Counter-Strike (CS:GO) has been one of the most popular multiplayer games ever created for years now. The game is about two competing teams — Terrorists and Counter-Terrorists — where each team has its own objectives, one of which is to annihilate the other team. The game involves skill, strategy, fast reflexes, and more, all of which make it extremely fun to play. However, since only one team can win by the end of the round, the game became very popular among eSports gamblers.

Today, we wanted to check out some of the best websites where you can bet on CS:GO safely. However, with the growing interest in cryptocurrency betting over the last few years, we will focus on the websites that allow you to use Bitcoin — either as a deposit option or as an actual means to place the bet.

1.   Thunderpick

First on the list, we have Thunderpick — a crypto betting platform designed for gamers specifically. Like Cloudbet, this platform is also specifically made for Bitcoin/crypto users, and it caters to the crypto community’s needs in unique ways, such as offering them to place actual bets in Bitcoin, instead of just using BTC to deposit the funds.

Naturally, it supports Counter-Strike, but also multiple other popular games such as League of Legends (LOL), Dota 2, Valorant, Call of Duty, StarCraft II, Rocket League, FIFA, and Kings of Glory.

Players can deposit funds in Bitcoin, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash, Dogecoin, Litecoin, Tron, Tether, and XRP. The minimum deposit amount is only $10 worth of crypto, and if you encounter issues at any point, you can contact its customer support at any time via email or live chat.

As you can see, this platform offers quite a lot. We covered all of its features in detail in our Thunderpick review, and we recommend reading it before you proceed to the Thunderpick website.

2.   Bovada

Next, we have Bovada, which is a platform that launched in 2011. The platform is not licensed, although it used to be between 2011 and 2016, holding the Kahnawake Gambling Commission during this period. But, when the Commission had a change of policy, Bovada willingly gave up on its license in protest, as it did not agree with the changes.

Still, even though it is unlicensed, it is still as safe and reliable as ever, evidenced by the fact that it spent 6 years with no license and it never had any problems, nor did its users. Being on this list, the platform, obviously, offers CS:GO as part of its eSports offer. However, that is far from being the only game. Other available titles include Dota 2, Kings of Glory (Honour of Kings), League of Legends (LOL), Starcraft, and Valorant. And, of course, you can deposit as much betting money as you wish using Bitcoin.

To learn more read our Bovada Review or visit Bovada.

3.   Cloudbet

In the middle of our list is CloudBet — a platform for 2013 that is available globally, although the UK and USA users are prohibited. This is also a platform that functions as a Bitcoin/crypto-specific casino/sportsbook, meaning that it caters exclusively to the crypto community. In other words, on this platform, you can set wagers in Bitcoin and never have to convert your coins to fiat.

The platform is regulated by the Curacao and Montenegro gambling authorities and it holds their two licenses. It features a huge set of casino games, a sportsbook with a number of sports betting options, and, of course, eSports opportunities. Apart from CS:GO, it also offers Call of Duty, Dota 2, FIFA, King of Glory (Honour of Kings), League of Legends (LOL), and NBA2K. It also has professional customer support available 24/7, as well as a very generous welcome bonus, loyalty plan, and plenty of promotions.

To learn more read CloudBet Review or visit Cloudbet.

4.   BetUS

Nearing the end of the list, we have BetUS. This is a popular sportsbook that has been around since 1994, offering access to casino games, sports, and eSports alike. BetUS has learned a long time ago that it has to evolve with the times in order to remain competitive, and the fact that it is among the top platforms today, nearly 3 decades since its launch, is proof that it mastered that skill. This is what led to it accepting Bitcoin deposits.

It, of course, offers CS:GO, and apart from this game, you can also access and bet on League of Legends (LOL), Valorant, Call of Duty, Rainbow Six, Warcraft, Kings of Glory (Honour of Kings), and Starcraft. The platform is perfectly safe, regulated and licensed by the Curacao Gaming Commission.

To learn more read our BetUS Review or visit BetUS.

5.   GG.bet

Finally, we have GG.bet, which is a popular eSports option, especially among Canadian gamblers. GG.bet launched in 2016, and ever since, it has been a go-to platform for sports and eSports enthusiasts.

The website went to great lengths to ensure top-notch security for which GG.bet is rather well-known. Furthermore, it is fully regulated, it has professional customer support, and it offers a wide range of games other than CS:GO. Those include Dota 2, League of Legends (LOL), Fortnite, Age of Empire, Battlegrounds, Call of Duty, Heroes of the Storm, Overwatch, Rainbow Six, and Rocket League. It should be noted, however, that the platform prohibits players from the UK, US, and Australia.

When it comes to CS:GO, the website often sponsors high-caliber tournaments, so you will definitely not be bored. And, of course, it being on this list means that it supports Bitcoin deposits which you can make at any time.

As you can see, GG.bet is an excellent platform for betting on CS:GO, and if you wish to become one of its regulars, start by heading over to its website and signing up for an account.

Conclusion

With that, we conclude our list. There are many, many more websites that offer eSports betting available in different parts of the world. However, websites that offer both eSports betting with CS:GO on the list, and the ability to deposit money and/or bet with Bitcoin are still not as common. So, from the ones that offer these features, we selected the top 5 safest, most reliable, regulated, and rich with other eSports options. You can’t go wrong with any of them, so it all depends on where you are located and what exactly are you after.

The post 5 Best “Bitcoin” Counter-Strike (CS:GO) Betting Sites (August 2023) appeared first on Gaming.net.

It is quite well-known that betting and gaming have always been extremely close industries, with betting even being considered a category of the gaming industry. With the internet going mainstream, the eSports sector did not take long to emerge, and as the gaming development continued, this became an extremely competitive and massive industry.

And, of course, where there is competitiveness, there is betting and money, which is why eSports websites quickly followed, as well. Then, in 2009, Bitcoin launched, and while it took a bit of time, eSports websites opened their doors to the crypto industry’s number one coin. Thanks to various benefits of digital currencies, such as quick international and local transactions, low transaction costs, greater privacy, immutability, and the ability to control and manage your own money — Bitcoin became the perfect payment method for gamblers.

So, if you are interested in this form of gambling, let us present you with the top 6 Bitcoin-accepting eSports betting websites that you can access right now.

1. Thunderpick

First on the list, we have Thunderpick, which is a Bitcoin-specific casino that caters exclusively to the crypto community and allows wagers in BTC. Thunderpick was established five years ago, in 2017. Since then, it has provided gamblers from all over the world with a great gaming library, that also includes eSports betting.

Some of the games it offers include League of Legends, Call of Duty, Rocket League, CS:GO, Dota 2, StarCraft II, Kings of Glory, and FIFA.

Gamblers also like it due to its weekly prize pools, and it is a trusted platform among players of all types thanks to its Curacao Gaming Control Board-issued license that confirms its legitimacy.

Read our Thunderpick Review, or visit Thunderpick.

2. BC.Game

BC.Game is one of the best places for playing casino games and placing esports bets using cryptocurrency. They offer betting opportunities on CS:GO, Dota 2, eShooter, King of Glory, League of Legends, Rainbow Six, Starcraft, Rocket League, & Valorant.

The casino was launched in 2017 and belongs to BlockDance BV. When entering the website, you will feel a sense of arrival as you are flooded with promotions, displays with the latest wins, recommended games, and more. What makes this casino even more exciting is the fact that you can play any game or place any bet using cryptocurrencies.

There are over 7,000 games to pick from at BC.Game, covering a wide range of different types of slots, table games, live dealer games, and many other hidden gems. On the list of providers, the first name you will see is BC.Game.

That’s right, the casino also develops its own exclusive games, and there are plenty of interesting options. After that, the reel will show you many top-rated game creators such as Pragmatic Play, Red Tiger, NoLimit City, NetEnt, Play’n GO, and more.

Read our BC.Game Casino Review or visit BC.Game

3. Cloudbet

Next on our list is Cloudbet — a popular casino that has actually done a lot to make itself very accessible to the crypto community. It allows wagers in Bitcoin for a number of games, such as Call of Duty, Counter Strike (CS:GO), Dota 2, FIFA, King of Glory (Honor of Kings), League of Legends, and NBA2K.

One thing to note about this casino, however, is that it is not accessible to the UK and USA players are prohibited, unfortunately.

The casino also has a number of other unique features, such as a generous crypto bonus offer, great security, a VIP program, quick payouts, and alike.

Read our Cloudbet Review or visit Cloudbet.

4. Bovada

Established in 2011, Bovada, which is a famous sportsbook and casino that has been in business since 2011. During the first five years of its operation, the project held a license issued by the Kahnawake Gambling Commission, but it gave it up in 2016 in protest due to the Commission’s policy change.

Despite this, it remains a high-quality, trusted, and reliable platform that accepts Bitcoin, and it allows you to use the coin to bet on games such as CS:GO, Dota 2, Kings of Glory, League of Legends, Starcraft & Valorant. It also has a number of other benefits, such as a great welcome bonus.

Read our Bovada Review or visit Bovada.

5. BetUS

Moving on to number four, we have BetUS, which is one of the top-tier sportsbook and eSports casinos available in North America. The platform has been around for nearly three decades, after going live in 1994. With the rise of the crypto industry, the platform did not hesitate to implement Bitcoin and enable payments and gambling using this cryptocurrency.

