Esports has evolved into a global phenomenon, encompassing a diverse range of competitive video games. Just as traditional sports like football, basketball, and cricket each have unique betting markets, esports operates similarly. Popular titles such as Dota 2, Counter-Strike 2 (formerly CS:GO), and League of Legends dominate the industry, each with a distinct audience and betting landscape.
With esports continuing its rapid expansion in 2025, different regions demonstrate unique preferences. Dota 2 remains a favorite in Eastern Europe and the CIS region, while first-person shooters, particularly Counter-Strike 2, are widely played in Scandinavia and North America. Meanwhile, League of Legends maintains a stronghold in Asia, especially in China and South Korea.
The “Golden Trio” of Esports Betting
While numerous games attract betting interest, three titles stand out as market leaders: Dota 2, Counter-Strike 2, and League of Legends. These three games alone account for roughly 80% of all esports betting activity, largely due to their structured competitive scenes, frequent tournaments, and dedicated fan bases.
Betting on these games isn’t just about picking a match winner. Many platforms now offer specialized markets, including:
- First Blood Bets – Wagering on which team secures the first kill.
- Map Winners – Predicting which team will win specific maps in a best-of series.
- Total Kills/Points – Betting on whether a player or team will surpass a certain kill count.
- Live Betting – Placing bets during a match as the action unfolds in real-time.
Regional Betting Preferences
Esports betting trends vary based on regional interests. In Asia, League of Legends dominates the market, alongside StarCraft and Dota 2, while betting on Counter-Strike remains relatively low. In contrast, Counter-Strike 2 commands the European market, particularly in Scandinavian countries, where its betting volume surpasses all other games combined. The CIS region follows a similar pattern, with CS2 and Dota 2 leading in popularity.
North America, on the other hand, has a more balanced mix, with betting on both first-person shooters and multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games showing steady growth. With the emergence of new games and frequent updates to existing titles, market trends continue to evolve.
The Future of Esports Betting
The esports betting industry is expected to continue expanding in 2025 and beyond. Developers are increasingly integrating betting-friendly mechanics into their games, making in-game analytics and real-time wagering more accessible. Additionally, advancements in AI-driven odds calculation and automated risk management are enhancing betting platforms, making them more secure and efficient.
As the industry matures, new games are entering the betting scene, and emerging markets like South America and Africa are beginning to show significant potential. The question isn’t whether esports betting will grow—it’s how fast it will reshape the global gambling landscape.
