David Morey 
Understanding the eSports Betting Phenomenon
From Niche Hobby to Mainstream Betting Market
The roots of esports trace back to the early days of computing and video games, long before it became the billion-dollar industry we know today. The first officially documented gaming competition took place in 1972 at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where students competed in the “Intergalactic Spacewar Championship.” While modest in scale, this event marked the beginning of competitive gaming culture.
However, it wasn’t until the 1990s that esports began to truly take shape. With the growing popularity of personal computers and the arrival of the Internet, players could now compete in online multiplayer games, opening the door to a new era of digital competition.
The 21st Century: Esports Becomes a Global Powerhouse
The 2000s brought a seismic shift. Titles like StarCraft, Counter-Strike, and later League of Legends transformed competitive gaming into a mainstream phenomenon. Nowhere was this transformation more evident than in South Korea, which became the first country to fully embrace esports. There, professional leagues, televised matches, and dedicated esports stadiums emerged, legitimizing the industry in the eyes of the public and media.
By the 2010s, the momentum had gone global. Esports leagues and franchises took root in North America, Europe, China, and beyond. Tournaments started drawing millions of viewers, both in-person and via online streaming platforms. Sponsorships from major tech firms, telecoms, and even traditional sports clubs flooded into the space, pushing prize pools into the millions of dollars.
What began as small-scale LAN events and online matches had evolved into a global entertainment ecosystem—one that now rivals traditional sports in viewership, engagement, and cultural relevance.
Esports in South Africa: A Growing Frontier
In South Africa, esports is still emerging but gaining significant traction. The rise of high-speed internet access, mobile gaming, and dedicated communities has fueled the growth of local tournaments, especially in titles like FIFA, Call of Duty, Dota 2, and Counter-Strike. Platforms like 1win are recognizing the opportunity by integrating esports betting, giving fans a chance to engage with the industry in more interactive and rewarding ways.
As infrastructure continues to improve and youth engagement increases, South Africa is poised to become a key player in the future of esports across the African continent.
The Global Tournaments Driving the Most Action
In the global esports arena, certain games consistently dominate the charts—not only in terms of competitive intensity, but also in peak viewership. These tournaments attract millions of fans worldwide, with South African audiences becoming an increasingly active part of the scene.
Here’s a look at the top 5 most-watched esports titles based on peak concurrent viewers in recent tournaments:
1. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang – 4,132,224 viewers
This mobile MOBA sensation has taken Southeast Asia and beyond by storm, topping the charts with over 4 million peak viewers. Its fast-paced gameplay and massive regional fanbase make every championship an electrifying event.
2. League of Legends – 3,447,582 viewers
LoL remains a titan of the industry, thanks to its well-established ecosystem and legendary World Championships. With nearly 3.5 million viewers at peak, its global appeal remains unshaken.
3. Counter-Strike – 1,789,038 viewers
A classic in the FPS genre, CS continues to draw huge crowds during its Majors and regional clashes. Tactical gameplay and high-stakes rounds keep fans coming back.
4. Dota 2 – 1,785,132 viewers
With tournaments like The International offering prize pools in the tens of millions, Dota 2 is both a viewing spectacle and a gambler’s favorite for live betting.
5. Valorant – 1,473,642 viewers
Riot Games’ tactical shooter has carved out its niche quickly, bringing innovation and intense showdowns to the competitive space. Valorant’s strategic depth keeps both fans and bettors hooked.
Want to Bet on the Biggest Esports Events?
Whether you’re a fan of CS2, LoL, or MLBB, platforms 1win offer extensive esports betting options—including live bets, custom markets, and real-time odds across all major tournaments.
- Access competitive odds on global esports events
- Bet live during high-stakes tournaments
- Use local payment methods (including crypto)
- Get welcome bonuses designed for South African players
A Beginner’s Guide to eSports Wagers
Reading the Odds: Match Winner vs. Handicap Betting
One of the most widely used and exciting betting formats in esports wagering is handicap betting. This type of bet is designed to level the playing field between two opponents—especially when one team or player is seen as a clear favorite—by giving a virtual advantage or disadvantage, measured in points, rounds, or maps.
