Esports, the world of competitive gaming, has grown into a massive industry attracting millions of fans and cryptocurrency bettors. With exciting matches spanning various titles like League of Legends, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, and Dota 2, esports offers endless opportunities for betting. Among the different betting markets, Over/Under Bitcoin betting stands out for its simplicity and excitement.
This guide will walk you through all the important things that you need to know about Over/Under Bitcoin betting on esports, from understanding how the games work to some helpful betting strategies. Esports, short for electronic sports, is organized competitive video gaming where professional players and teams compete in popular games across various genres. From first-person shooters (FPS) to real-time strategy (RTS) and multiplayer online battle arenas (MOBA), esports encompasses a wide range of gaming experiences.
How Esports Competitions Work
Esports tournaments and leagues are structured similarly to traditional sports, featuring regular seasons, playoffs, and grand finals. Teams or individual players battle in matches that follow specific game rules, aiming for victory within the given format. Matches are typically broadcast live, attracting millions of viewers worldwide, with many of those keen to bet on Esports contests.
How Over/Under Bitcoin Betting Works in Esports
Over/Under Bitcoin betting in esports is simple. Instead of betting on the winner, you bet on whether a specific statistic in the match – like total maps played, kills, or points, will be over or under a line set by the Bitcoin sportsbook. Example of Over/Under Bitcoin betting in Esports – let’s say a Bitcoin sportsbook sets the Over/Under line for total maps in a best-of-three CS match at 2.5:
- Betting Over: You’re wagering that the match will go to all three maps.
- Betting Under: You’re betting that one team will win in two straight maps, ending the match early.
This type of betting is great if you prefer focusing on game dynamics rather than predicting outright winners.
Esports Terminology for Over/Under Bettors
To excel in Over/Under Bitcoin betting on esports, understanding the terms used most often and the gameplay mechanics is important. Below are 10 terms that every bettor should know:
Meta
The “Meta” refers to the most effective tactics, characters, or weapon loadouts in a game, influenced by recent updates, patches, and professional play. Understanding the current meta helps Bitcoin bettors predict team strategies and performance trends, which can affect the duration and outcome of matches.
Best-of Series (BoX)
This format defines the number of games a team needs to win in a series. Common formats include Bo1 (Best of 1), Bo3, and Bo5. The format directly impacts Over/Under betting, as longer series provide more opportunities for higher totals.
KDA (Kills/Deaths/Assists)
KDA is a key performance metric in games like League of Legends and Dota 2. It reflects a player’s overall impact by combining their kills, deaths, and assists. High KDA players often contribute to faster-paced games, which can influence total kills and match duration bets.
First Blood
“First Blood” refers to the first kill in a match. It’s a big milestone in games like CS, League of Legends, and Dota 2, as it often sets the tone for the early game. Teams that consistently secure First Blood may push for aggressive plays, impacting Over/Under totals on objectives and kills.
Economy (Econ)
Economy in FPS games like CS and Valorant refers to the management of in-game currency used to purchase weapons, armor, and utilities. A team’s economy can dictate its strategy, influencing the length of rounds and total round bets.
Power Spike
A power spike is a point in the game where a player or team becomes significantly stronger, often due to item purchases or level-ups. In MOBA games like League of Legends, understanding power spikes helps predict when a team might make aggressive plays, potentially shortening or extending match duration.
Smurfing
Smurfing happens when highly skilled players use secondary accounts to compete against less experienced opponents. This can lead to faster matches with more decisive outcomes, impacting total maps and kills bets.
Rotation
Rotations involve teams repositioning players across the map to gain strategic advantages or secure objectives. Good rotations are key in MOBAs and FPS games, affecting the pace of the game and the likelihood of hitting Over or Under on certain totals.
Ultimate (Ult)
In games like Overwatch, Dota 2, and League of Legends, an ultimate is a powerful ability that can turn the tide of a battle. Timely use of ultimates can lead to explosive plays, influencing total kills or objective bets.
Map Control
Map control refers to how well a team dominates key areas of the game map. Strong map control allows teams to dictate the pace, secure objectives, and potentially extend the game’s duration, making Over bets more likely on total rounds or objectives.
Types of Over/Under Bitcoin Bets in Esports
Esports Over/Under Bitcoin betting offers a wide variety of markets, each catering to specific aspects of gameplay. Understanding these different types of bets can help you strategically place wagers based on your analysis of the game and players. Here’s a detailed look at the key types of Over/Under Bitcoin bets in esports:
Total Maps Played
Total maps played is one of the most simple Over/Under markets in esports. It applies to series-based games, such as Best of 3 (Bo3) or Best of 5 (Bo5) formats. In this market, you bet on whether the total number of maps in a series will be higher or lower than the sportsbook’s set line. This type of bet is ideal for games like CS, Dota 2, and League of Legends, where a series can either end quickly or go the distance depending on the teams’ performance and skill parity.
