Counter Strike has taken a commanding lead in esports betting activity throughout 2024, capturing a staggering 57% of the market.
The esports betting landscape has a new king, and its name is Counter-Strike 2 (CS2). According to a recent report by Abios, a leading provider of esports data and analytics, CS2 has taken a commanding lead in betting activity throughout 2024, capturing a staggering 57% of the market. This surge in popularity underscores the game's successful transition from its predecessor and its establishment as a premier competitive title.
Counter-Strike 2's rise to prominence is a relatively recent phenomenon. The game officially launched in late 2023, succeeding the long-reigning Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO).
The transition wasn't just a simple graphical update; CS2 brought significant gameplay changes, including the highly anticipated "sub-tick" system for more precise movement and shooting, along with visual overhauls to maps and weapon models. This fresh take on a classic formula revitalized the competitive scene, drawing in both veteran players and new audiences.
Abios, which provides data solutions for over 40 esports betting operators through its parent company Kambi, analyzed betting trends throughout 2024 and found CS2 to be the undisputed leader. The report highlights key statistics from the past year of CS2 betting:
Peak Viewers: 1,853,954 (PGL Major Copenhagen 2024)
Total Prize Pool: $20,514,054
Tournaments: 595
These figures demonstrate the robust and thriving ecosystem surrounding CS2. With nearly 600 tournaments held throughout the year and a substantial prize pool, the game has provided ample opportunities for both players and bettors. The impressive peak viewership number for the PGL Major Copenhagen further solidifies CS2's position as a top-tier esports spectacle. The report also suggests that with the move to a more open format next season, the number of tournaments and betting odds are likely to increase, further cementing CS2's dominance.
While CS2 leads the pack, other established esports titles continue to hold significant positions in the betting market.
League of Legends (LoL) secured second place with 26% of betting activity, significantly outperforming Dota 2, which captured only 10%. This disparity highlights the differing approaches taken by Riot Games (LoL's developer) and Valve (Dota 2's developer) in managing their respective esports scenes. Riot's focus on regional leagues provides more consistent betting opportunities compared to Dota 2's more concentrated tournament schedule.
VALORANT and Call of Duty also made their presence felt, though with smaller market shares of 5% and 2%, respectively. VALORANT, despite being a relatively young title, has quickly established a thriving competitive scene with innovative formats and a growing fanbase, suggesting a bright future for its betting market. Call of Duty, a long-standing franchise, continues to maintain a dedicated following within the esports betting community.
The Abios report paints a clear picture: Counter-Strike 2 has not only successfully transitioned from its predecessor but has also become the dominant force in esports betting. Its robust competitive scene, frequent tournaments, and large viewership numbers have made it a prime target for bettors. As the game continues to evolve and its esports ecosystem expands, CS2 is poised to maintain its leading position in the years to come.
Read related article: Counter-Strike Dominates Esports Betting as Wagers Increase: Report
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