Know the game: what smart fans need to know about eSports

Maybe you’ve played video games when you were younger, perhaps you haven’t picked up a console controller for years, but you have probably heard about the rapidly growing eSports – a business that is estimated to be worth almost $1.5 billion by 2025. Electronic sports, or eSports, refers to organised, competitive video gaming at a professional level.

From its beginning, the history of esports shows how it evolved from casual playing video games to a global phenomenon, with major tournaments and organizations recognized across the globe. However, the recognition and regulation of esports can vary significantly from country to country, with some countries having specific legal frameworks or official recognition for esports.

Players playing eSports are already competing for prize money of up to $24 million and these competitions attract participants and audiences from all over the globe – and where there is prize money involved, there is betting too. eSports can be hard to grasp, and not like traditional sports you watch on TV worldwide.

Whether you are looking to better understand it, watch it or even bet on it: this is your geeks guide to eSports. The future of electronic sports promises even more growth, innovation, and global recognition.

So, what are eSports?

Generally, eSports is a form of competitive video gaming at a professional level – the players play games full time in a way they are paid to. Esports players must meet certain criteria to qualify as professionals, such as earning a salary and competing in major tournaments. The larger the player base and fan support, the more important the competition. Players and teams must often decide which tournaments to enter or which games to specialize in, as these decisions can significantly impact their careers and overall success in the industry.

Like with all sports, there are a winner and a loser.

Esports players are increasingly recognised as athletes, with many dedicating significant time to training and upholding sportsmanship. Teamwork is also a crucial skill developed in eSports, as success often depends on coordinated team strategies.

The most popular eSports are played in either leagues or tournaments culminating in a final event – like respective football associations that have their own continental competitions; Europe (UEFA Champions League), South America (CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores de América), eSports are the same.

Some esports competitions use a franchise model similar to traditional North American sports, providing stability and benefits for teams and players. There are also major leagues in esports, which are the most prominent and recognised competitions within the industry.

European teams and players play each other, Asian players the same, North American and so on, culminating in end best of the world tournaments, much like a World Cup.

A brief history of eSports

The story of electronic sports, or eSports, stretches back to the earliest days of video gaming. The first known competitive gaming tournament took place in the 1970s, but it was the explosion of internet connectivity in the 1990s and 2000s that truly set the stage for eSports to become a global industry. As games like StarCraft, Counter-Strike, and League of Legends gained popularity, they laid the foundation for major leagues and international tournaments that would attract millions of fans and viewers from around the world.

The history of eSports is marked by the rise of iconic competitions and the evolution of the industry into a powerhouse of digital entertainment. Today, the biggest event in eSports—the League of Legends World Championship—draws massive audiences and offers some of the largest prizes in the world of competitive gaming.

The development of streaming platforms and high-speed internet has allowed fans to watch tournaments live, connect with their favorite teams, and become part of a thriving global community. As the industry continues to grow, the history of eSports stands as a testament to the power of games to unite players and fans across continents, making it one of the most exciting and dynamic forms of competition in the modern world.

What type of games are played?

As with all sports, games differ, typically there are two formats:

• First-Person Shooter (FPS)

• Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA)

Esports games are specifically designed or supported for competitive play, and they often feature a variety of modes that cater to different playstyles and strategies.

Usually, MOBAs require two teams who play each other looking to defeat opponents by “killing” opposing team players and gaining an advantage by destroying their team “base.”

The more “kills” they do, the more their online gaming character improves in experience and skills, enabling them to stay longer in the game or tournament. Popular games in this genre include League of Legends (lol) and Dota 2, which are among the most popular games in the esports scene. These games offer different modes, allowing players to experience various gameplay variations. Some players prefer certain modes or specific MOBAs over others based on their playstyle.

In FPS games, the aims are different.

Players and teams compete to directly “kill” the opposing team, take control of a location, or take turns attacking and defending and increasing their score on each objective. CS (Counter-Strike) is one of the most popular games in this category, known for its competitive gameplay and influence in the esports community. FPS titles also provide multiple modes, such as team deathmatch or capture the flag, and many players prefer one mode over another depending on their strategy and interests.

Esports doesn’t necessarily equate to violence – there are also card games and even FIFA football competitions. Other esports games include strategy and fighting games like Street Fighter. Sports games and fighting games are the simplest to follow as bettors and fans can follow the sports as the rules are similar to traditional sports or as per fighting games, the knocked-out person loses. Some fans prefer these types of games for their straightforward rules and familiar gameplay.

