If you want to win more in esports betting, you don’t just need “good teams”… you need the right market ✅. Some bet types are safer (lower variance), others are higher risk but higher reward. This guide explains the most common esports betting markets used in 2026 for Dota 2, League of Legends, CS2, Valorant, Mobile Legends and more.
Quick links (intralinks):
👉 Home • Esports Odds Explained • How to Place a Bet • Live Betting • Betting Strategies • Betting Glossary • Responsible Gambling
📌 Table of Contents
- 1. What Are Esports Betting Markets?
- 2. Most Popular Esports Betting Markets (2026)
- 3. Match Winner (Moneyline)
- 4. Map Winner / Game Winner
- 5. Handicap / Spread (Maps & Rounds)
- 6. Totals (Over/Under)
- 7. Correct Score
- 8. Outrights (Tournament Winner & Futures)
- 9. Props & Special Bets (Kills, Towers, First Blood…)
- 10. Live Betting Markets (Best In-Play Options)
- 11. Best Markets by Game (Dota 2, LoL, CS2, Valorant, MLBB)
- 12. Smart Tips to Choose the Right Market
- 13. Common Mistakes (That Kill Your Bankroll)
- 14. FAQs
1. What Are Esports Betting Markets?
An esports betting market is simply the type of bet you place. Example:
- ✅ “Team A wins the match” (Match Winner)
- ✅ “Team B wins Map 1” (Map Winner)
- ✅ “Over 2.5 maps” (Totals)
- ✅ “First Blood goes to Team A” (Prop bet)
Different markets fit different styles. If you prefer safer bets, you’ll lean toward Moneyline or Handicap. If you like high payouts, you’ll explore Correct Score and Props 🎯.
2. Most Popular Esports Betting Markets (2026)
Here are the markets you’ll see most often across major esports:
| Market | Best For | Risk Level | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Match Winner | Beginners ✅ | Low–Medium | Pick the overall winner |
| Map Winner | Map specialists | Medium | Bet per map/game |
| Handicap / Spread | Value hunters | Medium | Maps/rounds advantage |
| Totals (O/U) | Stat-based bettors | Medium | Maps, rounds, kills, time |
| Correct Score | High payout seekers 💰 | High | Exact match/map score |
| Props / Specials | Advanced bettors | Medium–High | First Blood, total kills, towers |
| Outrights (Futures) | Long-term plays | Medium | Tournament winner/top 4 |
Before betting, make sure you understand how odds work here: Understanding Esports Betting Odds 📈
3. Match Winner (Moneyline)
Match Winner is the simplest bet: pick who wins the match. It’s the best starting point if you’re new.
- ✅ Great for BO1, BO3, BO5 formats
- ✅ Easy to research using recent form, map pool, draft strength
- ⚠️ Favorites can be overpriced (low value)
Best use: when one team has clear consistency and stable results.
4. Map Winner / Game Winner
Instead of betting the full match, you bet on a specific map (Map 1, Map 2, etc.). This is powerful when:
- 🎯 One team starts strong early (good “Map 1” team)
- 🎯 A team has a better map pool on a specific map
- 🎯 Draft advantage matters (especially in Dota 2 / LoL)
Pro tip: Map markets are often better than match winner when you see a clear map edge.
5. Handicap / Spread (Maps & Rounds)
Handicap adds a “virtual advantage” to balance odds. This is one of the best markets for consistent bettors.
- Map Handicap (BO3/BO5): Team A -1.5 maps means Team A must win by 2+ maps.
- Round Handicap (CS2/Valorant): Team B +3.5 rounds means they can lose, but keep it close.
Why I like this market: it lets you take strong teams at better value, or underdogs with a safety cushion ✅.
6. Totals (Over/Under)
Totals are betting on “how much happens” rather than who wins.
Common totals:
- 🗺️ Total Maps: Over/Under 2.5 maps (BO3)
- 🔫 Total Rounds: Over/Under 24.5 rounds (CS2/Valorant)
- ⚔️ Total Kills: Team kills or match kills (Dota/LoL)
- ⏱️ Game Duration: Over/Under minutes (MOBA)
Best use: when styles clash (fast vs slow teams), or when you expect a close match that likely goes long 🔥.
