Esports has exploded into the mainstream, and so has esports betting. With millions of viewers tuning in to tournaments and leagues around the world, the demand for live and pre-match betting on competitive gaming is at an all-time high. Whether you’re a casual fan or a seasoned bettor, understanding which titles dominate the esports betting scene can give you a strategic edge. In this article, we break down the top esports titles with thriving betting markets in 2025—and why they matter.
1. Counter-Strike 2 (CS2)
Why It Thrives:
The successor to CS:GO, Counter-Strike 2 has taken competitive FPS betting to a new level. With its structured tournament ecosystem and constant high-stakes matchups, it remains a staple in the esports betting world.
Popular betting markets:
- Match winner and map winner
- Pistol round winner
- First kill or most kills
- Total maps played
Major events like ESL Pro League and BLAST Premier drive huge betting volumes, especially during LAN finals.
2. League of Legends (LoL)
Why It Thrives:
League of Legends boasts one of the largest global fan bases in esports. With regional leagues (like LEC, LCS, LCK, LPL) and international tournaments (MSI, Worlds), it offers year-round betting action.
Popular betting markets:
- Match and series winner
- First blood or first turret
- Map duration (over/under)
- Total kills or objectives
The predictable structure of the game and deep analytical data make LoL a favorite among strategic bettors.
3. Dota 2
Why It Thrives:
While more complex than LoL, Dota 2 maintains a massive betting audience, especially during The International, where prize pools reach tens of millions of dollars.
Popular betting markets:
- Handicap spreads and total kills
- Roshan kills and tower destroys
- Player props and team totals
- Live in-game betting during late-game swings
The unpredictable nature and high volatility of Dota 2 matches create dramatic betting opportunities, especially for live bettors.
4. Valorant
Why It Thrives:
Riot Games’ tactical shooter continues to gain momentum with international events like VCT (Valorant Champions Tour) and regular regional leagues.
Popular betting markets:
- Match and map winner
- Spike plant/defuse bets
- Round spreads and total rounds
- Player performance markets
Its blend of FPS skill and MOBA-style abilities offers dynamic and engaging betting scenarios.
5. Call of Duty (CoD)
Why It Thrives:
The Call of Duty League (CDL) has created a structured professional scene with loyal fan bases and regular betting events.
Popular betting markets:
- Match result (Moneyline)
- Map spread and over/under
- Search and Destroy round bets
- Kill/death ratio props
CoD betting thrives on fast-paced gameplay and team rivalries, making it ideal for live betting action.
6. Overwatch 2
Why It Thrives:
With Blizzard’s ongoing support and a revised format, Overwatch 2 has seen renewed betting interest, especially during Overwatch League matches and seasonal tournaments.
Popular betting markets:
- Series winner
- Map winner
- First objective capture
- Player stats
The chaotic but strategic gameplay can create big swings in momentum, great for value bets during underdog comebacks.
7. StarCraft II
Why It Thrives:
While not as mainstream as others, StarCraft II remains a betting favorite thanks to its 1v1 format, making outcomes more statistically stable.
Popular betting markets:
- Match winner
- Map winner
- Exact score
- Race-specific props (Terran, Zerg, Protoss)
It’s especially popular in Korean and global circuits, where top-level skill and predictability make it a sharp bettor’s choice.
8. FIFA / EA FC Series
Why It Thrives:
The yearly football simulator from EA provides constant betting opportunities via the ePremier League, eLaLiga, and international showdowns.
Popular betting markets:
- Match and goal markets
- Total corners/cards (in simulated formats)
- Tournament winner
- Prop bets during live streams
These games attract both football fans and gamers, making them a gateway for traditional sports bettors into esports.
Final Thoughts: Esports Betting Is Here to Stay
Esports titles like CS2, LoL, and Dota 2 continue to dominate betting platforms, offering fast-paced, data-rich, and high-stakes opportunities for bettors. Whether you’re betting pre-match or diving into live wagering, these games provide unique markets and sharp odds that cater to both casual and experienced players.
As viewership and prize pools continue to grow, expect esports betting to become an even bigger part of the global gambling landscape—with these titles leading the charge.