How Handicap Betting Works
In esports, a handicap is typically applied in the form of:
- Rounds or maps in FPS games like Counter-Strike or Valorant
- Kills or gold difference in MOBA titles like League of Legends or Dota 2
- Game wins in a series (e.g., Best-of-3 or Best-of-5 match formats)
For example, if Team A is expected to easily beat Team B, a bookmaker may offer:
- Team B +1.5 maps — meaning your bet on Team B will win if they either win the match outright or lose by no more than one map.
- Team A -1.5 maps — meaning Team A must win by two maps for your bet to succeed.
This allows bettors to find better odds even in uneven matchups and creates opportunities to profit by anticipating closer-than-expected outcomes.
Why Esports Handicaps Are Popular
Handicap betting is especially popular in esports for several reasons:
- It brings value to one-sided matchups, which are common in early tournament stages or regional qualifiers.
- It creates more balanced odds, allowing players to take calculated risks.
- It offers greater engagement, as every round or map can impact the outcome of your bet.
With dynamic and fast-paced games, esports handicap betting adds an extra layer of strategy for fans and bettors who deeply understand the competitive scene.
Specials Bets on Maps, Rounds, and In-Game Events
As the esports betting scene evolves, so do the types of bets available to players looking for more strategic and immersive wagering options. Beyond standard bets like “match winner” or “outright tournament winner,” many platforms—including 1win—now offer a wide range of special bets that focus on the details of gameplay: individual maps, specific rounds, and unique in-game events.
These bets are ideal for fans with deep knowledge of team performance, player stats, and game mechanics.
Map-Specific Bets
In games like Counter-Strike 2 (CS2), Valorant, or Dota 2, matches are often played in a best-of-three (Bo3) or best-of-five (Bo5) format across different maps. This opens up opportunities for map-based betting, such as:
- Map Winner – Bet on which team will win a specific map, rather than the entire match.
- Correct Map Score – Predict the exact outcome (e.g., 2-1 or 3-0) of the match in terms of maps.
- First to Win X Rounds on a Map – Bet on which team reaches a certain round threshold first (e.g., 5 or 10 rounds in CS2).
- Team to Pick or Ban a Specific Map – Available in high-profile matches, especially in live betting.
These wagers give seasoned bettors more precision and control, especially when they know certain teams perform better or worse on specific maps.
Round-Based Bets
Especially popular in first-person shooters like CS2 and Valorant, round-specific betting focuses on micro-outcomes within each map:
- Total Rounds Over/Under – Bet on whether the number of rounds played in a map exceeds a set total.
- Round Winner – Predict which team wins a particular round (often available during live betting).
- Pistol Round Winner – The first and 16th rounds are pistol-only in CS2; betting on these often yields higher odds.
Round-based bets are ideal for fans who want to engage with the fastest and most volatile elements of esports competition.
In-Game Event Bets
These are some of the most exciting options for experienced esports bettors who follow specific stats, player tendencies, and strategies:
- First Blood / First Kill – Common in League of Legends, Dota 2, and CS2.
- Total Kills by Team or Player – Wager on the kill count in a game or match.
- Most Kills (MVP) – Bet on which player will secure the most eliminations in a match.
- Dragon/Baron/Roshan Kills – Specific to MOBAs like League of Legends and Dota 2.
- Bomb Plants/Defuses – Unique to CS2 betting.
These markets allow for highly tailored bets based on deep understanding of team strategies and player roles—perfect for bettors looking for an edge beyond basic win/loss predictions.
Navigating eSports Betting Platforms
Essential Features of a Top eSportsbook
As esports continues its explosive growth across Africa and globally, more betting platforms are fine-tuning their products to cater to fans of competitive gaming. Many licensed bookmakers are now offering esports-focused features, specialized bonuses, and even sponsor professional teams and tournaments. But how do you identify a top-tier esports sportsbook that’s both legal and reliable in South Africa?
