

Valorant

Olympic Virtual Series

Virtual Sports

Esports Competition Prizes

Some punters do not take Esports gaming seriously. This is usually because they view video games as a hobby of children and not something worth considering for real money wagers. However, the industry is incredibly serious, which is evident from this ledger of the prize pools, players, and tournaments of the most generous games. Note that this ledger was accurate at the time of writing, and the numbers have probably increased by the time you are done reading this guide.

Rank

Game

Prize Pool

Players

Tournaments

#1

Dota 2

$319,694,596

4715

1811

#2

Fortnite

$159,419,752

6870

1345

#3

CS:GO

$154,774,433

15919

6712

#4

League of Legends

$102,371,223

9047

2848

#5

Arena of Valor

$74,201,849

1916

149

Popular Terms

It is easy to become lost in the world of Esports, especially if you are unfamiliar with video games and their terminology. We recommend that you check out the following glossary and plug the gaps in your knowledge.

  • Clan - A group of players, sometimes referred to as a community, guild, faction, or party.
  • Console - A platform that games are played on. A common alternative to a PC.
  • DLC - Downloadable content that is usually paid for.
  • FPS - Either a first-person shooter game or frames per second, depending on the context.
  • MOBA - Multiplayer online battle arena, usually showcased by games such as League of Legends and Dota 2.
  • RTS - Real-time strategy games, such as StarCraft II and Warcraft II.
  • Fighting Games - A one-on-one combat genre with legendary titles such as Street Fighter and Super Smash Bros
  • Sports and Racing Games - Replicas of real-world sports, such as FIFA and NBA 2K. There are also fun variants such as Rocket League and Formula 1 in the mix.
  • GG - A shorthand for “good game”, which is a common sign of respect at the end of matches or rounds.
  • Meta - Either the most optimal way to play a game or a metagame.
  • Multiplatform - A feature that allows you to play a game with players from several platforms.
  • Streamer - An online entertainer who is essentially an independent show host.

Pros & Cons

Pros
Plenty of exciting video game titles
A niche way to gamble
Hundreds of educational Twitch streams
Optional live betting
Plenty of generous bonuses
Very competitive markets
Very low entry curve
Flexible betting options
Cons
Unfamiliar to older audiences
A genre that you have to get used to

Tips

There is a certain way that you have to approach Esports betting in order to maximize your gaming experience. We want you to have the best possible Esports betting session, which will require taking into account the following tips:

Kicking Things Off

The world of Esports is incredibly exciting and an unforgettable experience that everyone should experience. However, starting your first Esports betting session can be a daunting undertaking, which is why we have prepared the following crash course:

1 Understand the Games and Terms

You should know exactly how an Esports title works before you start placing your bets. This can be achieved by reading our guides or by simply watching YouTube videos on the topic. When you are done with that, study the terms and phrases associated with your future gambling endeavor.

2 Pick a Reputable Site

It is vital that you pick a sportsbook, esportsbook, betting site, or online casino that is renowned for its quality and fairness. Our experts have vetted several leading online Esports betting sites, so choosing one from our list of recommendations is a solid bet.

3 Practice Responsible Gambling

It is easy to get carried away when betting on your favorite video game or eSports team, so make sure that you do not exceed your allocated budget. This is especially important when you get tempted to chase a winning or losing streak, which only ever results in disaster.

4 Consider a Bonus

There are plenty of fantastic welcome, deposit, reload, cashback, and even no-deposit bonuses out there. There are even unique variants dedicated to VIPs and high rollers, so there is something out there for everyone.

5 Set a Bankroll

You should set a budget before you start your online gambling session. Your budget should include the cost of gambling, a potential minimum deposit for bonuses, and the funds that you need to clear wagering requirements.

6 Watch Matches and Streams

You should stay up to date with the latest developments in the world of Esports gaming, which is best achieved by following the latest events and streams. We recommend that you join an online Esports venue that offers in-house streams.

7 Set Realistic Goals

Never expect to win big or count on a win for financial success. Gambling is a fun hobby, and its main benefit is the entertainment and thrills that you get from simply wagering.

Esports Games

You will encounter dozens of incredible games during your Esports betting journey. We want you to hit the ground running and have a basic understanding of the most popular ones, which is why we have prepared the following breakdown:

League of Legends

It is an incredibly popular MOBA that is affectionately referred to as League or simply LoL.

CS:GO

One of the most popular FPS games on the planet, Counter-Strike:Global Offensive, is an unstoppable titan of gaming fun.

Call of Duty

Arguably the biggest first-person shooter genre ever, with new titles releasing yearly. The deathmatch and battle royale game modes offer plenty of betting options.

Fortnite

A battle royale that pits 100 players against each other on an island with a deadly shrinking border. The last player or team remaining wins.

DOTA 2

It is another popular MOBA game with various heroes that boast incredible abilities and powers. It is also the most lucrative Esports game ever.

Overwatch

A team-based first-person shooter with a rich case of heroes. Each of the heroes has special abilities that help the team achieve objectives and victory.

StarCraft 2

It is a real-time strategy game that has players building armies and bases to outmaneuver and defeat their opponents in real time.

Hearthstone

It's a digital collectible card game set in the Warcraft universe. Players build decks and partake in turn-based card battles.

Rainbow 6 Siege

A tactical shooter that features teams of operators, each with their own quirks and special abilities. The goal is to triumph in hostage rescue and bomb defusal.

Rocket League

An incredible mix of soccer and vehicular mayhem that has players controlling rocket-powered cars. The goal is to land goals in a closed arena.

VALORANT

A tactical first-person shooter boasting unique characters that have special abilities and strategic input.

Call of Duty Warzone

A battle royale takes on the infamous Call of Duty franchise. Large-scale combat, various weapons, and intense firefights are characteristic of this Esports title.

FAQ

It is very uncommon for there to be eSports betting options that are available for free. The associated streams and hosting are simply too expensive to operate.

Yes, there definitely are! You can find conventional online sportsbooks and casinos offering incredible bonuses and promotions specifically for eSports betting. These include deposit bonuses, the occasional free bet, and even cashback offers. Note that all of these come with wagering requirements and restrictions.

Yes, you definitely can! Esportsbooks offer a plethora of mobile-oriented solutions, from dedicated mobile applications to mobile-optimized websites. You can, therefore, gamble from your favorite Android or iOS device.

While the focus of Esports is primarily on video game events, you can usually easily switch to conventional sports. The platforms that host both betting options are, at the end of the day, one and the same.

These are games in which you create virtual teams of professional Esports players and earn points based on their performance. They are very similar to fantasy football or baseball.

That depends entirely on how you choose to gamble. There is a gambling option fit for every bankroll, so you need not worry about breaking the bank. Moreover, there are plenty of generous bonuses that can help you make your session more cost-effective.

No, some online casinos do not feature Esports at all. You will most often find Esports offered by sportsbooks and similar sports betting venues. The best of the best can be found on our list of Esports betting site recommendations.

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