Some of the most popular games available on its website include Rainbow Six, Call of Duty, Starcraft, Kings of Glory, League of Legends, Valorant, CS:GO, and more. And, of course, it has its own welcome bonus for all the newcomers and other benefits.

Read our BetUS Review or visit BetUS.

6. BlueChip Casino

BlueChip is a casino and sportsbook that has over 6000 casino games and is bursting with betting markets including on various esports such as CS:GO. The casino went live in 2022 and has quickly attracted lots of attention. It offers a staggering number of casino titles as well as ample sports betting coverage. In addition to this, it supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies including: BTC, DOGE, BCH, USDT, BNB, LTC, TRX, XRP, & ETH.

A list of software providers with names such as Pragmatic Play, Play'n GO, NetEnt, Playtech and Microgaming, ensure that you are in good hands. On top of this BlueChip Casino is home to over 500 live games including multiple variants of baccarat, blackjack, and roulette.

UK & USA Residents are Prohibited

Read our BlueChip Casino Review, or visit BlueChip Casino.

7. GG.bet

Finally, we have GG.bet, which is the last eSports website on our list. However, it is just as popular and reliable as the rest of them, although we should note that it prohibits players from the United States, United Kingdom, and even Australia. Players from other countries are still welcome to join, register, and deposit their Bitcoin, which they can then proceed to use for betting.

As for the available games, there are quite a few, including CS:GO, Heroes of the Storm, Battlegrounds, League of Legends, Age of Empires, Dota 2, Fortnite, Rainbow Six, Overwatch, Rocket League, and, of course, Call of Duty.

It is a great and user-friendly platform that we are sure you will enjoy, as it offers a lot of options when it comes to betting on eSports content.

Conclusion

eSports betting sites have been growing in popularity for years now, and there is quite a selection for gamblers to choose from these days. Of course, not many of them accept Bitcoin, but there are those that do, such as the ones listed above. As such, they have grown to be very popular among people interested in betting on tournaments, battle royale games, and alike.

Our team has gone through all the eSports casinos and betting sites that accept Bitcoin, and the final selection resulted in the list you see above. Each of the websites is licensed and perfectly safe to use, while at the same time, it offers gamblers a great opportunity to earn from gaming bets, which is why we recommend checking them out.

The post 7 “Best” Bitcoin Esports Betting Sites (August 2023) appeared first on Gaming.net.

The opening of a video game determines the depth of the storyline and novelty of the game. Therefore, a good video game opening should leave fans in both astonishment and anticipation. It adds to the growing desire players have to participate in the unfolding events of the game. Similarly, openings help establish the game context, base of conflict and the protagonist's attitude towards the situation surrounding the narrative. In just a few minutes, the audience is able to grasp the depth of the game's lore.

An impactful opening is crucial to the success of a game; it excites players to proceed to the next step. When it comes to this, only a number of games have managed to meet and even surpass expectations. With that said, let's take a look at the five best openings in video game history; keep reading to find out if your favorite video games made the list.

5. The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim

How The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim opening starts makes it hard to anticipate the splendor that follows. Seeing it for the first time will have you holding your head in awe. It starts off very quiet, as the protagonist rides alongside other rebels on a cart to their execution. Things already look bad at this point but are about to get worse. 

Soon after they arrive, one of the rebels gets their head chopped off, and that's when the full gravity of the situation reveals itself. However, just before they almost slay the protagonist, a massive dragon appears on a nearby roof and releases a wave of inferno all over the place. It is this magnificent display of visual genius that places Skyrim's opening among the best openings in video game history.

4. God of War 3

All the intros to the God of War franchise have always strived to amaze fans. However, God of War 3 set the bar a bit higher with one of the most epic video game openings. In this scene, players witness a brewing brawl between the Titans and Gods Of Olympus. It begins with a capture of Zeus doing a voiceover meant to incite other Gods to assemble in defense of Mount Olympus. The camera moves across the peaks showing several mighty Titans climbing over gigantic cliffs toward the top of the mountain where the Gods await to fight.

Kratos appears crying out to Zeus, declaring his vow to bring Olympus to destruction. The turn of events that follow leave you hyped up to fight in the concocting battle. The Gods begin to drop one after the other, down the mountain‍ to face the climbing Titans. What's more exciting is it only escalates from there.

3. Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 

Not only does Star Wars: The Force Unleashed have one of the best openings in video game history, but the most memorable. Watching it only builds up one's expectations over the potentially badass game that follows. The camera moves purposely to provide the audience with the best angles of each floating vessel and the world below. 

A few ships approach a planet where they land and immediately initiate an invasion. From one of the landing ships, out comes Darth Vader, in his glorious black robes. As he marches forward, we get a view of the exchange of fire between the invaders and the locals as both sides suffer casualties. This is the kind of opening that sets players in the mood for some Star Wars action.

2. Mass Effect 2

Mass Effect 2 has an opening like no other and looks like a scene out of a movie. The effects and quality of the animated graphics are off the charts. Anyone watching the intro for the first time will be amazed by the work developers put into the details. It starts peacefully with the Normandy crew going about their operations as they discuss a recent alien attack. Just as they get comfortable, the aliens in question launch an unexpected ambush. Their alien vessel appears just ahead of the Normandy and fires at the ship, blowing significant sections of it. 

It is up to the game's main protagonist, Commander Shepard, to rescue crew members from the disintegrating ship and get them to the escape pods. The scene gets more intense as fire spreads and blows up some parts of the ship, causing fatal injuries to crew members trying to run to safety. A couple of pods launch, and some members escape; however, Shephard gets sucked into space through an opening on the ship. A grim disposition fills the scene as he floats away, gasping for air through his leaking spacesuit. This makes it one of the best openings in video game history, if not the most intense. 

1. The Last of Us

The opening to The Last Of Us is one that can push even those who don't play video games to seek out the intro. It gives off a powerful movie-like momentum with an emotional scourge that is on a whole other level from similar games in the genre. This is the kind of opening that sticks with you long after you have begun and progressed through the game. The scene begins with some touching daddy-daughter moments as Joel comes home to his sleepy daughter Sarah, who presents him with a birthday gift before dozing off on the couch. Sarah wakes up a few hours later in her bed to a disturbing phone call from her uncle, Tommy. 

It is at this point in the intro that one starts to anticipate the incoming chaos. This tension grows more as Sarah walks around the house calling out for her dad, who is nonrespondent and is nowhere to be seen. Joel then runs into the house to meet a confused Sarah; he asks her if she's okay because something weird is going on. Almost immediately after, an infected neighbor pops through the glass doors and tries to attack them. Joel is forced to shoot him before the two catch up with Tommy. They try to flee using a car, but the unrest is too intense to get through. It tragically ends when Sarah dies from a gunshot wound from when some guards shoot at them, thinking they too are infected.

Which game from the list above do you think has the best opening in video game history? Share your pick with us in the comments below or over on our socials here!

Looking for more similar topics? You can always check out one of these lists:

5 PC Games with the Best Graphics

5 Best Star Wars Spin-off Games of All Time, Ranked

The post 5 Best Openings in Video Game History, Ranked appeared first on Gaming.net.

We feature the top 7 esports betting websites in the world, they currently offer betting on the following games:

• Call of Duty
• CS:GO
• Dota 2
• FIFA
• Fortnite
• Honor of Kings
• League of Legends
• NBA 2K
• Overwatch
• Rainbow Six Siege
• Rocket League
• Starcraft II
• Street Fighter
• Valorant

1.  Thunderpick (Best for Bitcoin & Crypto)

Established in 2017, Thunderpick is a relative newcomer to the esports betting world but they should not be underestimated.

They offer the option to bet with the most popular cryptocurrencies that include Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple, Tether or Bitcoin Cash.

They offer a surprisingly large number of esports to wager on including Counterstrike (CS:GO), League of Legends (LOL), Dota 2, Valorant, Call of Duty, StarCraft II, Rocket League, FIFA, Kings of Glory, as well as other games.

The software is super intuitive and easy to use, and is actually one of the best in the industry

Read our Thunderpick Review or Visit Thunderpick.

2.  Bovada (Best for USA Residents)

Bovada is one of the best esports betting platforms on the planet. They offer fantastic odds on some of the most popular games including CS:GO, Dota 2, Kings of Glory, League of Legends, Starcraft and Valorant. What is most impressive is they offer bettors a large choice of options, this enables user to place bets on all of the popular matches. They also offer betting on sports, casino games, and much more.

Bovada accepts USA players but currently prohibits players from Delaware, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, and New York.

To learn more read our Bovada Review or visit Bovada.

3.  BetUS (Best for Canada & USA Residents)

Launched in 1994, BetUS offers a huge selection of popular esports games to bet on as well as a wide selection of casino games. They are also recognized as being at the forefront of both the sports and esports betting movement. They enable the easy placement of bets using a wide variety of payment methods including credit cards, Bitcoin and other popular cryptocurrencies.

They offer plenty of betting options including map-specific, round-specific, and player-specific bets, handicap bets, and rounds over/under. They cover a wide variety of esports including: CounterStrike (CS:GO), League of Legends (LOL), Valorant, Call of Duty, Rainbow Six, Warcraft, Kings of Glory (Honour of Kings), and of course Starcraft.

