Betting on the Underdog in Esports: Is it Worth it?

Esports betting is immensely popular, drawing millions eager to test their knowledge on their favorite esports games. A common point of intrigue is betting on underdog teams, those with a lower perceived chance of winning. But could this strategy lead to higher rewards? EsportRanker provides insights into what an underdog team is, how to approach a good underdog bet in esports, and weighs the pros and cons to help Bangladeshi players decide if it's worth the risk.EsportRanker provides insights into what an underdog team is, how to approach a good underdog bet in esports and weigh the pros and cons of underdog betting to help you decide whether it’s worth the risk.

What is an Underdog in Esports Betting?

In esports betting, an underdog refers to teams or players expected to lose against a stronger opponent. Bookmakers assign higher odds to these teams due to their perceived lower chance of victory. For example, in a League of Legends matchup, a rookie team might face off against a seasoned squad, making the former the underdog.
Underdog Examples in Major Esports

Some common examples of underdog situations in esports include:

• League of Legends (LoL): A wildcard team making its first appearance at the World Championship.
• CS:GO (Counter-Strike: Global Offensive): Lesser-known regional teams facing dominant European squads.
• Dota 2: Teams that barely qualify for tournaments competing against previous champions.

How Odds Work for Underdog Bets

Bookmakers use odds to reflect the probability of an outcome. When you bet on an underdog, higher odds can mean bigger potential payouts. For instance, a ৳1,000 bet on a team with odds of 4.5 could return ৳4,500 if they win. However, these bets carry substantial risks, as favorites typically dominate matches. For Bangladeshi players, understanding these odds is crucial for informed betting.

Strategies for Esports Underdog Betting in Bangladesh

Betting on underdogs in esports requires more than just intuition; it demands a calculated and strategic approach. Below are essential esports betting strategies to boost your success rate, especially for players in Bangladesh:

Research and Analysis

Success in underdog esports betting starts with thorough research. Analyze esports team performance, recent matches, player statistics, and even map preferences. For instance:

• Does the underdog team excel in specific game modes or maps?
• Are they facing a team notorious for inconsistency?

Identifying Valuable Opportunities

Not all underdog esports picks are worth the gamble. Look for factors that can tilt the odds in their favor:

• Underrated Teams: These are teams with strong strategies but limited exposure.
• Inconsistent Favorites: Teams with a history of underestimating weaker opponents.
• Meta Shifts: Sudden game patches can disrupt favorites and favor adaptable underdogs.

Bankroll Management

Betting on underdogs can be unpredictable. To minimize risks while maximizing long-term potential, allocate only a small portion of your bankroll to these bets and avoid chasing losses.

Pros and Cons of Betting on the Underdog

Betting on the underdog is known to have many disadvantages but that is not always the case. Here are some pros and cons to consider when betting on the underdog:

Underdog Performance Statistics

Statistically, betting on esports underdogs offers lower success rates. For example, in the 2022 League of Legends World Championship, underdogs won only 18% of matches. However, calculated bets in select situations—such as Fnatic’s unexpected victory over T1 in the group stage—can pay off significantly, especially for esports championships or tournaments.

Real Examples of Underdog Victories in Esports

1. OG’s Dota 2 Win at The International 2018
   OG entered the tournament as a massive underdog, yet they triumphed over PSG.LGD in the finals, securing one of the biggest prize pools in esports history. Betting on OG in early rounds could have yielded staggering returns.
2. Cloud9’s CS:GO Major Championship Win (2018)
   Cloud9 overcame tournament favorites FaZe Clan in a thrilling final to claim the ELEAGUE Major title. As a wildcard pick, Cloud9 rewarded bettors handsomely.

Conclusion: Is Betting on Underdogs Good in Esports?

So, is betting on underdogs good in esports? The answer lies in finding the right opportunities and approaching them strategically. Betting on underdogs can be highly rewarding when backed by solid research and analysis. Key factors such as team performance trends, betting odds of esports teams, and contextual insights play a critical role in identifying valuable bets. While it’s not a guaranteed path to success, underdog betting can be a smart move when the potential outweighs the risks. By staying informed and selective, bettors can make the most of these high-stakes opportunities in the world of esports.