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

Esports betting is a huge deal, with millions of Nigerian players excited to put their skills and knowledge to the test on their favourite esports games. One aspect that often sparks curiosity is betting on underdog teams – those with a lower chance of winning. But could this actually be a smarter strategy for a bigger payday? EsportRanker provides insights into what an underdog team is, how to spot a good underdog bet in esports, and weighs the pros and cons to help you 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 that are expected to lose against a stronger opponent. Bookmakers assign higher odds to these teams because they're seen as less likely to win. For instance, in a League of Legends match, a new team might be playing against a seasoned squad, making the new team the underdog.
Underdog Examples in Major Esports

Here are some common underdog scenarios in esports:

• 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 qualified for tournaments competing against previous champions.

How Odds Work for Underdog Bets

Bookmakers use odds to show how likely an outcome is. When you bet on an underdog, higher odds mean potentially bigger payouts. For example, betting ₦1,000 on a team with odds of 4.5 could bring in ₦4,500 if they win. But remember, these bets are risky because the favourites usually win. For Nigerian players, understanding these odds is key to making informed bets.

Strategies for Esports Underdog Betting in Nigeria

Betting on underdogs in esports takes more than just a hunch; it requires a smart and strategic plan. Here are essential esports betting strategies to boost your winning chances:

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.