Esports betting is no longer just a side hustle for a handful of gamers — it’s a massive industry with millions of fans and bettors worldwide. As we step into 2025, the esports scene has grown more competitive, professional, and diverse than ever before. With tournaments offering multi-million dollar prize pools and live viewership rivaling traditional sports, betting on esports has become a mainstream activity.
If you’re looking to get in on the action, here are the top 5 esports games to bet on in 2025 — whether you’re a seasoned bettor or just getting started.
🎮 1. Counter-Strike 2 (CS2)
Why It’s Hot:
After the transition from CS:GO to CS2, Valve’s iconic tactical shooter has retained its top-tier status in the esports world. With crisp mechanics, global tournaments like BLAST Premier and ESL Pro League, and a massive fan base, CS2 is a favorite among esports bettors.
Popular Betting Markets:
- Match winner
- Total maps
- First to X rounds
- Pistol round winner
- MVP of the match
Betting Tip:
Look into map pool strength and team head-to-head stats — these often influence outcomes more than rankings.
🧙 2. Dota 2
Why It’s Hot:
Valve’s MOBA continues to be a betting favorite, especially around its flagship event, The International, which still boasts one of the largest prize pools in esports. Dota 2’s deep strategy and shifting metas make it perfect for informed bets.
Popular Betting Markets:
- First blood / first to 10 kills
- Total kills (Over/Under)
- Map handicap
- Tournament winner
Betting Tip:
Keep up with patch updates and hero pick trends — the draft phase often determines the match’s direction.
3. Valorant
Why It’s Hot:
Riot Games’ entry into the tactical shooter genre has quickly built a strong esports ecosystem with VCT (Valorant Champions Tour) and global events. With new agents and maps being added regularly, the game remains fresh and unpredictable.
Popular Betting Markets:
- Match winner
- Map winner
- First kill / spike plant
- Round totals
Betting Tip:
Valorant teams often specialize on certain maps. Study map stats and team performances in specific environments.
4. League of Legends
Why It’s Hot:
One of the most watched games globally, League of Legends dominates in Asia, Europe, and North America. The LCS, LEC, LCK, and Worlds offer year-round betting opportunities.
Popular Betting Markets:
- Match result
- First Baron/Dragon
- Total towers destroyed
- Handicap betting
Betting Tip:
Focus on macro gameplay trends — teams with better objective control and vision often pull off upsets.
5. Call of Duty (CoD): Warzone & CDL
Why It’s Hot:
With the Call of Duty League (CDL) thriving and Warzone tournaments gaining popularity, CoD remains a go-to for fast-paced betting action. The game’s aggressive playstyle and short match durations keep bettors engaged.
Popular Betting Markets:
- Total kills
- Match winner
- Series score
- First kill
Betting Tip:
Team chemistry and recent roster changes heavily affect outcomes in CoD — keep an eye on news and form guides.
✅ Honorable Mentions
- Fortnite – Still popular in certain betting markets, especially for large battle royale tournaments.
- PUBG – Gains attention in regions like South Asia and Korea.
- Overwatch 2 – With Blizzard’s reboot, there’s renewed interest in competitive play and betting.
Final Thoughts
Esports betting in 2025 is more thrilling and rewarding than ever, but success depends on knowledge, strategy, and discipline. These five games not only offer consistent betting opportunities but also feature active tournament circuits and loyal fanbases.
Whether you’re betting on tactical shooters like CS2 and Valorant or strategy-focused MOBAs like Dota 2 and LoL, understanding the game meta and team dynamics is key.