Gaming constantly evolves; its journey has taken some unexpected twists and turns over the last few years. Gone are the days of console gaming at home alone. You’ll know what we mean if you’re old enough to recall the best early console titles, including Super Mario Bros. and Sonic the Hedgehog. You started a level, played until you lost all three lives, and then started from level one again. Simpler times. Today, console games can last many hours, played online against gamers from every corner of the planet. It’s a golden age for gaming.
Two decades ago, it would’ve been unimaginable to see two gamers lock horns live on television, playing for a major esports title and a handsome winner’s cheque. Esports is a big business, attracting the following usually seen in traditional professional sports, like tennis and snooker. Esports has become so widespread and popular even the top betting websites offer odds, promotions, and specials on the top fixtures.
Have you ever watched a professional esports game or tournament on television or through a live-streaming app? You’ll know it’s fast-paced, unpredictable and exciting. Esports at the highest level and played by the most talented gamers are as exciting as any sports game you’ve seen on TV. It can rival football, soccer, and horse racing for drama. It’s no surprise the gambling industry is showing an interest.
Origins Story
To the untrained eye, esports is an overnight sensation or a flash in the pan. But if you think esports is little more than the latest fad, you’re wrong. This industry is thriving in the early days as it goes from strength to strength, and the most crucial factor is it’s still growing. Even industry experts and insiders have yet to learn how big esports will grow. One thing is sure, though: it’s showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
The best time to get involved in esports wasn’t at the grassroots level, as there was little to enjoy from the business in the early days. It was for the experts who created teams, entered them in competitions, and pitched esports to potential investors. Not everyone could see the benefit of professional gaming, but the most prominent online sportsbooks read the room.
Gambling apps have invested in esports for many years as they spotted its potential. You probably noticed the esports tab near the bottom of your sportsbook app or site if you use gambling apps. Esports was once a footnote of betting sites, but the two industries strived for better.
Bookies invested in esports, helping raise its profile, ramp up the prize money, and attract more talented players. Betting helped make esports the success it is today.
Leading Titles
Many esports competitions have a straight knockout format that helps name the most talented players. But there are also esports leagues where the top players meet the best opponents over a series of fixtures to name a winner. You can follow both styles on TV or live-streaming apps, keeping pace with every game and result. Esports is a much more attractive spectator sport than you might think, especially at the highest level.
Many of the most popular games are played professionally on the esports circuit. You can play or watch Fortnight or EA Sports FC, enjoying the action as the best gamers go head-to-head. Two titles are more prevalent in esports than any other, which is no surprise. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is the most-played esports game, sitting just ahead of Dota 2, a favorite of professional gamers.
Which do you prefer? Check out the upcoming esports schedule for a list of fixtures you may wish to view. You can filter by competition, team, or game, allowing you to cut through the mountain of fixtures and keep what you’re most interested in following. Watch on your TV or smartphone, ensuring you keep pace with the result and never miss a chance to cheer on your favorite players, teams, and games.
Making Predictions
Watching and following live esports is fun, but you can increase your enjoyment by making predictions. Which teams will win an upcoming tournament, and which players will perform best to land the enormous cash prizes? Predicting the results is an excellent way to get closer to the action. If you enjoy esports now, wait until you need a result to bank a profit. That’s when things become interesting. Give it a try today.
Calling the winner of an esports fixture or competition isn’t easy, but there are ways to improve your strike rate. Research is vital; you must gather as much information about a game as possible before choosing sides. Get the latest results, the form of both teams/players and head-to-head scores.
The more you know and understand a game, the more chance you will make correct predictions. There’s no such thing as doing too much research, but keep your interest in the most relevant areas, such as recent results and past meetings.
Watching the Play
The best way to watch esports is on a live-streaming app, and the most reliable streams come from legal online sportsbooks. Visit a gambling app with a live-streaming tab, and you’ll find a list of upcoming games with a link to the coverage.
Click the fixture at the advertised start time to view the live stream. It’s HD-quality with expert commentary, previews, predictions, in-play betting odds, and more. You must be a registered member of the sportsbook to watch the live stream for free, but there’s nothing in the terms and conditions that state you must gamble.
Create an account, watch the coverage as an interested bystander, or make predictions and target a profit. If you choose to predict the winner and gamble, you’ll receive a welcome bonus free bet when you join.
Promos and Specials
Sportsbook apps covering esports offer all new players a free bet when they create an account, deposit funds, and wager. The most popular bonus is a deposit-matched free bet, but it’s reserved for new players. Existing customers enjoy cashback, enhanced odds, profit boosts, and other delights.