Understanding the structure of esports tournaments is a crucial aspect of making informed betting decisions. Every tournament comes with its own unique format, and the way teams progress through the event can have a significant impact on betting odds, outcomes, and the strategies you should use. Whether you’re betting on CS:GO, Dota 2, or League of Legends, knowing how to read tournament formats can give you an edge in identifying profitable opportunities on 98win .
Here’s a breakdown of how to analyze and leverage different tournament formats to bet smarter and maximize your chances of success.
1. Understand Tournament Types
Esports tournaments come in various formats, each with its own implications for betting. Understanding the structure of the tournament will help you determine the most likely outcomes and the value in different betting markets.
Single-Elimination (Knockout) Tournaments
In a single-elimination format, teams are eliminated after a single loss, meaning one bad performance can result in their exit. The higher-seeded teams usually have an advantage, but upsets are common in knockout events.
- Betting Strategy: These formats often create high tension and unpredictability. When betting, consider backing the underdogs, especially in the earlier rounds where lower-seeded teams might have an advantage due to higher stakes or potential upsets. Pay attention to team momentum and previous match performance to find hidden value.
Double-Elimination Tournaments
A double-elimination format allows teams to have a second chance. Losing one match doesn’t eliminate them from the tournament; instead, they drop to a lower bracket. This gives teams more room to recover from a loss.
- Betting Strategy: Double-elimination tournaments allow you to see more of each team’s potential. If a favorite loses early but performs well in the lower bracket, they can often make a comeback. Watch for teams with strong resiliency, as they may be undervalued after a loss. In these cases, live betting can be particularly useful, as you can track how a team adjusts and responds to a setback.
Round Robin Tournaments
In round-robin tournaments, each team faces every other team in the tournament at least once. The top teams at the end of the round-robin phase advance to the playoffs.
- Betting Strategy: Round-robin formats allow you to get a comprehensive view of each team’s performance throughout the event. This format is ideal for spotting patterns and identifying consistent teams. If an underdog performs well against multiple top-tier teams in the group stage, this could be a sign of value in later rounds. Additionally, round-robin events give you the opportunity to bet on match-specific outcomes like individual maps or individual player performance, rather than simply the winner.
Swiss System
In the Swiss system, teams are paired against opponents with similar win-loss records. After a set number of rounds, the highest-ranked teams progress to the playoffs.
- Betting Strategy: The Swiss system reduces the impact of early losses, as teams are constantly matched against others of similar ability. This format is great for betting on matchups based on head-to-head performance. You can track how teams perform against similar competition, which can provide insight into which teams are overperforming or underperforming relative to expectations.
2. Consider the Format’s Impact on Fatigue and Team Performance
The tournament format doesn’t just affect match outcomes; it can also have an impact on team fatigue and mental resilience. In events with long stretches of play (like round-robin or Swiss formats), teams can experience fatigue, which can influence their performance in later rounds. Teams that are able to maintain high focus and adaptability throughout an extended event may offer good betting value.
- Fatigue Effects: Pay attention to how well teams manage their energy levels across multiple days of competition. Teams that are consistent over long periods, rather than in single-elimination matches, are often more reliable for betting.
- Stamina and Depth: Teams with larger rosters or those known for having deep strategies and versatile players are less likely to suffer from fatigue. Betting on teams with strong depth can help you avoid teams that may crumble after multiple intense matches.
3. Look at Seeding and Group Stages
In many tournaments, particularly round-robin or Swiss formats, the seeding of teams plays a huge role in how they perform. Higher-seeded teams often face easier opponents early in the event, while lower-seeded teams might have to face top teams right out of the gate.
- Betting Strategy: Pay attention to group stage seeding, as it gives you insights into which teams will have an easier or more difficult route. Underdogs that are placed in a group with stronger teams can sometimes offer value, particularly if they are known for high-level upsets or strong early-stage performances. Likewise, a top team in a “group of death” might underperform due to difficult matchups, which could make betting against them a profitable move.
4. Pay Attention to the Format’s Influence on Playoff Structure
The way the tournament transitions from the group stage to the playoffs can significantly impact how teams perform in the later rounds. For example, some tournaments have a bo5 (best of 5) playoff format, while others might have bo3 (best of 3) or bo1 (best of 1) formats. The longer series formats generally favor more experienced and strategic teams, while shorter series can lead to more unpredictable results.
- Betting Strategy: Longer series provide more opportunities for top teams to showcase their strength and adjust strategies. In these cases, betting on higher-seeded teams may be more favorable. However, shorter series are more volatile and prone to surprises, which can create profitable betting opportunities for underdogs or teams with explosive playstyles.
5. Monitor External Factors Affecting the Tournament
While tournament formats provide a structured approach, external factors like player health, team morale, and external pressures (like sponsorship deals or fan expectations) can significantly impact team performance.
- Betting Strategy: Stay up-to-date with team news, such as roster changes or player injuries, as these can affect a team’s chances in the tournament. Similarly, if a team is under extra pressure due to a tough schedule or external conflicts, this can influence their performance.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how to read esports tournament formats is essential for making smarter, more informed betting decisions. Different formats affect teams in different ways, and knowing how each format impacts team performance can give you an edge when placing your bets on 98win. By considering factors like tournament type, seeding, playoff structures, and external influences, you can better anticipate outcomes and find value in various betting markets.
Take the time to analyze tournament formats for each event, and tailor your betting strategies accordingly. This will help you stay ahead of the curve and increase your chances of long-term success in esports betting.