They offer some of the most generous sign-up bonuses in the industry, and a generous rewards program that is designed to reward loyal members.

BetUS currently welcomes players from Canada & USA. (All other countries prohibited).

To learn more read our BetUS Review or visit BetUS.

4.  Cloudbet (Best for Bitcoin & Crypto)

Established in 2013, CloudBet is one of the oldest sites that focuses exclusively on Bitcoin and crypto betting. They currently offer the option to wager with the following cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, Dash, Litecoin, Dogecoin, Tether, and USDC.

They offer a wide variety of esports to bet on including the following: Call of Duty, Counter Strike (CS:GO), Dota 2, FIFA, King of Glory (Honour of Kings), League of Legends (LOL), and NBA2K

If you get bored you can always play some of the top casino games that are offered at any crypto casino.

Cloudbet currently welcomes Canadian & Australian players. (Prohibits UK & USA). 

Read our Cloudbet Review or Visit CloudBet.

5.  Jackbit Casino

JackBit is a cryptocurrency casino featuring over 6,600 casino games and they offer betting on esports.

Some of the esports that you can wager on include: Counter Strike (CSGO), Dota 2, League of Legends, Valorant, Call of Duty, Rainbow Six, Starcraft, and Warcraft 3.

For a truly immersive experience, you can head over to the live casino games. Here, JackBit offers its players a large variety of games to try out. All the most popular casino games are covered, including baccarat, blackjack, caribbean stud poker, craps, roulette. These live games are streamed directly from a real-life casino in HD, giving you an atmospheric and enjoyable experience.

Read our Jackbit Casino Review or visit Jackbit Casino.

6.  GG.bet (Best for Canadians)

Launched in 2016, GG.bet is an extremely popular option for esports betting enthiusiats. They offer a safe and regulated platform for placing bets on all major esports events in the world include those on our above list. They offer a wide range of disciplines and tournaments and this includes some of the best odds in the industry combined with a generous sign-up bonus and rewards program. 

They are in the industry for the long haul and often sponsor high caliber tournaments. One of the unique features is you can still place a bet once a match has started. For example, if watching a CS:GO match you could choose to wager on second map results, handicaps, etc.

Prohibits players from Australia, USA, UK.

Click Here to Visit GG.bet

The post 7 “Best” Esports Betting Sites (August 2023) appeared first on Gaming.net.

Honor of Kings (also known as King of Glory) is a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game you just might've heard of, depending on how well-travelled you are in the world of competitive gaming. But having said that, if the Chinese underdog has yet to ruffle a few feathers and pique your interest — then allow us to mould over the details to help bridge the gaps and complete the picture for you.

Starting off its expedition as a Chinese exclusive title, Honor of Kings found roots among millions of mainland players, with the opportunity to branch out to a global audience by 2015. Following on from its huge success, developer TiMi Studios developed an international adaptation of the game, titled “Arena of Valor”, which followed the same structure as the base game. However, for the sake of keeping the details in the same bubble — we'll be putting all of our attention on the flagship, Honor of Kings, with its 100 million player base.

Honor of Kings Betting Sites

Ready to take the dive and place a bet? These are the top esports betting platforms that offer Honor of Kings wagering opportunities.

Thunderpick – A top crypto betting platform that is a leader in esports betting.

BetUS – This is the top esports betting site for Canadian & USA players. (All other countries prohibited).

Bovada – Recommended for USA residents. (Delaware, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, and New York Prohibited).

Cloudbet – Recommend for betting with bitcoin & crypto. Accepts Australians & Canadians. (USA, UK, & Singapore Prohibited).

GG.bet — Most recommended for Canada. – (USA, UK, & Australia Prohibited).

Honor of Kings: In a Nutshell

Similar to other MOBA games, Honor of Kings puts two teams against one another with one joint goal of destroying the opposing encampment, or, more specifically — the core building that idles in the centre of each complex. Standing between each camp, of course, lies a few clusters of turrets, as well as marching forces and general curveballs that each player can throw out to divide and conquer the board. And if you're thinking along the lines of League of Legends — then you're definitely in the right ballpark.

Apart from amassing enough forces to dominate the map, players must also accumulate experience in order to unlock new abilities and upgrade current powers. As well as that, as per the usual structure, players must also gather gold, which they can later use to fashion new items from the shop and even purchase new champions to help sway the battle in either favor. Once one of the camps has been destroyed and all its forces eradicated — the conquering team wins the match. Simple enough.

Game Modes Explained

Typically, Honor or Kings will be played in a 5v5 format, with each player taking on the role of one of the available champions. Once picked, the board is in play, and the two teams will battle it out using a combination of teamwork and efficiency. Similar to other heavy-hitters under the MOBA category, players will have to work together to divide and conquer the map, ultimately working to band together at the final location for a swing at the enemy core. Destroy the core — claim the match.

One thing that separates Honor of Kings from other big titles in the eSports domain is the platform it's played on. And, rather than being a jack-of-all-trades sort of deal with multiple ports to absorb, both Honor of Kings and its Western counterpart are only played on iOS and Android, with the latter being the preferred choice for competitive matches.

Tournaments & Prize Pools

Putting our scope on China for a moment, it is worth pointing out that Honor of Kings, unsurprisingly, is a pretty big deal as far as eSports goes. Outside the heart of the platform, however, it's not quite as financially boosted or as popular as the mothership. That being said, it is a worthy contender that you should definitely keep on the radar. And with that, we'll turn to the tournaments and prize pools that the whole world both understands and coincides with.

Honor of Kings World Championship Cup 2020, to put it plainly, was the main event that effectively carried the weight of the game last year. With Shanghai and Beijing both stringing together the best players on the market, twelve teams were able to bind together for a spot among the greats, with an overall prize pool of ¥32,000,000 (roughly $5,000,000) up for grabs.

The World Championship Cup kicks off with two divisions of six teams, with the top four from each bracket advancing to the playoffs. Following on from that, single teams are eliminated on track to the Grand Final, where the final two teams battle it out for the lion's share of the prize pool. The teams that fail to secure a place on the podium, as per the usual routine, walk away with a smaller percentage of the overall pool.

With ¥32,000,000 up for grabs, it's no wonder gamers are investing time into Honor of Kings.

Stacking Against the Odds

Sinking into Honor of Kings, admittedly, can seem a little daunting at first — especially when gazing in from an outsiders perspective. However, understanding the nooks and crannies of the MOBA platform is, and always will be, the best foot to put forward before wrapping your head around anything else the game employs. And with that, it's crucial to spend a lot of time covering the basic details of how they work and the goals that entwine them.

Of course, filling the knowledge bank with all things arena-based is merely a stepping stone en route to understanding Honor of Kings in its entirety. Other things to take into account are the players, as well as the top teams that reinforce the annual championships. And luckily, Liquipedia provides such a benefit, with stats locked to each and every unique user from the past and present tournaments around the world. So, having the facts and figures at your fingertips, anyone can simply latch on to the community and bulk up with experience. And then, of course, there's playing the game for yourself and seeing what makes it tick. That's always a plus.

Finished with Honor of Kings? Looking to gain an edge elsewhere? Why not take a look at one of these:

CS:GO Betting

The post 7 Best Honor of Kings Betting Sites (August 2023) appeared first on Gaming.net.

NBA 2K has been the life force of the online basketball scene for well over two decades now, with twenty-one instalments keeping the series afloat and stocking the legacy. And as for 2021, well, the eSports scene is shaping up to be bigger than ever, with the basketball hit still piling up the entries and drawing in some truly remarkable numbers — both in prizes and followers. But having said all that, even with the global success of the 2K franchise, the NBA platform rarely crunches the same mouth-watering figures that other eSports rivals put out.

Draw your eye away from the first-person shooter network and you'll eventually find yourself scrubbing the top shelf of the sporting world. Or, more specifically — NBA 2K. And while it may not stack as high as other games on the market, there is still very much a loyal fan base and roster of professional teams always hungering for healthy competition. Plus, as far as the minds that support the foundations of the franchise go — 2K are still very much devoted to keeping their annual NBA 2K League bursting at the cracks with regular matches and evolving prize pools.

Best NBA 2K Betting Sites

Ready to place a bet? Why not take advantage of a few of these offers from top shelf bookmakers? Just be sure to swing by and check out the latest odds for any upcoming games before sinking into the pockets. You can view the latest stats and odds here.

Thunderpick – A top crypto betting platform that is a leader in esports betting.

Cloudbet – This is the number one bitcoin & crypto esports betting site. (USA, UK, & Singapore Prohibited).

GG.bet — Most recommended for Canada. – (USA, UK, & Australia Prohibited).

NBA 2K League: In a Nutshell

While it doesn't make a great deal of sense to spill the details that revolve around basketball as a sport — it does make sense to talk about the eSports culture and the tournaments that surround the franchise. Of course, we're mainly putting the annual NBA 2K League as the focal point here, seeing as that's the go-to platform for both players and streamers around the world. And, being backed by NBA and other prominent sports factions, it's definitely the all-in-one package you'll need to understand before delving into the betting side of things.

