Top Esports Teams and Players to Bet on in 2025, by Altenar

Altenar explains how operators who track high-impact teams and star players can gain a decisive edge. Moreover, those who identify the hottest betting action can adjust their platforms strategically, ensuring they capitalise on opportunities before anyone else.

Leading Esports Titles Dominating the Betting Scene

When it comes to top esports titles, a handful stand out as the biggest draws for bettors. Counter-Strike 2 (CS2), Dota 2, and League of Legends lead the pack, generating immense betting volumes thanks to their intense competition and dedicated global audiences. Tournaments like The CS2 Majors, The International (Dota 2), and the League of Legends World Championship produce a spike in wagering activity, with odds shifting rapidly as the action unfolds.

Beyond these heavyweights, Valorant Champions Tour, Fortnite, Call of Duty League, and Overwatch League continue to build momentum, attracting a growing community of bettors eager for fresh markets and in-play betting opportunities. But it’s not just about the games; it’s the legendary players and elite teams that fuel the excitement.

Top 10 Most Wagered Esports Players

By analysing market movements and the betting handle across major esports titles, Altenar has projected these rankings to focus on each player's influence, performance, and the average stakes they attract in high-profile events.

1. Mathieu "ZywOo" Herbaut

Specialisation: Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO)

Estimated Wagered Amount in 2025: Approx. $1.5 million to $1.8 million per event

Win/Loss Ratio: Maintains a win rate of around 60% in major tournaments

Betting Trends: Bettors are drawn to ZywOo's consistent top-tier performances and high frag counts

Mathieu "ZywOo" Herbaut, the French CS: GO prodigy, has dominated the global stage with Team Vitality, earning multiple MVP titles. His pinpoint accuracy and game-changing clutches make him a prime choice for kill total and headshot-related bets. When ZywOo is in form, betting markets move fast.

2. Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok

Specialisation: League of Legends

Estimated Wagered Amount in 2025: Between $1.3 million to $1.6 million per event

Win/Loss Ratio: Consistently maintains a win rate of around 65% in top-tier tournaments

Betting Trends: Bettors favour Faker for match-winner bets, MVP selections, and first-blood kills.

Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok, the undisputed icon of League of Legends, has led T1 to multiple world championships, cementing his status as esports royalty. His unparalleled mechanics and game sense make him a bettor’s favourite for MVP markets, first-blood wagers, and outright wins. When Faker plays, betting volumes tend to soar.

3. Johan "N0tail" Sundstein

Specialisation: Dota 2

Estimated Wagered Amount in 2025: Approx. $1.2 million to $1.4 million.

Win/Loss Ratio: Exceeding 60% in major tournaments.

Betting Trends: High bettor confidence due to consistent performance and leadership in OG.

Johan "N0tail" Sundstein isn’t just a Dota 2 champion — he’s a legend in the game. Hailing from Denmark, he built OG into one of the most dominant teams in esports history, leading them to back-to-back ‘The International’ tournament victories. His sharp tactical mind and natural leadership make him a favourite among bettors, especially for outright match wins and MVP wagers. With over $7.1 million in career earnings, his name carries weight in every tournament, and when he plays, the betting action follows.

4. Jesse "JerAx" Vainikka

Specialisation: Dota 2

Estimated Wagered Amount in 2025: Between $900,000 and $1.1 million per event.

Win/Loss Ratio: Approx. 58% during his active years.

Betting Trends: Bettors favour JerAx for his strategic support plays and clutch performances.

Jesse "JerAx" Vainikka is the Finnish mastermind of Dota 2’s support role. Beyond his back-to-back The International victories with OG, JerAx was instrumental in Team Liquid's runner-up finish at the Shanghai Major 2016. His game sense and near-flawless execution make him a magnet for bettors, particularly on first-blood wagers and team fight engagements. With career earnings surpassing $6.4 million, his strategic play keeps the odds shifting and the betting markets buzzing whenever he steps onto the stage.

Read the full report here.