From small beginnings in the early days of the internet, esports has grown to be one of the most dynamic sectors of the global economy and the fastest-growing sport around the world. As many as 230 million people regularly follow esports events, teams, and players, and that interest has attracted major corporations and serious media outlets, leading to big increases in prize money and exposure.
At the same time, there has been a growing demand for opportunities surrounding esports, particularly around the three most dominant sports: Dota 2, CS:GO, and League Of Legends. From betting to sponsorships, esports is particularly popular among the 25-34 age range, and with an increasing number of esports fans looking for ways to get involved both behind the controller and elsewhere. Betting companies are responding, though sure there is still a long way to catch up with the best UK bookmakers for football.
Of the three big esports, Dota 2 is the most famous, as its top tournament, The International, boasts the biggest prize fund and the highest viewing figures, so many esports betting fans opt to bet on the sport. As with any sport, however, there are pros and cons to Dota 2 betting.
Dota 2, a leading esports game
Dota 2, like League of Legends, is a MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) game, played by two teams of five, who can choose from over 120 heroes. The object is to destroy the opposing team’s ‘Ancient’ structure while protecting your own structure and Dota 2 matches are often either Best of Three or Best of Four.
The International is the biggest Dota 2 tournament, followed by the four or five Masters events held each year, and there are also highly competitive leagues in most of the major Dota-playing regions.
Those betting on esports often view Dota 2 as the best option, and certainly one of the top three. It is sometimes difficult to find betting markets on minor esports events, but Dota 2 events, particularly the big regional tours and the Masters events, will always be covered, even on betting sites that don’t provide many other esports options.
Traditional bookmakers have often struggled with esports and their knowledge of the sport, teams, and players are way less comprehensive than with sports such as horse racing or football. At the same time, those bookmakers will feel pressure to provide esports betting opportunities and will usually start with Dota 2, as the biggest of the Big Three. That can give knowledgeable Dota 2 fans an advantage.
Accessibility
Being able to watch the games that you are betting on is essential, as you need to keep up to date with the latest characters, tactics, teams, and players, and Dota 2’s dominance means that you can find streaming access – live or recorded – for almost every tournament. And along with the streaming access, you can find plenty of stats, analysis, and reporting covering Dota 2, which is not the case for most other esports with lower profiles.
The popularity of Dota 2 means that the sport has a level of competition that is intense and unrelenting. Even if one team dominates for a short period, it is rare to find the same team exerting long-term dominance in any part of the world. Keeping on top of the best teams and players requires consistent effort and can be extremely hard work.
Dota 2 is arguably the biggest of the main esports and has a huge audience. When it comes to betting, this fast-paced but compelling sport provides plenty of opportunities for shrewd bettors who know the teams well, and the extensive coverage that it produces also works in favor of those who are hoping to profit from their knowledge of the sport and its competitors.
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