Based over a series of qualifying events, the NBA 2K League branches out to assemble the best players in the world for the ultimate decider, the NBA 2K League Draft, in which 265 top-shelf gamers battle it out to form the 23 teams for the forthcoming season. Once the rosters have been compiled and the board is in play, NBA 2K League opens up to three in-season tournaments, The Tipoff, The Turn, and The Ticket, all of which see the teams fight for a spot at the playoffs.

NBA 2K League is aligned into two conferences: the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference. During each, all teams play through The Tipoff and The Turn, with the ten winning teams (five from each conference) advancing to the playoffs. The thirteen remaining teams automatically fall into The Ticket, a last-ditched effort to frontline the final two teams for the qualifiers. Once all teams are bundled together and the tournaments draw to a close, the playoffs commence, with an incredible prize pool waiting idly for the overall victor.

Tournaments & Prize Pools

While NBA 2K League clearly dominates the basketball scene and hoards the biggest teams and prize pools, NBA 2K also shares its world with other smaller chains in the eSports network. Admittedly, the majority of events hosted outside the official 2K season don't usually boast colossal-sized prize pools and top quality teams. They do, however, rack up an admirable following and add to the overall hype for the NBA sphere. A tournament to keep on the radar, of course, is NBA 2K Global Championship, which recently served up a hefty $100,000 prize packet for the winner.

Drawing back to NBA 2K League, games are held in sets of four every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. ET. You can follow the tournament and watch the matches online on Twitch and YouTube.

Stacking Against the Odds

Understanding NBA 2K isn't the hard part. It's basketball, plain and simple. Wrapping your head around the League, on the other hand, is quite a daunting task, and one that might take a little longer than with any other sports game. Of course, where the likes of FIFA would only have you scrub the roster for individual players to bet on, NBA 2K will put the additional chore of sifting through entire teams of five, with a whole bunch of in-season tournaments to shovel through. But having said that, Take-Two does like to keep their stats conveniently packaged for the streamers sake.

You can view the latest facts and figures on the official 2K handle here.

The wheels are in motion for NBA 2K League!

Finished with NBA 2K? Looking to gain an edge elsewhere? You could always take a look at one of these betting articles:

FIFA Betting

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Look closely at the FPS titles that gravitate towards the competitive world and you might just catch Valorant. Admittedly, you'll have to gaze pretty deeply into the looking glass to clock the free-to-play game, seeing as it only released exclusively for PC last year. However, despite its infancy and smaller player base, the first-person shooter has still clawed its way to the scene and established a canvas to paint its legacy on. And as for 2021, well — the game is only on the up and up, with oceans of space to flourish.

In terms of betting, Valorant can often fly under the radar for most well-known bookmakers, being merely a year old title. But that isn't to say that the game doesn't employ any sort of tournaments or odds. In fact, Riot Games has fought tooth and nail to raise the hype for the newcomer, forging the Valorant Champions Tour to help bolster the reputation for the game. But having said all that, it's probably best we start from the beginning — just to put you in the picture.

Best Valorant Betting Sites

Ready to take the dive and place a bet? These are the top esports betting platforms that offer Valorant wagering opportunities.

BetUS – This is the top esports betting site for Canadian & USA players. (All other countries prohibited).

Bovada – Recommended for USA residents. (Delaware, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, and New York Prohibited).

Thunderpick – A top crypto betting platform that is a leader in esports betting.

Cloudbet – Recommend for betting with bitcoin & crypto. Accepts Australians & Canadians. (USA, UK, & Singapore Prohibited).

GG.bet — Most recommended for Canada. (USA, UK, & Australia Prohibited).

Valorant: In a Nutshell

Before you go diving into the books to pluck out a wager or two, it's definitely worth wrapping your head around the core details that Valorant applies. Of course, it's easy to make assumptions right off the bat with a game like Valorant (or with any first-person shooter, for that matter), seeing as a lot of game modes tend to revolve around the same environments and end goal. That being said, Riot Games' latest flagship title does have a few additional things that help keep it unique in its own way, with a couple of minor tweaks that support the package as a whole.

In a nutshell, Valorant is an up and coming first-person shooter title that has amassed quite the reputation in just the one year it has been on the frontlines. Supported by an official tournament that Riot Games keep stuffed with evolving reward schemes and one-off prize pools, the overall concept is only on the rise, with rival titles such as CS:GO and Overwatch quaking in their boots from the apex of the genre as the underdog ascends the ranks. And as for where the game will be next year, well — that's anybody's guess — though the future is looking very bright for Riot Games. Very bright, indeed.

Game Modes Explained

Sticking to the well-known formula that any first-person shooter fanatic will instantly recognise, Valorant puts a 5v5 squadron (known as Agents) on a map with a reel of objectives that aim to test each player's skill and marksmanship. Typically, a match will consist of 25 rounds, with the win being achieved by one team claiming 13 rounds in total. Similar to R6S's Bomb, Valorant pits an attacking side against a defending side, with the focal point being a bomb, or locally referred to as a Spike.

As the attacking team, players must plant, secure and detonate a spike at one of the few open sites, all whilst holding back the defending team, whose only goal is to freeze the detonation process and wipe the opposition from the board. If the spike detonates or the defending team is eliminated — the attacking team claim the match. If the spike is defused or the attacking team is defeated, the defending team win the round. So basically, it's a typical plant and protect scenario. Simple.

Of course, there is one major thing that players are able to explore before sinking into the classic 5v5 game — and that's selecting an Agent fit for the chosen strategy liaised between teammates. Although only hosting four types of classes, Valorant does offer a unique skill tree for each of the available branches — Sentinel, Initiator, Controller or Duelist. Once all users are formed, each character can rack up credits by executing well-placed kills during each round, which they can use to purchase weapons, upgrades and snag the upper hand for the next wave. The only downside is, unfortunately, each player is lumbered with just a single life per round.

Tournaments & Prize Pools

Valorant might be a much smaller pawn compared to the likes of Overwatch and other acclaimed pieces on the board, but that doesn't mean it piles on without its own army of subordinates to back it. In fact, Riot Games has been going above and beyond these past twelve months in a desperate attempt to erect lasting foundations — ones that will ultimately look to stack against some of the biggest rivals in the genre someday.

Betting-wise, Valorant isn't the heaviest opponent in the arena. It is, however, stocked with enough competition to keep the bookmakers second-guessing. As for 2021, Valorant really only puts the bulk of its energy into one event, and that's the Champions Tour. Although 2021 will be the first we'll see of the ambitious circuit, players are already filling the bucket and honing their skills in preparation for the up and coming hit. With three stages spread over a year and $150,000 prize pools for each segment, the Valorant Champions Tour will look to bind the best players together for one final blowout at the end of the year, with an unconfirmed sum of winnings sitting sneakily at the summit.

Will Valorant take the top spot in the eSports world for 2022? I mean — it is possible. Either way, it's worth having on your radar.

Stacking Against the Odds

We'll be the first to say that, with a game like Valorant — it's easy to start rolling out assumptions over its gameplay and structure. On the tin, Valorant is a first-person shooter with a design most players can effortlessly connect the dots from. However, nested within the casing lies a few minor details that require a whole lot more than loosely winging it. Take the Agent classes, for example. Now there's something spectators should understand before placing a bet.

Luckily, Valorant is a free-to-play game, meaning both streamers and gamers can soak up all there is to know through physically playing a few matches themselves. Following on from that, users can spool through the leaderboards and pluck out the best of the best through VLR, a platform dedicated to stacking the figures for each player and team. Finally, both YouTube and Twitch offer thousands of hours of tournament-based content, with plenty of coverage from the debut First Strike event to soak up. So, by sifting through the big leagues, joining a few threads under the Riot Games domain and having a few games for yourself — you too can bolt on to the evolving world that is Valorant. Failing all that, then you can grab a general overview here.

Finished with Valorant? Looking to gain an edge elsewhere? You could always take a look at one of these:

CS:GO Betting

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In a world so consumed by the likes of Dota 2 and other well-known eSports kingpins, it's sort of hard to shed light on the underdogs of the competitive scene. And in this case, we're talking about fighting games, or, more specifically — Street Fighter. Of course, it seems slightly ludicrous to even pin the Capcom phenomenon in a box anywhere other than the apex of competitive gaming — but it's true. Street Fighter, despite the popularity and influences it has cast on the gaming world over the years, really isn't all that big compared to other gaming icons.

Ever since 1987, Capcom has continued to devote their ambition to evolving Street Fighter and its surrounding world. From toying with the physics to enrolling new characters for the portfolio — each addition to the series has ultimately raised the stakes and made an impact in one way or another. Heck, even in 2021, Capcom still pours blood, sweat and tears into the legacy of the game by producing remakes, anniversary editions and even a few annual circuits for players to flock to for some pretty generous prizes. It's all there — and it's unlikely to fade anytime soon, either. And so, regardless of its underdog status — Street Fighter is definitely here to stay.

Street Fighter: In a Nutshell

Frankly — Street Fighter really isn't all that hard to master. Well, I say that — when really it's the button layout that you'll be able to swiftly navigate with ease, whereas the actual techniques and attack patterns will require years of extensive training. Of course, it seems rather odd when picturing all the actions one could possibly take with only a few buttons to mash. But since the golden age of arcade gaming sizzled out, Street Fighter has gone on to find roots on home consoles — which means actions have gradually increased over the years.

