In the gaming world, World of Warcraft is legendary. The MMORPG has been winning the hearts of gamers for decades. However, what often goes forgotten is that the classic MMO is a spin-off of a popular series of fantasy, RPG, and strategy games titled Warcraft. In 2002, the third installment in the franchise, Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos, was released to great success and soon got a DLC titled Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne (2003).
It was thanks to these games that we got one of the most popular genres of video games today, multiplayer online battle arenas. One of the most popular mods for Frozen Throne was one titled “Dota,” and it was a huge hit, though at the time, no one could have expected how successful the mod would be. The Defense of the Ancients mod removed the strategy element and turned the game into a co-op, pseudo-RPG, where the goal was simply to take down the enemy Ancient. Thus, MOBA was born.
DOTA 2
The success of the original game, while great, required one to acquire Warcraft III, and then mod the game in order to get their hands on Defense of the Ancients. However, a decade later, Blizzard Entertainment decided to give the fans what they wanted. Defense of the Ancients 2, or simply DOTA 2, was an updated, polished, and, in many ways, improved version of the original. Needless to say, it quickly became a huge hit.
The game also came out at just the right time in order for it to be successful in the world of eSports. Competitive gaming was just getting a larger audience at the time, and even casual gamers started looking into it. Of course, online bookies were also at the cusp of accepting eSports odds. That is right: DOTA 2 betting is not completely possible. Fans can place bets on their favorite player or team and even stream the games using some of the best online sportsbooks.
How to Bet on DOTA 2
We understand that, for many, betting on video games is a very new thing. While studies do show that gamers are much more likely to bet and gamble online than at land-based casinos, it is also true that the success of eSports is relatively recent, and many aren’t aware of how it all works. The good news is that it isn’t as complicated as one might assume. So, in this article, we are going to take a look at the basics of betting on Defense of the Ancients 2.
The first step is, of course, the simplest. All you have to do is find a good bookie. Not many sportsbooks cover DOTA betting, but nonetheless, there are ones out there, and they are quite reputable as well. Once you’ve found the bookie, it is time to learn the basics. If you were new to the game, you’d like a beginner’s guide, and that is exactly what we are going to provide for those who want to wager on it. So, what should you do after finding a bookie?
The next step is to look over and understand how the odds work. A lot of people are discouraged from looking over sports betting odds. However, trust us when we say understanding these things is not as difficult as you may believe. The math is surprisingly simple, and learning what the numbers mean is also not too hard. Even knowing that there are three different kinds of odds, anyone will be able to grasp them rather quickly. Once you’ve done that, you are ready to start placing bets.
The DOTA 2 Tournaments
Before you start betting, you have to know what you can bet on. For long-time fans of eSports, this shouldn’t be a problem. Most are already familiar with the big-name tournaments that bring together the greatest DOTA 2 players from all over the world. However, we mustn’t forget that esports are a relatively recent trend, and betting on them is an even newer phenomenon. For those who might be new to the fan base, in this section, we are looking at the most popular DOTA 2 tournaments.
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The International (TI)
The International, often abbreviated to TI, is the premium DOTA 2 competition in the gaming world. Valve hosts the event every year and offers a pretty sizable prize pool for the winning team.
The money often exceeds $30 million, showing just how highly esteemed the competition is. For anyone who is into DOTA 2 betting, the International could be compared to the Super Bowl or even the FIFA World Cup.
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DOTA Pro Circuit (DPC)
Unlike the International, the DPC is a series of professional games rather than a single event. In fact, they are the tournaments that ultimately lead up to the International. The DPC can be split into two categories: the Regionals and the Majors. The Regionals cover six regions: Europe, North America, CIS, China, South America, and Southeast Asia. On the other hand, the Majors are separate events where the players compete for prize money and prestige.
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ESL One Tournaments
Finally, we have to look at the ESL One Tournaments. While prestigious in their own right, these events are much better known for the spectacle. Often held in iconic locations worldwide, ESL One Tournaments are held in front of a live crowd in massive arenas. Fans from all over the world flock to watch their favorite players compete in one of the most iconic games in the realm of eSports.
Key Conclusions
The success of DOTA 2 is not surprising. It is one of the most iconic and beloved games in the world, and a satisfactory sequel to the game that began the Multiplayer Online Battle Arena genre and even spawned an animated show adaptation. With its incredible cast of heroes, a vibrant scene, and a growing player base, it isn’t surprising that DOTA 2 is one of the most popular games in eSports. With that popularity comes a lot of success on betting sites as well.