If you’re even a little into esports, you’ve probably noticed how fast things are growing. What used to feel like a niche hobby is now a massive global scene with packed arenas, pro-level players, and millions of fans watching live. Along with all that comes something I personally enjoy a lot — esports betting.
I’ve been watching and betting on esports for years now, and I can honestly say that 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting seasons yet.
There are more tournaments, bigger prize pools, and better betting markets than ever before. Whether you’re into CS2, League of Legends, Valorant, or Dota 2, there’s a lot to follow and even more to bet on if you know where to look.
Here’s my look at the biggest esports tournaments this year, how I bet on them, and a few tips I’ve picked up from experience.
Why I Bet on Esports
Before getting into the tournaments, I just want to say that betting on esports is way more fun when you’re genuinely passionate about the games. I started as a fan, watching streams on Twitch, following pro teams, and keeping up with patch notes.
Betting came naturally after that. It’s just as strategic as traditional sports — sometimes even more.
The best part? You don’t have to bet big to enjoy it. A small bet can make even a group stage match way more exciting. It pulls you deeper into the action and helps you learn more quickly.
Top Esports Tournaments You Should Watch & Bet On
I’ll take you through the top esports tournaments to watch and bet on in 2025, sharing my insights and tips on making the most of your bets.
Counter-Strike 2
I’ve always had a soft spot for CS — it was my intro to esports. This year, CS2 is packed with major tournaments. Two Majors, IEM Katowice, IEM Cologne… it’s non-stop.
What I’m watching:
- CS2 Austin Major (June 9–22)
- IEM Cologne (July 26 – August 3)
- December Major (Dec 1–14)
For betting, I like to focus on specific maps. For example, if FaZe is great on Ancient but weak on Vertigo, that’s where I see an edge. I also pay close attention to the best esport players form — ZywOo can turn a game around by himself.
League of Legends
The World Championship (Worlds) is always one of my favorite events of the year. The 2025 edition in China (Oct 1 – Nov 1) will be huge, and its excitement is real. I’m also looking forward to the Mid-Season Invitational (July 1). It’s a great chance to see which teams are making moves and who’s likely to shine.
I’ll never forget that I once hit a 3.8 odds bet on an LEC underdog beating an LCK team at MSI. Everyone thought it would be an easy win for the LCK, but the Western squad had a much better draft and completely surprised them.
Pay attention to meta changes and team synergy, and don’t forget about the wildcards. They might not be the favorites, but they’re unpredictable and often have a lot of value when betting.
Dota 2
I won’t lie — Dota 2 can be a bit up and down. But when The International comes around (usually in September or October), I can’t take my eyes off the screen. The prize pool is huge, and the games are full of surprises.
Other big Dota 2 events to watch:
- DreamLeague Season 25
- PGL Wallachia Season 4
Betting Tip
Pay attention to patch updates. A small change to a hero can make a big difference. Also, draft betting is a smart move. If you understand how teams like to play, you can often tell who has the advantage before the match even starts.
Valorant
Betting on Valorant is still fairly new for me, but I’m enjoying it more as I get into it. The Champions Tour is a great format — teams earn points all season to qualify for the Champions 2025 in Paris.
When it comes to betting, I focus on regional trends. For example, NA teams tend to be more aggressive, while EU teams usually play a more structured game. This makes for great live betting opportunities when those playstyles clash. It’s always exciting to see how it plays out in real-time.
Call of Duty League
I didn’t pay much attention to the CDL at first, but I got hooked once I gave it a chance. The games are fast, intense, and full of surprises. Atlanta FaZe usually crushes the regular season, but teams like OpTic can suddenly turn it on when playoffs come around.
One fun thing I noticed — in five seasons, no team has won the league more than once. That says a lot about how competitive it is. For betting, that makes it pretty exciting. You can always find good value if you follow the form and momentum.
How I Bet on Esports (And What I’ve Learned)
To be honest, I’ve had both wins and losses. Betting is never guaranteed, but if you stay smart and patient, you can avoid a lot of beginner mistakes. Here’s what has worked well for me:
Do Your Homework
I try to follow team news, watch matches, and keep up with patches. If a star player is underperforming or if a team just swapped roles — that’s something you need to know.
Join the Community
Discord servers, Reddit threads, even X. There’s a ton of smart people out there who live and breathe this stuff. You pick up great insights from others who watch every match.
Stay Calm
It’s easy to tilt. One bad loss and you want to win it back — but that’s where most people mess up. I always set a budget before a tournament and stick to it. No chasing.
Focus on What You Know
I don’t bet on every game. I mostly stick to CS2, LoL, and Dota, because that’s what I know best. Trying to bet on a game you barely follow is a quick way to lose money.
Esports Betting Sites I Use
There are tons of betting sites now offering esports bets, but my favorites are:
- GG.Bet – good odds, solid for CS and Dota.
- Pinnacle – more for sharp bettors.
- Betway Esports – great layout and is reliable.
Look for sites that offer deep markets — not just “who will win,” but also map winners, player stats, and live betting.
Final Thoughts on Top Esports Tournaments
To me, esports isn’t just about watching games — it’s about understanding them, following stories, and sometimes testing your knowledge. Betting just adds another layer of excitement. And 2025? It’s the perfect time to jump in.
With so many big tournaments across CS2, LoL, Valorant, and more, this season is a great time to follow the action — whether you’re betting or just watching for the thrill.
So pick your game, stay updated on the scene, keep sharp — and most importantly, enjoy it. That’s what it’s all about.