Fast-forward to the present day, and you'll be amazed at just how many attacks, combos and special moves each unique character can make in a match. And believe me when I say — there are a lot of additional things to wrap your head around. But let's just say that there's a lot more to Street Fighter than mashing a single button and praying for victory. Rewind a few decades and that might've been the case for any casual player, but put two professionals in the ring today — and you'll quickly notice the mind-boggling variety of controls.

Game Modes Explained

Street Fighter, despite its perpetual catalogue of special moves and powerful combos, really isn't all that difficult to understand. And from a spectators point of view — nothing could be simpler to follow. In fact, observing a few rounds of Street Fighter doesn't require a great deal of focus in order to participate. That being said, from a users perspective, dominating the arena can be a slightly more daunting task.

Street Fighter is a 1v1 tournament-based fighting game, with each player filling the role of one of the many characters on the roster and battling it out over four rounds of fast-paced combat. With each hero possessing a unique arsenal of moves and combos, both players must test their knowledge by stringing well-placed attacks together to gain the upper hand. And then, of course, there's actually blocking moves, as well as knowing how to counter each attempt perfectly. Put all of that in a series of 99-second bouts and you're looking at a pretty exhilarating sport.

Tournaments & Prize Pools

Street Fighter might have taken a leap back from the spotlight in order to cast a wider one on other competitive titles — but that doesn't mean Capcom refuses to breathe life into their beloved franchise at all. And as far as tournaments go, Capcom Pro Tour is still very much the floating lifeline that the publisher resorts to to help bolster the hype and sway the online community. Okay, so the prize pools don't tend to reach mouth-watering heights compared to other celebrated hits, but they do often climb to some pretty impressive feats.

Capcom Pro Tour initiates 30 regional premiers over 19 territories around the world, each holding a $5,000 take for the winning team. Once the winning teams ascend the ranks and secure a spot in The Capcom Cup, the prize pool is ultimately ramped up to $200,000 or more, depending on Capcom's budget. Following on from that, the best players will battle it out for the top prize, as well as a spot among the greatest Street Fighter contestants in the world.

Capcom Pro Tour currently holds 30 regional premiers with $5,000 prize pools for each winning team.

Stacking Against the Odds

It's pretty easy to lose sight of what's what and who's who in the Street Fighter domain — especially with the number of professional players on the circuit. Luckily, we've got Liquipedia to help shed a little extra light on the game and its core details. Plus, with Capcom Pro Tour sharing the leaderboard and current statistics for each heavy hitter, research can be a lot less daunting than having to submerge in a boatload of online streams and chat forums to get your fix.

Admittedly, the toughest hurdle to jump when wrapping your head around Street Fighter is the combat itself. With an ocean of command lists and attack patterns to study — learning the ins and outs of each playable character can be slightly monotonous. That being said, with so many experts on the scene with special knowledge banks devoted to certain characters, you can practically learn the roster over a discussion or two. Of course, that is if you wish to understand the game front and back. Otherwise, your best bet at getting your foot in the door is by rifling through the current standings and watching past tournaments on YouTube, Twitch or Twitter.

Betting Sites

Ready to place a bet? Why not take a look at one of these sites for some of the best offers available right now?

GG.bet — Most recommended for Canada. – (USA, UK, & Australia Prohibited).

Looking to gain an edge elsewhere? Why not take a look at one of these?

StarCraft II Betting

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StarCraft II: if you haven't already heard of it — then you're most definitely in for a treat with this one. Of course, wrapping your head around the extensive bank of details that brew from the online strategy game isn't something you can simply employ without sinking a few hours into a training manual first. That being said, you can pick up the gist of Blizzard's power hit with just a smidgen of detail. And, perhaps a few hours of swivelling through a few online streams, of course.

For betting purposes, you won't have to know every square detail of StarCraft and its origins in order to stand a fighting chance. You will, however, need to know the core basics of the game modes and the primary teams that bolster the competitive scene. Seems like a hefty task for such an old game, for sure — but it is, surprisingly enough, a necessary step to take before sticking it to the bookmaker. But where can we start? Well, it's probably best we paint StarCraft on an open canvas, with the color to follow shortly.

Best Starcraft II Betting Sites

Ready to take the dive and place a bet? These are the top esports betting platforms that offer Starcraft II wagering opportunities.

Thunderpick – A top crypto betting platform that is a leader in esports betting.

BetUS – This is the top esports betting site for Canadian & USA players. (All other countries prohibited).

Bovada – Recommended for USA residents. (Delaware, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, and New York Prohibited).

Cloudbet – Recommend for betting with bitcoin & crypto. Accepts Australians & Canadians. (USA, UK, & Singapore Prohibited).

GG.bet — Most recommended for Canada. – (USA, UK, & Australia Prohibited).

StarCraft II: In a Nutshell

Typically, StarCraft II will pit two players against one another on a map with two bases to establish and defend. Before sinking into the battle, each player must select one of the three available factions: The Zerg, which prioritizes large numbers in their ranks to help overwhelm the enemy, The Protoss, an alien race who opt for smaller units, and The Terran, the human race with a mixture derived from all three skill sets. Once each player has taken control of a faction — the board is in play.

Gathering resources and expanding the base is, of course, the initial goal when booting up a match. By being extremely proficient and understanding the grounds of each area, players are able to quickly tilt the scales and branch out for the advantage. Once the two bases have been established, each army can ultimately traverse the map in small or large units, using their skills to eliminate the opposing faction and, in turn, destroy the enemy hub. If one of the encampments is destroyed and forces eradicated — the player on the offence claims the win.

The Platforms

StarCraft II, despite its popularity among competitive players and Blizzard overlords — is really only played on PC. Of course, a Mac port was introduced way back when the game first launched in 2010, though it's rare you'll ever see an eSports event opt for the platform. That being said, there are a few scattered events that prioritise OS. Just not in the major leagues that Blizzard support, sadly. And as for future console ports? Well, that's incredibly unlikely, given the number of complex designs and formations the game possesses.

Tournaments & Prize Pools

Similar to Dota 2 and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, StarCraft II boasts quite the pipeline of competitive events, with some bolstered by six-figure prize pools. Although the game itself has been around for over a decade, the player base is still going strong, with an estimated half a million users still logging on to test their skill daily. And it doesn't stop there, either. In fact, Blizzard, despite their best efforts to grovel content into their other IPs, still hosts annual events for StarCraft II.

If we were to look back at the most prominent tournaments StarCraft II has brought to life since its debut — we'd have to praise the World Championship Series, which ran from 2012 to 2019. However, since closing the books on the official event, Blizzard has established roots with a new professional circuit — the ESL Pro Tour. Nested within the annual circuit, as per the usual formula, is a slew of tournaments that draw the best players from all over the world and have them battle it out for a spot at IEM Katowice. The player that dominates the board will ultimately stroll away with millions in prizes, as well as a spot among the greatest StarCraft II players in the world.

As far as elite StarCraft II players go — South Korea dominate the circuit. And then some.

Stacking Against the Odds

Whilst you could easily compare StarCraft II to other games under the RTS belt, there are a few things that help separate the game from the bulk of the category. Of course, the main thing that StarCraft II has that others don't is the three playable factions — all of which employ unique skill sets and patterns. And it's because of this, that learning the basics of the game requires a lot more than copy and paste templates from other titles. Plus, it's your first real port of knowledge before sinking into the betting world. Learn the three factions and their ways — and you're off to a good start.

As well as forging a close-knit relationship with the forces StarCraft II houses, physically playing the game for yourself is also another feasible method for future success. And, being a free-to-play game under Blizzard's portfolio of works — sinking some valuable hours into the domain won't even cost a penny, meaning you can stock up on research without breaking the bank. Throw in a few hours with the IEM domain and its player base, and that foot wedged in the door will eventually become a leg.

Looking to gain an edge elsewhere? Why not take a look at one of these?

CS:GO Betting

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Stare down the barrel of eSports gaming and Rainbow Six will probably be the first bullet to graze your eye. Even before the likes of Siege arrived and swept up the majority of the competitive base, Ubisoft's best-selling franchise was still harnessing record-breaking stats that date all the way back to 1998. Only now, with a much bigger platform to support the competitive side of the series, Rainbow Six is able to grow by leaps and bounds to astonishing heights.

Whilst you could compare Rainbow Six to other rival FPS hits (Call of Duty, for one), there are a few factors that differentiate the two. Of course, both being in the same ballpark and offering a similar module of game modes, one can easily lose track of what's what. That being said, Rainbow Six does stand on its own two feet, with plenty of content to keep its name isolated from the competition. And yes, I am talking about the eSports domain. Six Invitational, to be more specific. Without that, Ubisoft wouldn't have much of a leg to stand on at all. But let's explore that in a moment. For now, let's break down Rainbow Six Siege.

Best Rainbow Six Betting Sites

Ready to take the dive and place a bet? These are the top esports betting platforms that offer Rainbow Six wagering opportunities.

Thunderpick – A top crypto betting platform that is a leader in esports betting.

BetUS – This is the top esports betting site for Canadian & USA players. (All other countries prohibited).

GG.bet — Most recommended for Canada. (USA, UK, & Australia Prohibited).

