League of Legends (LoL) has established itself as one of the most popular and competitive esports globally. With its intricate gameplay, intense team strategies, and ever-growing fan base, it’s no surprise that betting on LoL has become a major trend. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or new to the scene, understanding how to navigate League of Legends betting is essential. In this blog, we’ll cover key events to bet on and provide tips that will help you make informed betting decisions on Gold365.
What is League of Legends?
Before diving into betting specifics, it’s important to understand the game itself. League of Legends is a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game developed by Riot Games. It features two teams of five players, each controlling a unique character (called a “champion”) with distinct abilities. The goal is to destroy the opposing team’s Nexus, which lies at the heart of their base, while working together to navigate the map, outplay the opposition, and secure objectives.
The game’s complexity, combined with its strategic depth, has made it an ideal candidate for esports competitions, where teams of top players compete for prestige and prize money.
Major Events in League of Legends
League of Legends boasts a robust esports scene with several high-profile events throughout the year. For bettors, these tournaments offer exciting opportunities to place bets on team performances, match outcomes, and even specific in-game actions. Here are the key events you should keep an eye on:
1. League of Legends World Championship (Worlds)
Undoubtedly the most prestigious event in LoL esports, the World Championship, commonly known as Worlds, is the culmination of the annual competitive season. Teams from various regions around the world (e.g., North America, Europe, Korea, China) qualify through regional leagues and compete for the coveted Summoner’s Cup.
Worlds is a spectacle that attracts millions of viewers and generates massive betting interest. The tournament is known for its upsets, underdog stories, and thrilling finals, making it one of the most exciting events to bet on.
2. Mid-Season Invitational (MSI)
The MSI takes place halfway through the LoL competitive season and features the winners of each major regional league. While not as grand as Worlds, MSI is an important event for assessing the top teams and players worldwide. Betting on the MSI offers bettors a chance to analyze team performance during the season’s early stages.
3. Regional Leagues and Playoffs
Apart from the international events, several regional leagues also offer exciting betting opportunities. Some of the top leagues include:
- LCS (North America)
- LEC (Europe)
- LCK (Korea)
- LPL (China)
These leagues host regular seasons followed by playoffs. Betting on regional leagues can be lucrative for bettors who follow teams closely, as it allows them to make predictions based on consistent, in-depth performance data.
4. All-Star Event
The League of Legends All-Star Event brings together the best players from each region for a fun, non-competitive tournament that often features a mix of solo and team events. While it’s less serious than Worlds or MSI, it still provides opportunities for bettors to engage in the action, often featuring fan-voted teams and exhibition matches.
Understanding League of Legends Betting
Now that you’re familiar with the key events, let’s dive into how betting on League of Legends works. LoL betting offers various markets, ranging from match winner bets to more complex prop bets that focus on in-game actions. Here’s a breakdown of some popular bet types:
1. Match Winner
The simplest and most common form of betting in LoL esports is predicting the match winner. Here, you’ll bet on which team will win a given match. These bets are typically available in most major tournaments, including Worlds, MSI, and regional leagues. For bettors, this type of wager is ideal for those who want to place straightforward bets based on overall team performance.
2. Map Winner
In LoL matches, the best-of series often consists of multiple maps (games). Betting on the map winner involves predicting which team will win a specific map in the series. This bet type requires a deeper understanding of the teams’ strengths and weaknesses on different maps.
3. Handicap Betting
Handicap betting is a more nuanced approach, where one team is given a “handicap” to level the playing field. If a team is heavily favored, the underdog may start with a handicap (e.g., 1.5 maps). Bettors can place bets on which team will overcome the handicap or maintain their lead.
4. First Blood and First Tower
These are prop bets that allow you to wager on specific in-game events:
- First Blood: Bet on which team will first kill an enemy champion.
- First Tower: Bet on which team will destroy the first turret.
These bets often involve a deep knowledge of the game’s mechanics and team strategies. Top teams may have a higher chance of securing early advantages, making these bets a great way to leverage match dynamics.
5. Total Kills and Total Gold
These are over/under prop bets, where you predict whether the total kills or gold earned in a match will exceed or fall below a certain threshold. These bets require a good understanding of the match’s pace and potential for aggression, as well as the ability to assess the teams’ typical playstyles.
Key Betting Tips for League of Legends
To succeed in League of Legends betting, a mix of strategic insight, knowledge of the game, and an understanding of team dynamics is essential. Here are some tips to help boost your betting game:
1. Research Teams and Players
Familiarize yourself with the teams competing in an event. Look into their recent performances, team rosters, and playstyles. Pay attention to any player injuries, roster changes, or coaching changes that might affect the team’s performance. In-depth research can give you an edge over less knowledgeable bettors.
2. Track Recent Form
Analyze teams’ recent form in their respective leagues and international tournaments. Teams that perform consistently well in the regular season might be more reliable bets in international competitions. On the other hand, some teams might shine in high-pressure environments like Worlds.
3. Consider Champion Pool and Drafts
In LoL, champions play a crucial role in shaping the outcome of matches. Teams that have diverse and strong champion pools tend to perform better, as they can adapt to different in-game situations. Consider how each team’s champions are drafted and how they counter the opposing team’s picks. You can effortlessly do this on the Gold365 App with complete ease.
4. Team Strengths and Weaknesses
Every team has its strengths and weaknesses. Some may be exceptional at early-game aggression, while others excel in late-game strategies. Bettors should analyze how teams play and how their playstyle matches against their opponents. Teams with strong macro play (overall strategy) and synergy tend to outperform those that rely solely on individual skill.
5. Watch Live Streams and Analyze Meta Trends
Staying up to date with live streams, match commentary, and updates on the current meta (the most effective strategies and champions) will provide valuable insights. By understanding how the game is evolving and which strategies dominate the current season, you can make more informed bets.
Conclusion
Betting on League of Legends offers exciting opportunities for esports fans and bettors alike. With a mix of skill, strategy, and luck, League of Legends tournaments provide a thrilling betting experience. Whether you’re placing bets on Worlds, MSI, or regional leagues, following the tips and understanding the dynamics of the game will set you up for success. Keep an eye on key events, research teams and players, and enjoy the action while betting responsibly with Gold365.