Tomas Novak

August 2025 was one of the most electrifying months in modern esports—marked by blockbuster tournaments, record-breaking audiences, and betting markets racing in step. Our methodology focused on three key variables: viewership performance (peak and total watch time), active tournament presence in August, and betting-market strength (measured through share of betting handle and prop-bet diversity). The resulting Top 5 reflects which esports are not just popular—but profitable for both players and betting operators.

The 2025 PUBG Mobile World Cup (PMWC) wrapped up its explosive run in Riyadh, seamlessly blending elite competitive stakes with high-octane betting interest. With a $3 million prize pool, a surprise champion, and betting markets reacting in real time, this tournament underscored how mobile esports continues to blur lines between gameplay drama and wagering opportunity.

In the crowded world of competitive gaming, few companies have shaped the esports and betting ecosystem as profoundly as Valve. From Counter-Strike’s roots in the early 2000s to Dota 2’s record-shattering prize pools, Valve’s titles have consistently set the standard not just for competitive play but for the gambling markets that orbit around them. Unlike publishers that tightly script their esports scenes, Valve has taken a hands-off approach—often leaving structure, monetization, and even content to its players and third-party organizers. Paradoxically, this laissez-faire philosophy has helped its games become the backbone of global esports betting.

Esports and anime may seem like separate corners of pop culture, but over the last decade, their worlds have steadily fused together. The shared DNA is impossible to ignore: vibrant characters, dramatic storytelling, and fanbases that live and breathe the communities they love.

Esports and chaos go hand in hand. One week, a team is dominating, the next, they’re getting swept. The meta shifts overnight, balance patches rewrite power dynamics, and player performance can vary wildly match to match. In such a volatile environment, it’s no surprise that both platforms and bettors are seeking something to anchor their decisions, and increasingly, that anchor is artificial intelligence.

In the highly competitive world of esports betting, odds alone no longer guarantee player loyalty. Platforms now leverage tailored bonuses, perks, and VIP systems to create lasting engagement and differentiate themselves in a crowded market. For esports bettors, who often place smaller, frequent bets across multiple games and tournaments, these incentives are more than just add-ons. They form a crucial part of the betting experience, rewarding consistency, knowledge, and community involvement.

In esports, the offseason refers to the period of downtime between official tournament cycles, when top-tier leagues pause, rosters are reshuffled, and teams regroup and reassess their strategies. Unlike traditional sports, these breaks aren’t always clearly defined or consistent across titles. For games like League of Legends or Dota 2, the offseason typically begins in the summer, while CS:GO and Valorant may follow different rhythms. This period may seem quiet, but it’s when major behind-the-scenes shifts happen, and those changes can heavily impact betting markets before the next match is even played.

If you’ve been betting on esports for a while, you already know one thing: the meta changes everything. Whether it’s a slight buff to an agent, a new economic model, or a complete rework of a core mechanic, patches don’t just affect gameplay; they reshape betting markets.

Chess, the age-old battle of strategy and intellect, has experienced a remarkable digital transformation in recent years, firmly establishing itself in the world of online esports. Thanks to modern platforms, chess has evolved from a traditional board game into an engaging digital sport, attracting players and fans from all over the world.

The esports industry has witnessed explosive growth over the past decade, evolving from niche competitions to mainstream entertainment with massive global audiences. In 2025, over 500 million viewers are tuning into esports events worldwide, with major tournaments for games like League of Legends, Counter-Strike, and Dota 2 routinely drawing millions of concurrent viewers. This surge in popularity has created a lucrative environment not just for legitimate organizations, but unfortunately for scammers as well.

As we move past July 28, 2025, the esports calendar intensifies with some of the year’s most significant tournaments. The late summer and fall season promises high stakes, fierce competition, and dynamic betting opportunities for fans, players, and bettors alike.

The esports ecosystem extends far beyond mainstream giants like League of Legends and CS:GO. Beneath the surface lies a diverse portfolio of competitive titles, each boasting vibrant communities and deep strategic gameplay. At eSportsRanker, your trusted esports platform, we spotlight these hidden gems—under-the-radar games delivering equal parts adrenaline, skill, and strategy. Whether your interests lie in farming simulators or virtual table tennis, this guide uncovers the unique esports arenas where unconventional competition thrives.