Total Kills
Total kills betting focuses on the cumulative number of kills achieved by both teams in a match or series. This market is particularly popular in games like League of Legends, Dota 2, and Valorant. High-paced, aggressive teams tend to push kill totals higher, while more defensive teams can keep the count low. This bet type requires a deep understanding of team play styles and their approach to objectives versus skirmishes.
Total Rounds (FPS Games)
For first-person shooter (FPS) games like CS and Valorant, total rounds betting involves wagering on whether the total number of rounds played in a match will go Over or Under the sportsbook’s line. This market is heavily influenced by team movements, such as their ability to win rounds consistently or force overtime scenarios. These bets are great for matches between evenly matched teams, where the total rounds often push toward the higher end.
Objective-Based Totals
Objective-based totals focus on specific in-game milestones rather than kills or maps. Common bets in this category include total towers destroyed in League of Legends, total Roshan kills in Dota 2, or total bomb plants in CS. These bets cater to Bitcoin bettors who are well-versed in objective-focused gameplay and can predict how teams will prioritize or contest these objectives during a match.
Player-Specific Totals
Player-specific totals allow you to focus on individual player performance rather than team outcomes. You can bet on a player’s total kills, assists, headshots, or damage dealt during a match. This market is particularly useful when one player stands out as a key playmaker or carry. For instance, a star player might be expected to deliver high kill counts consistently, offering value on the Over for their specific line.
Live Over/Under Bitcoin Betting
Live Over/Under Bitcoin betting has great opportunities as the game unfolds. Lines and odds adjust in real-time based on current gameplay, such as early leads, mid-game swings, or late-game comebacks. This market allows you to capitalize on evolving match conditions, such as a slow start that picks up pace or a dominant team showing early signs of closing out quickly.
Alternate Totals
Alternate totals offer different lines and adjusted odds for a particular market, giving the flexibility to choose between safer or riskier options. For example, if the standard line for total maps in a Bo5 series is set at 4.5, alternate totals might offer lines at 3.5 or 5.5 maps. These markets are fantastic for Bitcoin bettors who have strong insights into potential deviations from the norm.
Time-Based Totals
Time-based totals involve Bitcoin betting on whether a match will last longer or shorter than a specified time. This market is common in games like Dota 2 and League of Legends, where match length can vary significantly based on early-game dominance or late-game scaling. Bettors who can predict a fast snowball or drawn-out strategic battle can find value in this market.
First Half/Second Half Totals
In games with distinct halves, such as CS and Valorant, you can bet on the total rounds or kills during a specific half of the match. This market is perfect for Bitcoin bettors who have analyzed team tendencies to perform better in either the first or second half. Teams that start strong but falter later or vice versa offer great opportunities for these bets.
Overtime Totals
Overtime totals focus on whether the game will go into overtime or the total points/rounds during the overtime period. This market is especially popular in FPS games like CS, where evenly matched teams frequently push games into extra rounds. Predicting overtime scenarios can yield high rewards in high-stakes or playoff matches where teams fight tooth and nail for every point.
Major Esports Events to Bet On
The esports calendar is packed with world-class tournaments, drawing millions of fans and significant betting action. These events offer a range of Over/Under markets, giving Bitcoin bettors ample opportunities to leverage their knowledge. Here’s an indepth look at some of the most popular esports events to consider for your Over/Under Bitcoin betting.
The International (Dota 2)
The International (TI) is the crown jewel of Dota 2 tournaments, boasting record-breaking prize pools and featuring the world’s best teams. Each year, TI delivers high-stakes action, with games often pushing the limits of competitive strategy.
Over/Under Bitcoin betting does well here, with markets on total kills, maps, and objectives like Roshan kills or tower destructions. The unpredictable nature of TI matches makes it an exhilarating event for bettors, especially in later stages where comebacks and upsets are common.
League of Legends World Championship
The League of Legends World Championship (LoL Worlds) is one of the most-watched esports events globally, culminating in an intense playoff series. The Bo5 format in the knockout stages provides numerous Over/Under opportunities, including total maps played, towers destroyed, and Barons secured. With teams from diverse regions like Korea, China, and Europe, each bringing their unique playstyles, the dynamic nature of Worlds ensures that no two matches are alike.