7. Correct Score
This market predicts the exact score (like 2–0, 2–1, 3–0). The payout can be huge… but it’s risky.
- 💰 Highest potential return
- ⚠️ One swing round / one draft throw can destroy it
Use it only when: you’re confident about the matchup dynamics (map pool + momentum + format).
8. Outrights (Tournament Winner & Futures)
Outrights are long-term bets like:
- 🏆 Tournament Winner
- 🥈 Winner of Group / Make Playoffs
- 🔝 Top 2 / Top 4 finish
Best use: when you spot a team with strong bracket path + good meta fit. Track events here: Top Esports Tournaments.
9. Props & Special Bets (Kills, Towers, First Blood…)
Props are the fun “micro” markets that focus on specific actions. Popular examples:
- 🩸 First Blood (MOBA)
- 🗼 First Tower / First Roshan / First Baron
- ⚔️ Total Kills (team or match)
- 🎯 Pistol Round Winner (CS2/Valorant)
- 💣 Total Plants / Total Defuses (some events/lines)
My opinion: props are great when you understand playstyle and early-game tendencies… but avoid random “coinflip” props unless you have data.
10. Live Betting Markets (Best In-Play Options)
Live betting is where esports gets wild ⚡. Momentum swings, eco rounds, draft mistakes, and tilt can flip matches fast.
Best live markets:
- 📌 Live Match Winner (after a key draft/eco swing)
- 🗺️ Live Map Winner (when you see a read on pacing)
- 🔫 Live Totals (rounds/kills) when tempo changes
- ✅ Next Round Winner (CS2/Valorant) if you understand economy
Want a dedicated guide? Go here: 1xBet eSports Live Betting 🎮
11. Best Markets by Game (Dota 2, LoL, CS2, Valorant, MLBB)
✅ Dota 2
Best markets: Match Winner, Map Winner, Total Kills, Game Duration, First Roshan/First Tower (when available).
More: Dota 2 Betting Guide
✅ League of Legends
Best markets: Match Winner, Map Handicap, Total Kills, First Blood, First Dragon/Baron, Game Duration.
More: LoL Betting Guide
✅ CS2
Best markets: Map Winner, Round Handicap, Total Rounds, Pistol Round Winner, Live markets (eco reads).
More: CS2 Betting Guide
✅ Valorant
Best markets: Map Winner, Round Handicap, Total Rounds, Live map momentum spots.
More: Valorant Betting Guide
✅ Mobile Legends (MLBB)
Best markets: Match Winner, Map Handicap, Total Kills (when offered), Correct Score (only for strong reads).
More: Mobile Legends Betting Guide
12. Smart Tips to Choose the Right Market
- 📊 Start simple: Moneyline + Totals before props.
- 🧠 Use handicaps for value: favorites can be overpriced; handicaps fix that.
- 🗺️ Respect map pool: many “upsets” are just bad map picks.
- ⚡ Live betting = discipline: don’t chase losses, wait for clear spots.
- 🧾 Track results: a small spreadsheet beats “feelings” every time.
Want structured guidance? Read: Esports Betting Strategies ✅
13. Common Mistakes (That Kill Your Bankroll)
- ❌ Betting only favorites (low value long-term)
- ❌ Ignoring format (BO1 chaos vs BO5 stability)
- ❌ Not checking patch/meta changes (big in MOBAs)
- ❌ Overusing Correct Score / random props
- ❌ Tilting in live betting (emotional bets = donation)
Responsible play reminder: Set limits and keep it fun. If it stops being fun, stop. 👉 Responsible Gambling
14. FAQs ❓
What is the best esports betting market for beginners?
Match Winner (Moneyline) is the easiest. After that, learn Totals (Over/Under) and Handicap for better value.
Is handicap better than moneyline?
Often yes ✅. Moneyline favorites can be overpriced, while handicaps give you better odds if the stronger team is expected to dominate.
What is the best live betting market in esports?
Live Match Winner and live Totals are the most popular. The key is timing—wait for a clear swing (draft advantage, economy swing, tilt signs).
Are prop bets worth it?
Yes, but only when you have a strong reason (playstyle data, early aggression, objective priority). Random props are usually high-variance traps ⚠️.
Where can I learn esports betting terms?
Use our glossary here: Esports Betting Glossary 📚
Next steps:
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