With millions of people betting on titles such as League of Legends, CS:GO, Dota 2, and Valorant. Esports betting has become extremely popular all around the world. Betting on your favorite teams might feel safer, but the real excitement and chance for big wins come from backing the underdogs. With odds at +900, even a limited bet on an underdog can be worth big money, albeit with its own risks.
1. Understand the Team’s Recent Performance
Underdogs can pull off surprising upsets, but betting on them without careful thought often leads to disappointment. Begin by examining the team’s recent performance. Check their match history, especially against strong opponents. Have they been close in losses, or have they been clearly outmatched? Check individual player stats, team synergy, and recent roster changes. A new star player or a strategic coach could transform an underdog’s prospects.
For instance, a team that’s been practicing a new composition in Overwatch might be poised for a breakthrough. Platforms like Best New York Sportsbooks offer detailed breakdowns of team form and odds, helping you make data-driven decisions without relying on gut feelings. Use these resources to spot patterns that oddsmakers might have overlooked.
2. Analyze the Match Context
Not every underdog bet is created equal. Tournament stage, stakes, and game meta can make or break your bet. Underdogs perform the best in more volatile settings, like early tournament games or best-of-one matches, when choices might undervalue them or experiment with aggressive strategies. Research the map pool, recent game patches, and team playstyles. For example, in CS:GO, a team excelling on a specific map like Mirage could exploit a favorite’s weakness. In League of Legends, a patch buffing certain champions might align perfectly with an underdog’s strengths. Understanding these nuances can give you an edge when deciding whether to place that +900 bet.
3. Evaluate the Odds Value
High odds like +900 show a chance for a big win, but they also mean the bookmakers doubt it will happen. To spot a good bet, compare what the odds suggest with your own idea of the underdog’s chance. For example, +900 odds mean about a 10% chance of winning, but if you think the chance is closer to 20%, that could be a smart bet. Use betting calculators to balance potential winnings against the risk, and don’t be fooled by big numbers alone. Sites provide expert picks and tools to help you identify value bets without getting lost in complex math. Always ask: Does this bet make sense based on the data?
4. Study Opponent Weaknesses
Underdogs don’t win by accident, they exploit mistakes. Research the favored team’s vulnerabilities. Do they struggle against aggressive early-game strategies? Are they inconsistent on certain maps or with specific team compositions? For instance, a Dota 2 favorite might falter if their carry player is countered by an underdog’s draft. Watch recent VODs (videos on demand) or check community discussions on platforms like X to uncover these weaknesses. A favorite coming off a grueling schedule or dealing with internal drama might be ripe for an upset. Knowing the opponent’s flaws helps you gauge whether an underdog has a realistic shot.
5. Manage Your Bankroll Wisely
The allure of underdog bets can be intoxicating, but reckless wagering will drain your funds fast. Set a strict budget and allocate only a small portion—5-10%—of your bankroll to high-risk bets like underdogs. This approach lets you track large payouts while protecting your overall funds. Never chase losses by doubling down; instead, treat each bet as a calculated risk. For example, a $10 bet at +900 could yield a $90 profit, but only wager what you can afford to lose. Discipline is the difference between a fun hobby and a financial headache. Keep track of your bets and review your strategy regularly to stay sharp.
6. Stay Updated on Esports Trends
Esports is a fast-moving world. Game patches, meta shifts, and emerging talents can change the landscape overnight. Follow esports news, watch live streams, and engage with communities on platforms like X to stay informed. Underdogs often capitalize on meta changes that favorites haven’t fully adapted to. For example, a Valorant team mastering a new agent like Vyse could catch opponents off guard. Similarly, a League of Legends patch nerfing a popular champion might level the playing field for a lesser-known team. Staying ahead of these trends gives you a critical edge when spotting undervalued underdogs.
7. Leverage Community Insights
The esports community is full of valuable information. Fans, analysts, and pro players often share tips and insights on platforms like X, Reddit, and Twitch that can uncover hidden opportunities. Look for discussions about underdog teams or players generating buzz. A team labeled as underrated by knowledgeable fans might be worth a closer look. However, be cautious of hype and always cross-check community opinions with hard data like match stats or head-to-head records. Combining community sentiment with your own research can help you identify underdogs with real potential to upset the odds.
Conclusion
Esports underdog betting is an excellent way to start competitive gaming, and it can truly be highly profitable if you play your cards wisely. By observing how well teams perform, knowing the match stats, studying the odds, finding weaknesses in the other team, managing your finances well, staying current with the latest trends, and learning from other individuals within the community, you can turn underdog bets into smart bets. Just keep in mind, there is no guaranteed bet, but these seven tips can assist you in making smarter decisions and increasing your odds of landing that +900 pay day.
