How to find reliable cyber sports betting platforms?

To find reliable cyber sports betting platforms, look for licensed bookmakers. Look up and verify their license numbers, check for positive user reviews, and review their terms and conditions. By doing so, you can evaluate the platform's reliability.

Essential Insights on Leading eSports

Q: Is cyber sports betting legal?

Cyber sports betting is legal in many countries and regions worldwide, including Canada. Since sports betting was legalized in 2021, Canadian players have also had access to esports betting beyond traditional sports.

Q: What is live betting on cyber sports?

Live betting on cyber sports is an option to place bets on events while they're happening. You don't necessarily have to make bets before the events. In live betting, you can predict winners, different statistics, and round results in real-time.

Author: Gerda Grinova

Updated:30.01.2025

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As online gambling in Canada eSports continues to evolve rapidly, emerging as a significant market for betting, parallel to traditional sports. For those who grew up in an age where games like Tetris, Super Mario, and Pac-Man were cutting-edge, it might be surprising to see eSports transform into a billion-dollar industry, with players racking up hundreds of thousands in earnings and gaining immense recognition.

In the following article, we will delve into why eSports is becoming a formidable contender to traditional sports for betting, its notable rise in popularity, and the substantial financial investments flowing into the sector.

Cybersport History

The origins of competitive gaming, known as eSports, date back to the 1970s when the first gaming competitions were held.

However, the late 1990s and early 2000s marked a pivotal moment for eSports, as it began to thrive alongside the internet explosion and innovations in gaming technology.

Major League Gaming (MLG) was founded in 2002, establishing a professional platform for eSports by hosting tournaments for games like 'Halo.' This attracted massive audiences and has paved the way for the explosive growth of eSports that we see today.

According to a study byNewzoo By 2024, the global eSports market was estimated at approximately $1.87 billion, highlighting significant growth from earlier assessments.

Areport from Statista It is projected that the eSports market revenue may soar to $2.4 billion by 2025, accompanied by an anticipated annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.4% from 2024 to 2030, showcasing the industry’s strong prospects for future expansion.

How does eSports work?

It's a valid question to consider - given that the essence of enjoying eSports as a form of entertainment lies in the viewers' interaction. Viewer engagement is heavily influenced by the type of game and its scoring mechanics.

Gamers face off either individually or in teams in strategy-based titles, which demand high levels of skill, collaborative effort, and meticulous planning, much like in most popular table games .

These games are streamed live on various platforms, mainly Twitch and YouTube. Tournaments can vary from small local gatherings to grand international competitions featuring million-dollar prizes. The popularity of eSports is bolstered by a vibrant community of devoted fans who actively follow and interact with their favorite players and teams. Many fans subscribe to these platforms to keep up with their preferred gamers.

What are the popular eSports games for betting?

There is a diverse selection of eSports that enthusiasts can place bets on - here are some top choices that draw significant betting interest.

League of Legends (LoL): This multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game involves teams collaborating to destroy the opposing team’s core structure.

Dota 2:: Another popular MOBA where competing teams aim to demolish a monumental structure defended by the rival team.

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO): In this game, teams take on the roles of either terrorists or counter-terrorists and engage in battle with varying objectives.

Overwatch:: This first-person shooter game involves teamwork to secure and defend control points on a map or to escort a payload.

Call of Duty:: This first-person shooter offers different modes, including battle royale and traditional multiplayer, facilitating a range of betting options.

Worldwide Popular eSports Teams

Several teams have consistently maintained their reign in the ever-evolving landscape of eSports. The organizations below have established their prominence and success over the years.

Team Liquid: This team has achieved international acclaim through wins in Dota 2 and CS:GO tournaments, along with ongoing success in League of Legends.

Fnatic: Since its inception in 2004, Fnatic has claimed multiple League of Legends championships and accolades in CS:GO.

FaZe Clan: This US-based team excels particularly in First-Person Shooter (FPS) games like Call of Duty and CS:GO, boasting numerous tournament victories and a loyal fanbase.

T1: Hailing from South Korea, T1 is renowned for its impressive track record in League of Legends, being one of the most successful teams in the game's annals.

G2 Esports: Based in Berlin, Germany, G2 Esports thrives across various games, including League of Legends, Hearthstone, and Rocket League, having clinched multiple championships.

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eSports bet Market Types

The available betting markets can differ depending on the specific eSport, but typically include a variety of pre-match and outright betting options:

Match Winner: This is the most prevalent betting market in eSports. It involves wagering on which team or player will prevail in a match within a larger tournament.

Tournament Winner: In this setup, bettors predict which team or player will ultimately win an entire tournament.

First Map Winner: In this category, gamblers predict the winner of the first map in games that are played out over multiple rounds or maps.

Handicap Betting: This involves assigning a hypothetical advantage or disadvantage to a team to level the betting odds when one team is a strong favorite.

Total Rounds/Maps: Bettors place wagers on the total number of rounds or maps that will be played in a match, irrespective of the match's outcome.

Most Popular eSports Tournaments

As previously noted, eSports tournaments have surged in popularity, but certain events outshine others in terms of viewership, prize money, and the caliber of participants.