Rainbow Six Siege: In a Nutshell

True to the classic FPS formula, Rainbow Six Siege pits two teams of five against one another for a round of objectives, where one team will assume the roles of attackers, and the other defenders. Over the course of each match, as the points are tallied and the wins are accumulated, both teams will swap sides until the set has been completed. Seems simple enough, right? Well, it sort of is. Of course, the biggest thing to remember is that beneath the three game modes Siege has to offer — it really is just a team deathmatch, plain and simple. But what are the game modes? Well, let's touch base on those now. Pen and paper at the ready!

Bomb 

Starting with the classic 5v5 format, Bomb puts one member of the attacking team in charge of a bomb defusal kit, which they must plant on one of two objectives hidden within the map. Once attached to the objective, the team member and associates must fight to defend the kit until it completes the defusal (45 seconds). The defending team, however, must fortify the objective, neutralise the attacking team, or ultimately kill the bomb defusal kit carrier. Should the bomb be defused in the allotted time, the attacking team will go on to claim the win, whereas the defending team will fail the round.

Hostage Rescue

Again, with two teams of five placed on the board, one team will take on the roles of attackers, and the other filling the shoes of the defenders. The attacking team must enter a heavily guarded area in order to extract a hostage, which they must escort to a safe zone marked with a red signal flare. The defenders, of course, must prevent the attacking team from locating the hostage and drawing them to the extraction point. If the hostage is killed during the match, the team responsible will ultimately lose the point. If all attackers are eliminated from the board, the defending team claims the win. Simple.

Secure Area

Once again, both teams of five will assume the roles of attackers and defenders. As attackers, the team must locate a secure room that houses a biochemical agent and hold the location for 10 consecutive seconds in order to claim the round. However, the defending team will also hold a presence, using various tools to fortify the room and drive back the opposition. If a defender remains present in the vicinity of the biochemical agent, the timer freezes, meaning the attackers must work together to eliminate the defending team, or simply flush them out. If the defending team is able to drive back the attacking team and eliminate the operatives — then they will win the round.

A prize pool you'll want to stick around for.

Tournaments & Prize Pools

Rainbow Six Siege: it's big, it's beautiful — and it's bolstered by bombastic bucks. Of course, Ubisoft does like to fill their own bucket with the heftiest prize pools, with some stacking up to $3,000,000 for the overall winning teams. But while there are plenty of tournaments that wrap around the Rainbow Six platform, there are really only a few you need to keep note of. Looking from a betting point of view, Six Invitational, Six Major, and ESL Play are the three that you'll need to keep glued to your radar for not only the best odds — but also the best competition.

Stacking Against the Odds

As expected, Rainbow Six Siege does employ quite the roster of professional teams. In fact, it can almost seem a little daunting, seeing the number of heavy hitters that gravitate towards the competitive platform. Betting-wise, it can be slightly frustrating when having to shovel through mounds of titleholders just to pluck out a single racehorse. Luckily for us, however, the best of the best are usually separated into a compressed category, making the task of selecting a sole unit far less of a burden.

Learning the basics of not only Siege — but Rainbow Six as a whole — can definitely be beneficial for your wager. Understanding the nooks and crannies of each game mode and getting to know the top-tier teams that dominate the toughest tournaments — that's your primary goal before laying down the reigns. Of course, playing a few rounds yourself isn't such a bad idea either. Overall, spending some quality time with the R6S player base and trading tips with other well-travelled bookmakers will definitely get your foot in the door at the very least.

Finished with Rainbow Six Siege? Looking to gain an edge elsewhere? Why not take a look at one of these:

Call of Duty Betting

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The competitive world has been pumping out eSports eye candy for years now. And while it's all well and good to have new games to sink into and place a bet on, there does come a point where we become a little weary of generic shooters and predictable game modes. Luckily for us, however, a solid game does surface every once in a while — especially at eSports conventions. Just take Rocket League, for example. Did anyone see that coming? No, not really.

Booting up as a free-to-play title, Rocket League quickly rose through the ranks and established itself as a force not to be reckoned with. As a genuinely addictive title with a captivating concept to bolster it, the soccer-racer extravaganza wasn't exactly holding back when tearing up the market. Fast-forward to the present day and the game has amassed global recognition and a whole series of competitive events to host under its belt.

Rocket League Betting Sites

Ready to take the dive and place a bet? These are the top esports betting platforms that offer Rocket League wagering opportunities.

Thunderpick – A top crypto betting platform that is a leader in esports betting.

GG.bet — Most recommended for Canada. – (USA, UK, & Australia Prohibited).

Rocket League: In a Nutshell

The best way to describe Rocket League is to coincide with Psyonix's description of the game on launch: soccer…with rocket-powered cars. That's basically the idea behind the global hit. Six players will drop into a neon-heavy arena with an enormous ball to gain possession of. Each team has a goal which they must defend from the opposing team, and, well — you get the idea. It's soccer with cars.

Typically, a Rocket League match will be played in a 3v3 format over a 5 minute period. Before launching each match, the players are able to choose a vehicle to use for the game along with a few customization options. However, while there is a slew of options to personalize your rocket-powered car — there isn't a specific tool that can give you an advantage in the game. So, that basically means every player is on the same starting grounds — with no special treatment for select users, regardless of status.

The Platforms

The beauty of Rocket League is that it's played on all platforms across the board. And as far as the competitive community operates, the game can be enjoyed on both console and PC. But having said that, most tournaments do tend to favor the PC port, with pre-approved controllers to play with (whether it be a DualShock or Xbox pad). To shed a little extra light on that — roughly 80% of professional players will ideally aim for a controller, whereas the remaining 20% will opt for KBM.

Tournaments & Prize Pools

While Rocket League may not be as big as FIFA (or any other competitive title for that matter), there is quite a lot of interest in the platform that supports it. Of course, being a relatively young game in the eSports world, it comes as no surprise as to how small the game is when compared to other heavy-hitters. That being said, Psyonix and a whole heap of third-party hosts do aim to shovel tournaments and local competitions into the scene every once in a while, with the Rocket League Championship Series (RLCS) acting as the frontrunner.

RLCS is divided into four leagues (North America, South America, Europe, and Oceania). Each division will battle it out and ascend the ranks over the course of a season, with the top four teams from each bracket going on to the RLCS finals. Fast-forward to the end of the season, the playoffs go on to host the sixteen finalists over an all-out battle for the podium, with bragging rights and cash prizes for the best team on the block.

The Rocket League Championship Series hosts the best of the best from North America, South America, Europe and Oceania.

Stacking Against the Odds

Wrapping your head around the fundamentals of Rocket League isn't all that bad. After all, it is, in a nutshell — soccer with rocket-powered cars. The real problem lies with the actual teams and the very tactics that drive them. Of course, betting on the faction that hoards the most wins might always seem like the best way forward, but with the number of professional teams that back the platform — locating a guaranteed victor isn't remotely possible. That's why it's essential to keep up to date with the newcomers and existing teams for each passing season. Sure, it can be a lengthy process — but it is a necessary one if you aim to snatch the upper hand.

As far as learning the basics go, Rocket League doesn't require a boatload of gameplay in order for you to become the next rocket-powered whizz-kid. And so, whilst we would usually suggest tucking into the game and running a few rounds first-hand — most knowledge can be acquired through the likes of SickOdds and RLTracker. Knuckle in on a few major streams and early tournament playoffs and you're on your way. Of course, it is worth narrowing in on the RLCS Finals, as these events do showcase the very best in the business.

Had enough of Rocket League? Looking to gain an edge elsewhere? Why not take a look at one of these:

FIFA Betting

Fortnite Betting

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Of all the worlds Blizzard has sewn together, Overwatch is one to keep a firm eye on — if only for the eSports clique and saddled prize pools. As one of the most successful team-based FPS games to ever exit the doors of the Blizzard kingdom, the competitive world supporting it has grown to unbelievable heights. With an overwhelming player base fleshing out every event and bite-sized gathering, Overwatch has become a rather hefty cog on a ridiculously large wheel.

The game amassed a total of 10 million active players spread over multiple platforms. Of course, 10 million is a sharp drop from the original 35 million that it was pulling in back in 2016 — but despite the decline in numbers over the lifespan of the game, the community still continues to back the franchise and pledge loyalty to Blizzard and its incredibly long arm of evolving worlds.

Best Overwatch Betting Sites

Looking to place a bet on an upcoming tournament? Why not take advantage of the first-time offers that each of these websites put out?

Thunderpick – A top crypto betting platform that is a leader in esports betting.

GG.bet — Most recommended for Canada. – (USA, UK, & Australia Prohibited).

Overwatch: In a Nutshell

Overwatch, in a nutshell, can best be described as a combination of two genres, one being FPS, and the other being MOBA. Take the two of these and compile it with a mound of inspiration drawn from Valve's Team Fortress 2 — and you've got yourself the roots of Blizzard's hit game. Of course, there is far more to Overwatch than a line of direct influences and rip-off mechanics, and it all revolves around the unique game modes that boost the platform.

Typically, Overwatch will be played in a 6v6 format, with each team being tasked with conquering the board through a series of objectives. But as for the objectives that each team must obliterate, well, there are really only four that are focused on in the eSports domain. But let's explore those before stepping any further into the likes of tournaments and jaw-dropping prize pools.