Here are the key expert-level criteria to consider:
1. Market Depth and Esports Coverage
Esports betting is far more than just wagers on CS:GO or Dota 2. The scene includes a wide variety of titles like Valorant, League of Legends, Call of Duty, FIFA, and Mobile Legends, each with its own ecosystem of regional and global tournaments.
A leading bookmaker should offer:
- A broad betting line covering both tier-one and niche tournaments.
- Detailed bet types (aka “deep markets”) such as first blood, total kills, map winner, round handicap, and objective control.
- Pre-match and live betting options, giving punters the flexibility to bet how and when they want.
For South African players, having localized access to tournaments from Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America is a major bonus, especially when regional teams or players are involved.
2. Competitive Margins and Odds
One of the most critical factors when betting on esports—or any sport—is the bookmaker’s margin. This is essentially how much the bookmaker takes as profit from each market. The lower the margin, the higher the odds, and the better your potential payout.
- High-value odds and low margins = more return for every successful bet.
- Look for platforms with transparent pricing, especially on popular markets like match winner or map spread.
Savvy bettors in South Africa often use odds comparison tools or review sites to ensure they’re getting the best return for their stake.
3. Stake Limits and Flexibility
Betting freedom matters. A top esports bookmaker should cater to both casual bettors and high rollers. This means offering:
- Flexible minimum and maximum bet limits
- Customizable stake options that don’t penalize players for scaling their bets
- No arbitrary restrictions on successful accounts
In South Africa, where the player base includes both first-time esports fans and experienced punters, having this flexibility ensures a better experience across the board.
4. Bonuses and Promotions Tailored to Esports
Another sign of a quality esports-focused bookmaker is their attention to event-specific promos. Around major tournaments like The International (Dota 2), CS2 Majors, or LoL Worlds, the best platforms offer:
- Free bets (freebies) on top esports matches
- Esports prediction contests with real cash or prize pools
- Cashback offers on lost esports bets
- Deposit boosts tied to esports tournaments
Some bookmakers even run exclusive esports leaderboards, where consistent bettors earn points for prizes.
The Role of Live Streaming in Informed Betting
Live streaming has become an indispensable tool for serious sports bettors. It offers real-time access to the dynamics unfolding on the field, empowering punters to make sharper, more strategic decisions as a match progresses.
Rather than relying solely on pre-match statistics or outdated assumptions, bettors watching a live game can react instantly to shifting momentum, tactical changes, and in-game developments—adjusting their bets accordingly.
Real-Time Analysis for Real-Time Results
Live streams provide a window into:
- Team formations and tactical shifts
- Player performance and motivation
- Injury updates or sudden substitutions
- On-field energy and momentum swings
This visibility allows for in-play betting strategies that are grounded in immediate, observable data—not just odds movements.
For instance, if a team unexpectedly pushes forward aggressively or substitutes a key striker, sharp bettors can seize that opportunity to revise their bet—perhaps shifting from a draw to a win, or predicting an over/under based on visible momentum.
From Observation to Execution: Smarter Wagering
Bettors who use live streams effectively are essentially blending technology with real-time analytics. They’re not just watching the game—they’re analyzing patterns, anticipating outcomes, and making informed decisions based on what they see, not what they guess.
This approach leads to:
- More thoughtful bets
- Reduced emotional risk-taking
- Better win rates over time
Live Betting with Insight, Not Impulse
The synergy between streaming and live betting creates a strategic edge. Rather than reacting emotionally or impulsively, bettors gain context. For example:
- A team dominating possession may be poised to score.
- A tired defense may indicate a likely goal concession.
- A tactical substitution might signal a shift in gameplan.
Recognizing these cues in real time allows for highly calculated bets with higher value and less randomness.
Betting with Knowledge and Responsibility
The Critical Importance of Game-Specific Knowledge
In the competitive world of sports and esports betting, having a basic understanding of the game isn’t enough. To consistently make smart wagers and gain a strategic edge, deep, game-specific knowledge is not just helpful — it’s essential.