Strategy games, like StarCraft 2, require players to meticulously build armies and direct them against their opponents with the aim of defeating them using military strategy and tactics. Card games like Hearthstone require competitors to best one another with fantasy monsters and spells with the objective to destroy or take an opponent’s “health.” These genres also feature different modes, and players may prefer certain strategies or card combinations, contributing to the diversity of esports games and the appeal of the most popular games in the industry.

Who governs eSports? Bodies and regulations

The world of eSports is governed by a diverse network of organizations and regulatory bodies, each playing a crucial role in shaping the industry and ensuring fair play. At the international level, the International Esports Federation (IESF) works to promote electronic sports and set standards for tournaments and competitions. Alongside the IESF, organizations like the World Esports Association (WESA) and the Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) are dedicated to maintaining the integrity of the industry, overseeing rules, and protecting the interests of both players and fans.

Many countries have established their own national eSports associations to support the growth of the industry and regulate local tournaments and competitions. These bodies help ensure that playing and competing in eSports is fair, transparent, and accessible to all.

As the industry continues to expand, effective governance is essential for building trust among fans, supporting the development of new talent, and maintaining the reputation of eSports on the world stage.

What are the largest eSports tournaments?

Understanding the scale of the eSports world is essential if you’re planning to bet on it. From massive prize pools to stadium-sized crowds and millions of online viewers, these tournaments are international events that attract global participation. Some are considered the biggest event in the esports calendar, drawing thousands of contestants who compete for impressive prizes. These tournaments shape the competitive landscape of digital sports.

Below are seven of the biggest and most prestigious eSports tournaments globally, offering the greatest opportunities for fans, punters, and players alike.

1. The International (Dota 2)

Organised by Valve, The International is the most valuable eSports event to date and a cornerstone of the global esports scene.

• Record prize pool: Over $40 million (2021)

• Format: Crowdfunded through in-game purchases

• Top teams: OG, Team Spirit, PSG.LGD

2. League of Legends World Championship (Worlds)

A global spectacle hosted by Riot Games, featuring regional qualifiers from every continent. Teams often introduce new players to their line for the tournament, bringing fresh talent and strategic changes to their roster.

• Prize pool: ~$2.25 million

• Massive audience: Tens of millions of viewers

• Top teams: T1, Gen.G, JD Gaming

3. Fortnite World Cup

Epic Games launched this with a $30 million prize pool in 2019.

• Focus: Solo and duo competitions

• Top players: Bugha, Nyhrox, Aqua

• Appeal: Massive among younger audiences

The Fortnite World Cup attracts top gamers from around the world, drawing a vibrant community of fans and players who support and celebrate the competition. Fortnite also allows players to create their own custom tournaments and content, further strengthening community engagement and innovation within the game.

4. CS:GO Major Championships

Known as “Majors,”these events are the most prestigious in Counter-Strike (CS).

• Prize pool: $1.25 million+ per event

• Hosted by: Valve in partnership with tournament organisers

• Top teams: NAVI, Astralis, FaZe Clan

These CS:GO Majors are hosted on dedicated digital platforms that provide fans with easy access to live streams, event coverage, and exclusive content.

5. PUBG Global Championship

A premier tournament for tactical shooter fans, hosted by Krafton. Teams from many different countries compete, showcasing the global appeal and diversity of the event. Reliable online connection is crucial for real-time gameplay and fair competition among participants worldwide.

• Prize pool: ~$2 million+

• Popular regions: Asia, Eastern Europe, South America

• Top organisations: Soniqs, Gen.G, Natus Vincere

6. Call of Duty League Championship

The flagship event of Activision’s franchised Call of Duty League.

• Prize pool: $2 million+

• City-based format: Similar to traditional sports leagues

• Fanbase: Especially strong in the US and UK

The Call of Duty League Championship shares a similar franchised structure with the Overwatch League, where professional players typically receive a fixed salary in addition to prize money.

7. Valorant Champions

Riot Games’ newest global tournament for Valorant has quickly become a major draw, attracting top esports clubs from around the world. The high stake for teams competing in Valorant Champions, with a prize pool of $2.25 million (2023), adds to the intensity and prestige of the event.

• Prize pool: $2.25 million (2023)

• Dynamic structure: Global qualifiers and high production value

• Top teams: LOUD, FNATIC, Paper Rex

Health and wellbeing in eSports

As the eSports industry grows, so does the focus on the health and wellbeing of its players. Professional gamers often face demanding schedules, spending long hours playing games and preparing for high-stakes competitions. This intense environment can lead to physical challenges such as eye strain and repetitive stress injuries, as well as mental health concerns like anxiety and burnout.