Here are the top three:

The International Dota 2 Championships

The $2.6 million prize pool for the 2024 Dota Pro Circuit was considerably smaller compared to previous years. Team Liquid emerged victorious, marking their second win, the first being in 2017. The inaugural International took place in 2011, where the Ukrainian team Natus Vincere clinched victory. The competition in 2024 saw participation from 16 teams.

League of Legends World Championship

Considered the pinnacle of eSports competitions, the League of Legends World Championships serves as the grand finale of the League Championship Series (LCS), where teams vie for a multi-million dollar reward and the coveted Summoner's Cup.

The event enjoys unparalleled popularity within the eSports community - a record 6.4 million viewers tuned in for the 2024 final, which saw T1 - a South Korean team managed by T1 Entertainment Sports, clinch victory and secure its place as the team with the most League of Legends World Championships in history.

The LoL eSports calendar sees the World Championships occurring annually in the fall, although the specific dates may vary.

Intel Extreme Masters

The Intel Extreme Masters represents a top-tier eSports event organized by ESL, a leading entity in eSports. It showcases elite teams and players from around the world competing in popular titles such as Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, League of Legends, and StarCraft II.

Distinct from the other tournaments mentioned, the Intel Extreme Masters encompasses multiple eSports and is frequently attended by some of the most prominent talent in the eSports arena, featuring teams like FaZe Clan, Fnatic, and Team Spirit.

Female eSports

While eSports tournaments are generally open to participants of all genders, the upper ranks of the industry are primarily male-dominated.

As of 2025, Sasha Hostyn, known by her gaming alias Scarlett, is recognized as the leading female player in eSports, specializing in StarCraft II. By January 2025, she was ranked 593rd among earners in the eSports scene according to Esports Earnings, indicating a significant underrepresentation of women in this domain.

Nevertheless, efforts are being made to bridge the gap. Several eSports tournaments, such as Impact Katowice, Women of the eRena, and Astral Clash, cater exclusively to female competitors. However, the prize funds for these events are considerably smaller compared to those awarded in larger tournaments dominated by male players.

What devices do competitors use?

Competitors in eSports generally utilize high-end devices to maintain their competitive edge. These often include state-of-the-art gaming PCs equipped with powerful processors, high-refresh-rate monitors, and graphics cards that deliver smooth and detailed visuals.

In addition to PCs, players may opt for specialized gaming consoles, including PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch, depending on the specific game they are playing. The gaming mouse and keyboard, often featuring programmable buttons and adjustable sensitivity, are crucial for precise control. Furthermore, top-notch headsets are essential for effective communication and an enhanced audio experience in games.

Is there an oversight body for competitive gaming?

This remains a hot topic of debate within the eSports community. Currently, the fairness and integrity of competitions are primarily monitored by the game developers themselves. For example, Activision, the maker of Warzone, organizes and officiates the World Series of Warzone.

There are strong arguments advocating for an independent regulatory body for eSports, similar to FIFA in the realm of football.

Supporters highlight the need for standardized rules, which currently vary significantly across different tournaments and games. They also underscore the importance of player protection, noting that the absence of oversight can lead to exploitation, unfair contracts, and cheating.

Moreover, the lack of a centralized regulatory authority could give rise to issues like match-fixing and even doping. Therefore, establishing an overseeing body could play a crucial role in fostering a fair, safe, and equitable environment as the eSports industry continues to evolve rapidly.

Are there risks to betting on eSports?

Betting on sports always carries some risks - but in the realm of eSports, there seems to be a necessity for bettors to thoroughly understand the landscape to boost their chances of winning.

This entails rigorously researching each player, their playstyles, how they match against their opponents, and identifying which players are currently in peak form, among other factors.

Moreover, the absence of a governing body means that trust has to be placed in the competitors and the event organizers to effectively prevent dishonesty and manipulation during games. While there are strong safeguards implemented to tackle these concerns, it’s important to remember that this form of betting is still relatively new. Always wager only what you can afford to lose.

Conclusion

Fast-paced, thrilling, and incredibly well-funded, the future of eSports looks promising, both as a competitive field and as a growing sector in the betting market. If you're interested in exploring your chances in this dynamic arena, take a look at our guide. online casino reviews to discover reputable platforms that are focused on eSports betting.

It's impossible to predict the direction this sector will take, particularly with the rapid developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR) technology, and various other innovations.

Regardless of the outcome, it promises to be an exhilarating journey!

Gerda Grinova
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Chief Editor

University of Latvia

Holding a degree from the University of Latvia, accompanied by experience in affiliate marketing, content management, and quality control.

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FAQ

Is cyber sports betting legal?

Esports betting is permitted in numerous jurisdictions across the globe, including Canada. Following the legalization of sports betting in 2021, Canadian bettors gained opportunities to partake in esports wagering, broadening their options beyond conventional sports.

How can you identify trustworthy online platforms for cyber sports betting?

To locate trustworthy cyber sports betting websites, seek out licensed operators. Verify their licensing information, look for favorable reviews from users, and examine their terms and conditions. This process will help you assess the credibility of the platform.

What is live betting on cyber sports?

Live betting on cyber sports lets you place wagers during the events, rather than only beforehand. With this feature, you can predict outcomes, assess various statistics, and analyze round results in real-time.

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