Tomas Novak

The CS2 Esports World Cup 2025 kicks off in Riyadh from August 20–24, bringing a $1,000,000 prize pool and a brutal single-elimination format where every match is do-or-die. With top teams like Team Vitality, Team Spirit, and NAVI in the spotlight, fans can expect a week of intense clashes and shifting narratives.

The Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) gambling scene has rapidly expanded into a full-fledged ecosystem, combining crypto-friendly platforms, live betting markets, and generous welcome offers. As wagering moves beyond traditional “match winner” bets, fans now have access to deeper markets, innovative features, and secure environments that mirror the evolution of broader esports betting.

The Rocket League Esports World Cup 2025 brings together some of the most competitive matches and groundbreaking betting options, redefining the esports landscape. As the event garners worldwide attention, leading platforms are rapidly expanding their offerings to cater to both seasoned bettors and newcomers.

Nongshim RedForce, formerly known as Sin Prisa Gaming, has stirred the competitive Valorant landscape by winning the Ascension Grand Final against BOOM Esports, securing their contract in the VCT Pacific. This significant victory not only guarantees their spot at Ascension 2025 following a win over Gen.G but also reshapes the competitive dynamics and group standings for many teams, creating new betting opportunities and market shifts.

Anders "Vejrgang" Vejrgang, the top EA FC 25 player renowned for his record-breaking performances, has announced a high-profile transfer from RBLZ Gaming to Team Falcons. Set to take effect after the FC Pro World Championship at the Esports World Cup, this move marks another major milestone in his illustrious career.

The anticipation for Battlefield 6 is reaching new heights as fans prepare for the beta test starting August 7 for early access holders and August 9 for the open beta. Early access is available through BF Labs sign-ups, Twitch Drops, and live Twitch streams, offering multiple ways for players to engage with the new gameplay ahead of launch.

Tyler1’s surprising transition from a controversial League of Legends career to becoming the stage host for the Esports World Cup Chess tournament highlights his evolving influence in competitive gaming. His journey, marked by accolades such as Chess Streamer of the Year at the 2023 Streamer Awards and overcoming severe setbacks, offers a glimpse into the dynamic world of esports and traditional games.

Team Spirit dazzled fans by winning the Dota 2 championship at the Esports World Cup 2025. Over an intense 10-day tournament filled with high-stakes matches, they secured a nearly flawless victory, ultimately advancing past a one-sided grand final. This tournament not only brought thrilling action but also set the stage for future competitions, such as The International 2025.

In a groundbreaking move, G2 Esports and Smiley have launched a two-part streetwear capsule that captures the dynamic spirit of esports alongside iconic design elements. This collaboration combines Smiley's legacy of joy and self-expression with G2 Esports' resilience and playfulness, aiming to deepen engagement with a global fan base.

Ruddy Sack is taking a strategic pause, entering a hiatus for the rest of 2025 while rebranding as Ruddy Esports after ending partnerships with IWDominate and YamatoCannon. The team will still compete in the NLC Summer Split and is focused on rebuilding its roster for the next season.

The recent game update has introduced significant changes, notably patch 11.00, which brought Bind back into the rotation along with a fresh addition—Corrode. These updates not only reinvigorate gameplay but also reflect broader trends in the competitive gaming world.

VK Gaming has showcased their exceptional skills by clinching the Apex Legends Global Series Midseason Playoffs, marking a pivotal moment for the APAC-South scene. Their victory, highlighted by a strong start and consistent top finishes, not only solidified their reputation as one of the most dominant teams during the Match Point Finals but also intensified calls for greater support in the region.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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