If you still think esports betting is some fringe hobby for teenage gamers in hoodies, welcome to 2025, where esports isn’t just mainstream, it’s a massive global market. And bettors? They’re loving every second of it.
More and more players are switching from backing their favorite football club to placing odds on their favorite Valorant team pulling off a clutch. With platforms like Betway online sports betting leaning into the esports space hard this year, there’s never been a better time to jump in – whether you’re a casual viewer or someone who genuinely understands how a Dota 2 draft works (you unicorn, you).
So, what games are people actually betting on right now? Let’s take a look at what’s hot – and what’s holding the betting crowd’s attention in 2025.
The Usual (Esports) Suspects
1. League of Legends (LoL)
LoL is the OG of modern esports. It’s strategic, fast-paced, and the international scene is stacked with hype, especially with the revamped MSI and World Championship formats in 2025. Most bets are on match winners, map totals, or “first blood” (first kill), but sharp punters are also digging into player props and kill handicaps.
Bonus? Riot’s data feeds make live betting a thrill, especially when a team flips a Baron fight in the late game.
2. Counter-Strike 2 (CS2)
CS:GO is dead, long live CS2. Valve’s next-gen shooter has taken over in a big way, and it’s as sweaty and high-stakes as ever. The tournaments are nonstop – IEM, BLAST, ESL – and the betting scene’s just as busy. Most fans bet on map outcomes, total rounds, and yes, even whether a bomb will be defused in time.
If you like your bets intense and every second to count, CS2’s your playground.
3. Dota 2
Still one of the most complex and oddly poetic games out there. The International might not hit a $40 million prize pool anymore, but it still brings in global hype. And with regional leagues going strong, there are bets flying all year round – including which hero gets picked or whether the game breaks the 60-minute mark (hello, late-game chaos).
4. Valorant
Riot’s tactical shooter has officially stepped out of CS2’s shadow. With team comps evolving and utility usage becoming more precise, Valorant betting is now more than just guessing the winner. You’ll find odds on the first map, pistol rounds, spike plants, and agent-specific plays.
It’s clean, stylish, and betting-friendly – what more could you ask?
5. FIFA eSports
Now officially licensed under EA SPORTS FC, the game formerly known as FIFA still thrives, especially in Africa where football culture runs deep. Most match bets mimic real football odds – over/under goals, match results, even corners (yes, really). Add in international events like the eNations Cup, and you’ve got non-stop action all summer.
How Platforms Like Betway Are Changing the Game
Betway online sports betting didn’t just dip its toes into esports – it jumped in, headset and all. They’re now offering:
- Real-time live odds on major esports events
- Integrated stats and head-to-head comparisons
- Live-streamed matches directly in-platform
That means bettors in Ghana and beyond don’t need to hop across five sites just to watch and bet. It’s all right there, and it’s slick.
And because Betway is fully licensed by the Gaming Commission of Ghana, players can trust the odds, the payouts, and the responsible gambling tools built into the platform.
Casino Meets Console: Where It Overlaps
Interestingly, as esports betting grows, it’s also nudging up against traditional casino games. Some esports tournaments now feature prop-style markets similar to what you’d see in blackjack or roulette – like round-by-round betting or “odd/even” outcomes. Meanwhile, platforms like Betway are using esports promos to cross-sell casino offers, pulling more casual gamers into slots, tables, and live dealer games.
Don’t be surprised if the next time you log in to bet on Fnatic vs. Cloud9, you’re also getting a spin-the-wheel bonus along the way.
Why 2025 Is a Pivotal Year
Esports betting isn’t slowing down – in fact, with events like the Esports World Cup in Riyadh this July and Riot’s global tour expansions, the calendar’s more packed than ever. What used to be a niche corner of betting is now a full-blown market, with serious odds, serious fans, and serious returns for those who do their homework.
So, whether you’re all in on the next Dota mega-patch or just curious about what all the CS2 fuss is about, 2025 is a great time to step into the arena.
Just remember: stay sharp, start small, and don’t bet on a team just because their logo looks cool. (Unless it’s a really, really cool logo.)