Game Modes Explained

Escort

Escort (also coined as ‘payload') is essentially tug of war with guns. The aim is relatively simple: one team must fight to shove along a cart to its final destination, whereas the opposing team must look to defend it until the clock strikes out. If the cart reaches the final checkpoint before the timer hits zero — the attackers claim the win. If the defenders keep it from rolling into the end zone — then they bag the victory. Simple.

Assault

Assault is a pretty common game mode in the eSports domain, and also a rather chunky portion of the Overwatch universe, too. Of course, to make things a little easier to follow — it's basically a capture the flag with a slight twist. One team must secure two capture sites, whereas the rival team must defend them until the time runs out. The twist, however, is that if a capture point is being contested when the clock strikes out — overtime will commence, where both teams will have to battle it out until the site is captured, or all attackers are eliminated from the area.

Hybrid

Hybrid is a mixture of Assault and Escort, only with both modes being completely split down the middle. The match begins with one team battling it out to claim a capture point, with the defending team setting up to defend it. If the attacking team acquire the point, then the game shifts into the Escort section, where a payload must be transported to a final checkpoint. If the clock runs dry and the payload hasn't been transported, then the defenders claim the match.

Control

Control puts both teams in a single arena with three separate zones to capture. As a best-of-three format, each team must battle it out to secure one location before ultimately moving onto the next. The more players on the team that idle in the zone, the faster the capture speed travels. Once a team has climbed to 100% and snagged the location, the next zone opens up. Should a team acquire two of the three zones, then the win is handed over.

Overwatch has pulled millions of players to its core since 2016.

The Platforms

Typically, Overwatch will be played on either console or PC. And that's the beauty of Blizzard's creation: there is no specific platform for players to flock to. Of course, every passing tournament is unique in its own way and has a criteria of some sort. However, with the number of events that swill around the game, each platform usually receives a generous share of competitive play and global tournaments. So, everyone's a winner.

Tournaments & Prize Pools

Unlike many competitive games that follow a close-knit circuit, Overwatch takes great pride in opening its arms to the whole community. Of course, that does mean that tournaments can vary in terms of teams and individual players, with no set criteria in order to participate. That being said, Blizzard does tend to launch some pretty big tournaments that narrow in on a highly-skilled player base.

One major event to keep an eye on is, of course, Blizzard's very own Overwatch World Cup, which went on to serve up a prize pool of $500,000 in 2019 alone. Unfortunately, a 2020 event didn't quite come up to scratch, nor has a date been set for this year. And so, going by that, it's worth looking at other events that revolve around the Overwatch platform. The Overwatch League, for example.

The Overwatch League is one to keep on your radar.

Stacking Against the Odds

As with most eSports games that involve any level of betting, the best way to get your foot in the door is to absorb as many hours of live streams as remotely possible. Luckily for us, Blizzard love to plaster content from previous tournaments all over the web. And it doesn't stop there, either. In fact, you can practically learn everything there is to know just from spooling through The Overwatch Wiki or League.

Of course, picking up a copy of the game and familiarizing yourself with the four competitive modes has its benefits. Other than that, delving into the player stats can also give you an edge before placing the first bet. Conveniently, Blizzard keeps a list of details here.

Finished with Overwatch? Looking to gain an edge elsewhere? Why not take a look at these:

Fortnite Betting

Dota 2 Betting

The post 4 “Best” Overwatch Betting (August 2023) appeared first on Gaming.net.

Gloss over the kingpins of eSports and you'll definitely go face to face with League of Legends. Of course, being a game that has been boarding players for almost twelve years, it only makes sense for it to be a respectable titleholder within the online community. And while many have since stepped up to the plate in an attempt to dethrone the 2009 arena phenomenon, none have quite managed to amass a similar level of acclaim, despite the popularity spike bolted to the genre.

Pushing back to 2002, Blizzard's Warcraft 3: Reign of Chaos was what inspired the League of Legends that we know and cherish today. Of course, at the time, Warcraft 3 was just about opening up to inspire the likes of Dota and other ambitious works. However, after Riot Games acquired Steve Feak (Dota: Allstars) to help flesh out a standalone title, the work was fast-tracked, and League was finally born. Push forward several years and the MOBA gem found itself sitting upon a throne of everlasting success. Even Now — LoL still reigns supreme without a rival to shy over.

Best LOL Betting Sites

Ready to take the dive and place a bet? These are the top esports betting platforms that offer LOL wagering opportunities.

Thunderpick – A top crypto betting platform that is a leader in esports betting.

BetUS – This is the top esports betting site for Canadian & USA players. (All other countries prohibited).

Bovada – Recommended for USA residents. (Delaware, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, and New York Prohibited).

Cloudbet – A top crypto betting platform. Accepts Australians & Canadians. (USA, UK, & Singapore Prohibited).

GG.bet — Most recommended for Canada. – (USA, UK, & Australia Prohibited).

League of Legends: In a Nutshell

League of Legends follows a 5v5 pattern, where each time takes hold of a base on either side of the map. Each player assumes the role of a “champion”, all possessing a specific wheel of abilities. By combining the abilities and mapped-out resources, each faction can work together to destroy the opposing Nexus in order to claim victory. However, to reach each Nexus, both teams must shovel through the three connecting paths that link the two encampments. Along the way, of course, is a flow of Minions that flush out of each camp, as well as a jungle brimming with neutral monsters, turrets and inhibitors.

After each player fills the shoes of one of the available champions, the only option moving forward is to snag kills and hoard gold to purchase new items, and experience to upgrade levels and abilities. Of course, being a game that revolves around efficiency, time is a crucial factor in which each team must battle it out for the throne. Levels and abilities must be acquired with haste, as one minor fallback can lead to the opposing team claiming the win. The first to rid the rival of their central hub dominates the board.

The Platforms

To put it simply — League of Legends is played on PC. However, Riot Games did release the game for Mac users in 2013, with the added ability of cross-play. Unfortunately, the player base surrounding the OS front does only pick up a fraction of the overall population, rendering the Mac platform somewhat unworthy of competitive tournaments. And so, going by that, a typical bout will resort to Windows to host the series of matches.

Of course, Riot Games did go on to develop the mobile version of the game, League of Legends: Wild Rift — though that's another story altogether. All you really need to know is that the PC user base is the bulk of the overall residency. Mac users, on the other hand — not so much. But that's pretty standard in the gaming industry, to be fair. No offence, Apple fans. We're simply going on facts here.

Tournaments & Prize Pools

Being one of the biggest and most played games in the eSports domain — it comes as no surprise when we clock the enormous figures that lap around each passing tournament. Take the League of Legends World Championship, for example. Although declining in overall numbers in terms of recent prize pools, LoL still stacks upwards of a few million dollars in each passing packet. And that's just one tournament, amazingly enough. As for the remaining bouts littered around the globe, well — the player base isn't exactly starved of competition that's for sure.

League of Legends has been lining pockets and dishing up sellout events for well over a decade now, sealing its place as one of the most influential multiplayer games ever made. Even in 2021, as Riot Games branch out to new worlds and fresh concepts, LoL still stands at the forefront of their evolving portfolio, with content forever being packed into its long-standing legacy.

League of Legends pulls in some of the biggest crowds ever seen in the eSports world. Evidently.

Stacking Against the Odds

First and foremost, League of Legends is best soaked up through live streams, which you can find on almost any corner of the gaming world. Twitch, YouTube, LoLEsports — to name but a few. Each of these jam-packed platforms is flooding with past tournaments, current play-offs and local bouts built between professional teams. Plus, LoL rarely ever sees a slow season, meaning you can access content 24/7, with tournaments being held almost every week. And then some.

Another major thing to take on board is the gameplay itself. And believe us when we say — League isn't exactly an easy game to follow. At least not from a spectator view, anyway. Of course, the concept is relatively simple regarding the Nexus, though the number of details laced between champions and camps can be a little confusing for a newcomer. And so, going by that, physically playing the game for yourself can only increase your chances when sinking into the betting domain. Do that, and perhaps spend a boatload of time digging through the professional teams and individual stats — and you're on the road to success. Hopefully.

Finished with League of Legends? Looking to gain an edge elsewhere? Why not take a look at one of these:

CS:GO Betting

The post 7 “Best” League of Legends LOL Betting Sites (August 2023) appeared first on Gaming.net.

Dota 2 is arguably one of the best multiplayer games within the eSports domain. It's also one of the highest paying platforms in the gaming industry, with some prize pools shelling out upwards of $34 million. Of course, with a game as enormous and as celebrated as Dota 2, you can expect the player base to be incredibly bulky even during the down seasons. And it is. In fact, Dota 2 employs just shy of 11 million active players on a global scale, with many professional teams laced within.

Uprooting from a community-created Warcraft 3 mod, Dota 2 looked to evolve the multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) genre by implementing fresh and addicting mechanics, as well as a slew of frequent updates to help boost the platform. Lo and behold, Dota 2 rose to stardom after its 2013 birth — and the rest went down in history. And as for today, well — take a gander at any corner of the gaming community and you'll most definitely clock a few references. Fan of the game or not — we can't deny its prominence.