CS Majors
CS Majors, such as IEM Katowice, ESL One, and the PGL Major, are among the most prestigious tournaments in first-person shooter esports. These events attract top-tier teams and feature high-octane matches where every round counts. Popular Over/Under markets include total rounds, maps played, and bomb plants/defusals. The intense rivalries and tactical depth of CS make it a great game for Bitcoin bettors looking to capitalize on round-by-round volatility.
Valorant Champions
As the pinnacle of competitive Valorant, Valorant Champions showcases the best teams from across the globe. With its tactical gameplay and fast-paced action, this tournament offers a range of Over/Under markets, including total rounds, maps, and player-specific stats like kills, headshots, and assists. Bitcoin bettors can find value in studying team dynamics and map preferences.
Fortnite World Cup
The Fortnite World Cup is a spectacle that draws both casual fans and hardcore esports enthusiasts. As a battle royale game, Fortnite’s format differs from traditional team-based esports, focusing on eliminations and survival. Over/Under Bitcoin betting markets here include total eliminations, placement points, and even storm survival durations. The event’s solo and duo competitions offer different Bitcoin betting opportunities based on player styles and strategies.
Overwatch League (OWL) Grand Finals
The OWL Grand Finals mark the culmination of the Overwatch League season, crowning the year’s champion. With its fast-paced, objective-focused gameplay, Overwatch offers a variety of Over/Under betting markets, including total maps played and team kills. The unpredictable nature of team compositions and hero choices adds an extra layer of excitement to the Bitcoin betting experience, especially during high-stakes matches.
Call of Duty League (CDL) Championships
The CDL Championships are the premier event for Call of Duty esports, bringing together the best teams to compete for the season title. Over/Under markets here include total maps, rounds, and player-specific performance metrics like kills, assists, and damage dealt. With its mix of objective-based and elimination-focused gameplay, CDL matches provide a wealth of betting opportunities, particularly in tightly contested series.
PUBG Global Championship (PGC)
The PUBG Global Championship is the ultimate tournament for PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, featuring the best battle royale teams from around the world. Bitcoin bettors can explore Over/Under markets on total eliminations, match durations, and placement points. The unpredictable nature of battle royale gameplay, where a single misstep can change the outcome, makes PGC an exciting event for those seeking high-stakes Bitcoin betting action.
Rainbow Six Siege Invitational
The Rainbow Six Siege Invitational is the flagship event for R6 esports, showcasing the top teams and the latest strategies in this tactical shooter. Over/Under Bitcoin bets on total maps, rounds, and specific in-game actions like bomb plants or kills are particularly popular. The game’s emphasis on strategy and team coordination means that matches can swing unpredictably, offering value for bettors who closely follow team changes.
Rocket League World Championship
The Rocket League World Championship combines soccer and vehicular acrobatics, delivering thrilling matches that attract a global audience. Over/Under markets here focus on total goals, games played in a series, and player-specific stats like assists and saves. Rocket League’s fast-paced gameplay and potential for high-scoring matches make it a favorite among Bitcoin bettors looking for good Over/Under opportunities.
Why Big Events Are Good for Esports Over/Under Bitcoin Betting
These tournaments have a range of different formats and high-pressure situations, creating opportunities for Bitcoin bettors to research team dynamics, player performance, and historical data. Whether it’s predicting a long series in a LoL Worlds final or anticipating a quick blowout in a CS Major, each event offers unique challenges and rewards for Over/Under Bitcoin betting lovers.
Why Use Bitcoin for Esports Betting?
Bitcoin offers many advantages for esports bettors compared to fiat currencies, here are just a few of those benefits:
Faster Transactions
Bitcoin transactions are processed almost instantly, so you can deposit and withdraw money/ Bitcoin quickly.
Privacy
Betting with Bitcoin allows you to have more anonymity, as transactions don’t require sharing personal or banking information.
Lower Fees
Bitcoin removes the need for middle men, reducing transaction fees and allowing you to keep more of your winnings.
Bonuses
Many Bitcoin sportsbooks offer unique promotions exclusively for Bitcoin bettors, such as deposit matches and enhanced odds, specifically for crypto users.
Global Accessibility
Bitcoin is decentralized, making it accessible from anywhere in the world, free from currency conversion or regional restrictions.
Conclusion
Over/Under Bitcoin betting on esports is an exciting and rewarding way to enjoy the world of competitive gaming. By understanding how esports works, familiarizing yourself with key terminology, and exploring different betting markets, you’ll be in a great position to make smart and profitable bets. Add the benefits of Bitcoin to the mix, and you have a modern, easy going betting experience tailored to the quick changing nature of esports.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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