The world of esports in 2025 is hotter than ever — and where there’s big money, there’s even more betting action. If you want an edge, you need to know where the prize pools are swelling, the teams are grinding, and the dark horses are ready to shock the world. Here are a few of the top games making waves this year with massive prize pools — and the best betting angles to cash in on.
Dota 2: The King Reclaims The Throne
Dota 2 roared back to the top of esports prize money charts in 2025. Thanks to The International returning to massive prize pools and a revitalized DPC circuit, Dota 2 remains the gambler’s dream: huge upsets, nail-biting finishes, and life-changing payouts for smart underdog bettors.
- Key Betting Tip: Watch qualifiers and regional playoffs. Giant-killers often emerge from underdog regions like South America and SEA, offering +500 to +1200 odds that savvy bettors love.
Counter-Strike 2: The Veteran’s Playground
Counter-Strike 2 shows no signs of slowing down. Top tournaments like PGL Majors and ESL Pro League are not only handing out millions but are also delivering some of the most consistent betting opportunities in esports.
- Key Betting Tip: CS2 is about momentum. Watch how teams perform in the early stages of tournaments — those on hot streaks are gold for match-winner bets, handicap lines, and map-specific wagers.
PUBG Mobile: The Mobile Money Machine
2025 has been a breakout year for PUBG Mobile on the international stage. Prize money is skyrocketing, especially with events like the PUBG Mobile Global Championship and regional championships offering seven-figure pools.
- Key Betting Tip: Roster changes are constant. Keep tabs on team news and lineup swaps to find early value before sportsbooks adjust the odds.
League of Legends: Betting on Consistency
League of Legends continues to dominate traditional esports, with the World Championship 2025 setting up another record-breaking year. Unlike more chaotic titles, LoL rewards disciplined bettors who track meta changes and patch impacts.
- Key Betting Tip: Futures markets shine here. If you can spot a rising power early in LCS, LEC, LCK, or LPL seasons, the value is insane before playoffs.
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang – Growing Beyond Borders
No longer just a Southeast Asia phenomenon, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang is expanding globally. With prize pools swelling and competitive scenes rising in Latin America, Europe, and MENA, the betting markets are getting juicy.
- Key Betting Tip: Watch lesser-known regions. When betting opens, oddsmakers often misprice emerging teams from regions they haven’t heavily scouted.
Valorant: The Young Gun Grows Up
Valorant will keep climbing the prize money ladder in 2025. Riot’s shooter has matured and now offers a full calendar of massive international events with reliable betting markets.
- Key Betting Tip: Look for LAN performance over online results. Some teams choke when it’s LAN time — others shine under pressure, leading to major odds shifts.
Esports in 2025 bring a new fanbase
With over $140 million already up for grabs this year and even more tournaments coming, esports betting has never been so popular, according to the team at the betting news and review platform, betting.bet. “Followers of the sport never had more opportunities to bet on their favourite games. Whether you’re hunting big underdog payouts, playing futures, or grinding live bets, knowing where the money is flowing is your first step to beating the book,” comments Steve Welch, esports writer for betting.bet “We see many users visiting our site actively researching esports tournaments and the data driving the betting scene.”
Sport and betting have gone hand in hand since the first competitive game was played, and the rise in popularity of esports can only benefit the community, as it brings new interest and money to teams and players alike.