Whether you’re betting on football, tennis, CS2, or League of Legends, understanding the finer details of the game gives you a clear advantage over the casual bettor.
What Is Game-Specific Knowledge?
Game-specific knowledge goes beyond knowing the rules. It includes:
- Team dynamics and player roles
- In-game strategies and tactics
- Meta shifts (especially in esports)
- Impact of injuries, roster changes, or patches
- Venue, map, or weather conditions
- Pacing trends – is a team aggressive early on or a strong finisher?
This type of information helps you predict outcomes with context, not just gut feeling.
Why It Matters: Smart Betting, Not Blind Luck
Let’s take two bettors as an example:
- One places a bet based on team ranking and recent win/loss records.
- The other knows that a team recently changed its in-game leader or that the opposing team plays poorly on a specific map or turf.
Who’s more likely to make a profitable bet?
The one who knows the inside details.
Odds only tell part of the story. Game-specific insight lets you:
- Identify value bets others might miss
- Understand when odds are inflated or undervalued
- React more effectively in live betting scenarios
In Esports: The Meta is Everything
In esports, where updates and patches constantly shift gameplay balance, knowing the meta is crucial. A team dominating last month might be irrelevant today because of a character nerf or a map rework.
Betting successfully in esports requires following:
- Patch notes and balance changes
- Team composition trends
- Pick/ban strategies
- Tournament format and fatigue factors
How to Build Game Knowledge
If you’re serious about betting smarter, here’s how to stay ahead:
- Watch games and matches — not just highlights, but full games.
- Follow expert analysis from casters, commentators, or sports pundits.
- Track stats from verified sources, but understand their context.
- Join betting or game-focused communities (Discord, Reddit, etc.)
- Keep up with news — especially for last-minute changes (injuries, transfers, patch drops).
Analyzing Team Form, Rosters, and Meta-Shifts
In both traditional sports and esports, successful betting isn’t about guessing — it’s about analyzing current conditions and adapting quickly. Three key factors separate informed bettors from the rest: team form, roster dynamics, and meta relevance.
Let’s break down why these elements are essential for maximizing your odds and spotting high-value bets.
1. Team Form: Momentum Matters
Team form refers to how well a team has been performing recently — not just in terms of win/loss outcomes, but how they win or lose.
Key form indicators:
- Recent win streaks or losing patterns
- Performance against strong vs. weak opponents
- Home vs. away results (in sports) or LAN vs. online (in esports)
- Objective control, map win percentages, goal differential, etc.
Example: A CS2 team may be winning consistently, but barely scraping by against lower-tier opponents — this may hint at upcoming regression when facing stronger competition.
Roster Analysis: Subtle Shifts, Big Impact
Injuries, substitutions, or even internal conflicts can significantly affect a team’s performance. In esports, where communication and synergy are crucial, even a single roster change can disrupt established strategies.
Considerations for roster evaluation:
- Is a new player a rising talent or just a stopgap?
- Has the in-game leader or captain changed?
- Are there language barriers or team role conflicts?
- How has the team’s chemistry evolved since the change?
Tip: Track recent interviews, coach statements, and post-match reports to detect under-the-radar problems — or hidden advantages.
3. Meta Shifts: Stay Ahead of the Curve
Especially in esports, the meta (most effective tactics available) is always evolving. A balance patch, item rework, or rule change can turn a top-tier strategy into an outdated liability overnight.
Why meta matters:
- Teams that adapt early tend to outperform the rest.
- Some players or rosters rely on specific mechanics that may become less viable.
- Outdated draft strategies or comps can be punished hard in tournament play.
Example: In League of Legends, a patch might nerf an overused jungle champion — dramatically affecting teams built around that playstyle.
Combining the Three for Sharper Bets
To make smarter wagers, consider how all three elements interact:
Is a team in good form and playing with a stable roster that thrives in the current meta?
→ Strong candidate for a win or handicap cover.
Is a historically good team suddenly struggling post-roster change, with meta shifts exposing their weak points?
→ Potential upset or live-betting fade opportunity.