Best Dota 2 Betting Sites

If you're ready to take the plunge with a fresh wager, then these are probably the best places to go to shift that slip into a few extra pennies. Fingers crossed, of course.

Thunderpick – A top crypto betting platform that is a leader in esports betting.

Bovada – Recommended for USA residents. (Delaware, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, and New York Prohibited).

Cloudbet – Recommend for betting with bitcoin & crypto. Accepts Australians & Canadians. (USA, UK, & Singapore Prohibited).

GG.bet — Most recommended for Canada. – (USA, UK, & Australia Prohibited).

Dota 2: In a Nutshell

As with most multiplayer games played in the eSports domain, Dota 2 puts two teams of 5 in an arena that requires both strategy and strict teamwork in order to dominate the board. With each team controlling one of the two bases on either side of the map, the players must unite to form a powerful enough army to conquer the region and obliterate the enemy encampment, or more specifically, the Ancient, which is a central building that both teams must work together to defend.

Fused between the two bases are three paths, all of which receive a steady flow of AI-controlled combat units, known as “creeps”. These groups work to counter the opposing team and destroy towers that are dotted along each route. In a bid to claim the upper hand, both teams must work efficiently to gather as many resources as possible before engaging the enemy and swarming the enemy settlement. Once the Ancient has been destroyed on either side, the victor is announced and the points are tallied.

5v5 Explained

Dota 2, as mentioned above, is a 5v5-based game, in which both teams are faced with destroying the opposing encampment and conquering the map. Each player is given the choice of a Hero, with a roster of 100, each possessing a specific set of skills. Through said Hero, each player can rack up an income by killing the AI-controlled creeps or knocking another enemy Hero from the map, in which case additional rewards are bolted on. Once enough money has lined the pockets of the Hero, stats can be increased and, in turn, make the character far more powerful.

The Platforms

Unlike many other eSports entries that often spread over various platforms, Dota 2 is built only for the PC user base. That, of course, means that the game runs predominantly with a mouse and keyboard. As a free-to-play game from Valve, both Windows and Mac users have greatly benefited from the material that the publisher has loaded onto it since its 2013 uprise.

Although nothing has been set in stone over a cross-platform edition, many followers that stem from the competitive streams have been clutching at straws over the idea. However, due to the number of actions and unique buttons that latch onto Dota 2, the concept just wouldn't work out as a console port. And so, with that, the Valve icon is best left as a natural PC phenomenon, without the leeway.

Dota 2 serves up some of the biggest prize pools ever seen in the eSports world.

Tournaments & Prize Pools

So, you might want to sit down for this one — because it's most definitely going to knock your socks off. Though, by now, especially after scouring through several other eSports prize pools, enormous cash payouts aren't exactly anything short of being standard. That being said, Dota 2 definitely boasts some absolutely mind-boggling numbers, with some winners clawing as much as $15 million out of a $34 million prize pool. And those numbers are only continuing to escalate, wouldn't you believe?

As for the tournaments that spiral around Dota 2 — there definitely isn't a short supply of local bouts and internationally recognised events. Though, the tournament that tends to stand above the rest is probably The International, with the above prize pools backing the wealthy fan base each year. Apart from that, Dota 2 also lands on hundreds of other stages, notably i-League and the Pinnacle Cup, both of which boast six-figure prize pools.

Stacking Against the Odds

Despite the familiar gameplay and straightforward concept, there are a lot of additional kinks that can't really be glossed over with Dota 2. With the number of in-depth character abilities, classifications and skills — there is definitely a lot to soak up before throwing down the towel. Luckily for us, however, with a game as enormous as Dota 2, the online content showcasing the ins and outs of the platform isn't necessarily hard to find. In fact, take a look at any video game streaming site and you'll probably notice it as one of the few standing headliners.

Of course, absorbing as much online content as possible is the best way to get your foot in the door. But then, physically playing the game for yourself and running through a few matches is also a common practice before setting a wager. And, being a free-to-play game that requires only a chunk of your hard drive space — it seems to be the best way forward. Apart from that, taking full advantage of the spectator mode that Dota 2 offers will give you a definite boost in knowledge.

The post 6 “Best” Dota 2 Betting Sites (August 2023) appeared first on Gaming.net.

Gamer or not, you've probably encountered a round of Fortnite at some stage in the last four years. Although to be honest, it'd be pretty difficult to avoid it with the amount of media coverage it gets on a daily basis. Plus, with a constant flow of content being flushed into the platform, it's sort of hard to miss such a prominent kingpin within the multiplayer domain. And as far as tournaments go, well — the battle royale world is bigger than ever — with twice the amount of bouts and internationally recognised events than before.

With a total of 350 million users subscribed to the Epic Games phenomenon, people are still swarming the critically acclaimed world to soak up the latest updates that get uploaded on a regular basis. And now, as it stands, Fortnite has amassed a whopping $30 billion in revenue, making it one of the best-selling games on the market.

Best Fortnite Betting Sites

Ready to take the dive and place a bet? These are the top esports betting platforms that offer Fortnite wagering opportunities.

Thunderpick – A top crypto betting platform that is a leader in esports betting.

GG.bet — Most recommended for Canada. – (USA, UK, & Australia Prohibited).

Fortnite: In a Nutshell

Fortnite, in a nutshell, is a battle royale game that launches 100 players into a world that spans 3.5KM in distance. Fleshing out with luscious woodlands, mining towns, lake retreats and randomized structures, each player must thrive to be the last one standing in a free-for-all skirmish. However, rather than diving into the battle with a complete loadout and a higher chance of dominating from the get-go, players must scavenge the nearby settlements for loot and gear to help sway the tide.

Of course, time does play a major role throughout the match, as beating around the bush can lead to a relatively quick death — made quicker by the fact that the map shrinks with each passing minute. However, after the grounds have been established and the wheels are in motion, players are able to build a fortress using the supplies they've gathered, or resort to boxing themselves in until the hourglass reveals its final grains. Until then, it really is just all-out warfare, plain and simple. The last one breathing snags the victory. Simple.

Fortnite: Battle Royale Explained

It's fair to say that Fortnite isn't the most innovative concept in the gaming industry. In fact, we've seen similar games rifle through the chamber and shot out at least a hundred times before. That being said, while Fornite isn't a pioneer to the renowned genre, it does boast the odd quirk that other titles fail to locate. For example, Fortnite allows players to build structures using the resources retrieved from the surrounding settlements. By doing so, the odds can easily be turned in the players favor when going toe to toe with an approaching enemy.

Although Fortnite does rustle up a few charming extras to the scene, the overall concept doesn't deviate from what we've all seen before. 100 players are ultimately launched from a flying bus (yes — a flying bus) into an enormous arena with nothing but their bare hands and black and white goal engraved into their heads. Survive at all costs, build structures to your advantage — and do whatever it takes to evade the almighty Storm Eye, which essentially crunches the map down to the final stand-off location. Simple enough, right? Well, kind of.

Tournaments & Prize Pools

Of all the eSports events in the world, Fortnite definitely stands as one of the wealthiest. Even for a game that launched back in 2017, the years leading up to now have been overwhelmingly kind to the battle royale chapter. With some of the biggest streamers backing the online front, Fortnite has become a complete cash cow for both fans and multiplayer fanatics alike. Of course, without the competitive events to back the success of the game, there really wouldn't be half the amount of hype to escalate it, to begin with.

Epic Games, while devoted to several other titles under their evolving belt, do like to keep the Fortnite calendar plastered with events throughout the four seasons. With that in mind, the one to keep a firm eye on is the Fortnite Champion Series, which puts out a bid to locate the best players from all regions of the world for one major showcase.

Events typically come with a variety of categories, ranging from solo bouts, duos, trios and squads. The best of the best ascend the leaderboard and thrash it out over one explosive grand finale, where a rather hefty sum of winnings lay in wait. And, I'll be honest with you — those hefty sums do usually sit around the $3 million band.

Fortnite has been raking in players by the boatload since 2017.

The Platforms

One of the great things about Fortnite, other than the mouth-watering prize pools that swarm each event, is that it can be played on pretty much every platform, Android included. However, while anyone can dive into the action from any section of the world, eSports events do typically gravitate towards console users, namely Xbox and PlayStation, with very little slack for PC ports. Of course, Epic Games do make the effort to incorporate the whole roster as opposed to fleshing out a single platform, though the Microsoft and Sony factions are undeniably the most used.

Stacking Against the Odds

While the battle royale theme is relatively easy to follow in terms of gameplay, goals and winnings — there is a lot more to take on board before sinking into that burning pocket of yours. Of course, getting to know the player base that keeps the platform afloat is the primary objective here, with the secondary task gravitating towards the dozens of live streams that flood most gaming platforms. By shovelling through plenty of gameplay hours and taking note of what makes each professional player tick, that next bet can effectively feel less risky.

Oh, and let's not forget the fact that Fortnite is also a free-to-play game, meaning it won't cost a penny to sink some personal hours into the game and iron out the kinks for yourself. Add Twitch and Fortnite Tracker into the mix and you're on your way to the next big payout. Here's hoping, anyway.

Looking to gain an edge elsewhere? Why not take a look at these:

Call of Duty Betting

CS:GO Betting

The post 5 “Best” Fortnite Betting Sites (August 2023) appeared first on Gaming.net.