Recognising these risks, many eSports organisations are now investing in player support systems, including access to coaches, trainers, and mental health professionals.

By prioritising health and wellbeing, the industry is working to ensure that players can perform at their best while maintaining a balanced lifestyle. This commitment to player care is essential for the long-term success and sustainability of eSports, helping to create a positive environment for everyone involved in playing and enjoying games at the highest level.

The Business of eSports: economics and revenue streams

The eSports industry is a dynamic and rapidly expanding business, driven by a variety of revenue streams that fuel its growth. Teams and organisations generate income through sponsorship deals, advertising partnerships, and the sale of branded merchandise.

Tournament prizes and winnings provide another significant source of revenue, with top teams and players competing for millions of dollars in game prizes at major events.

In addition to traditional revenue sources, the industry is embracing new business models, such as subscription-based services, virtual goods, and exclusive digital content. Some organizations are exploring innovative offerings like virtual reality experiences and premium fan engagement platforms, further diversifying their income.

As the industry continues to evolve, the economics of eSports will become even more sophisticated, with new opportunities emerging for teams, players, and fans to participate in and benefit from the world of competitive gaming.

Are eSports considered as real sports?

Typically, a traditional sport requires physical activity that provides a degree of physical exertion on the human body – think football, tennis, rugby union, even formula 1.

Even the Merriam-Webster dictionary supports this:

“A contest or game in which people do certain physical activities according to a specific set of rules and compete against each other.”

Yet, archery and chess are considered a sport, and this has limited (if any) physical impact to the human body. You could argue that these sports mentally challenge the human body. If this is so, then consequently eSports can be considered a sport. Esports attracts a wide range of viewers, especially those between the ages of 18 and 34. Esports betting has also become a growing and legitimate activity, with many platforms offering regulated markets to ensure fair play and user safety.

Some countries have even granted eSports official sport status, and the International Olympic Committee has begun to explore the inclusion of eSports in future Olympic Games. In fact, somebody—whether influential individuals or organizations—has played a crucial role in promoting the recognition and integration of esports within the Olympic movement and other official sporting bodies.

Where can I watch eSports?

eSports being online games are unsurprisingly watched online too, usually broadcasted by live-streaming services like Facebook Gaming and Twitch. When choosing a site or website to stream esports, make sure it is secure and reputable to protect your data and ensure a safe viewing experience.

Depending on the popularity of the tournaments, some competitions can be attended in-person, yet most leagues upload their previous matches on their YouTube channels.

Sometimes, when trying to access a stream or content, you may encounter a blocked page due to security measures on the website. Security protocols may block access to certain content or features if suspicious activity is detected, restricting your ability to view or interact with the site. If you are block’ed from a page, check the website’s support or help section for troubleshooting steps.

Like all sports competition events, eSports has an ardent betting culture, with bookmakers like Sportsbet offering odds on events or teams like the Hellraiser’s.

How to bet on eSports: know the game

If you wish to bet on eSports, you’ll need to grasp how betting works—what the odds represent. Like all sports betting, odds reflect the probability of any given outcome during a match or game. To place a bet, you will first need to make a deposit into your account, as this is required to participate in betting activities.

So, if you wanted to bet on a Counter-Strike game, you would need to check the odds of the two teams. If one side has odds of 1.42 and the other has 2.85, then the lower odds team is more likely to win, whilst the higher odds will pay out more should they “upset the odds” and win. It’s that simple!

Many platforms also offer bonus incentives, such as welcome bonuses or free bets, to attract new bettors and enhance your experience. In addition to esports betting, you can explore casino games like slots, table games, and live dealer options for more online gaming variety.

Whether you agree that eSports is a traditional sport or not, there’s no doubting that the play is just as intense, strategic, and unpredictable. Popular esports titles for betting include League of Legends, Dota 2, Valorant, FIFA, and NBA 2K, which brings the excitement of NBA basketball into the esports arena.

With bettors searching for new ways to land winning bets, the rise of competitive gaming is creating fresh opportunities in betting markets across titles like League of Legends, Dota 2, Valorant, and FIFA.

If you’re new to betting on eSports, you may want to follow trusted betting tipsters who understand the unique formats and momentum shifts of tournament play. For more advanced users, arbitrage betting software can help uncover value across international bookmakers.

In a fast-moving, always-evolving industry, knowing the game means staying one step aheadc