Betting on the Underdog in Esports: Is it Worth it?

Want to win big betting on e-sports in Kenya? Underdog teams offer massive payouts, but the risk is real. Esports betting is huge, and knowing which underdogs to back can seriously boost your winnings. But how do you spot a good underdog bet? EsportRanke provides the insights you need. We break down what makes an underdog team, how to assess the odds, and the pros and cons of betting against the favorites. Get the expert tips to decide if the potential reward is worth the risk. Make smarter bets and maximize your e-sports profits with EsportRanker!

Esports betting is among the most popular forms of online betting, with millions of fans eager to test their skills and knowledge on their favorite esports games. One area that sparks curiosity is betting on the underdog teams, teams with less chance of winning. But could this be a better strategy for a higher reward? EsportRanker provides insights into what an underdog team is, how to approach a good underdog bet in esports and weigh the pros and cons of underdog betting to help you decide whether it’s worth the risk.

When you see a squad tagged as the underdog, it simply means bookmakers think they’ll lose. That’s why they get bigger betting odds. Picture a rookie lineup in a League of Legends clash against a top-tier roster—those fresh faces are the underdogs this time around.

Underdog Scenarios in Big Esports Titles

• League of Legends (LoL): A wildcard squad making its Worlds debut.
• CS:GO (Counter-Strike: Global Offensive): Regional teams you’ve barely heard of facing powerhouse European outfits.
• Dota 2: Dark-horse teams scraping in through qualifiers up against past champions.

Bookies use betting odds to mirror how likely an outcome is. When you back an underdog, the odds can soar, so even a small stake turns juicy. For example, betting KSh 1,030.70 on a team at odds of 4.5 could net you about KSh 4,638.15 if they pull off the upset. But remember—high reward often comes with high risk, since favourites dominate most matchups.

Successful underdog betting isn’t pure luck—it’s a mix of solid research, smart betting strategy, and disciplined bankroll management. Here’s how to level up:

Do Your Homework

• Dive into recent results, player stats and even map records.
• Check if that underdog thrives on certain maps or game modes.
• Look for inconsistencies in the favourites—no team is perfect.

Pro tip: Keep an eye on local qualifiers like the National Electronic Sports Tournament. If you spot a rising Kenyan squad, you might grab serious value before the rest of the world tunes in.

Spot the Sweet Spots

Not every underdog is worth a punt. Look for:

• Underrated teams with clever tactics but low spotlight.
• Favourites known to slip up when they underestimate weaker foes.
• Meta shifts after patches—sometimes a update favours quick-thinkers over established giants.

Keep Your Bankroll in Check

Betting on long shots can be a roller-coaster. Only risk a small slice of your funds on underdog bets. Use payment methods like M-Pesa or Airtel Money to top up and track your spending. Avoid chasing losses—discipline is key if you want to keep playing for the long haul.

| 🏆 Pros | ⚠️ Cons | | ———— | ————— | | 💰 Bigger Payouts: Small stakes can turn into serious wins. | 🎲 High Risk: Most underdogs get beaten, so you need solid strategy. | | 🎉 More Excitement: Cheering for the unknown makes viewing thrilling—just like Gor Mahia upsetting AFC Leopards! | 🔄 Unpredictable Variables: Technical hiccups or last-minute roster changes can spoil the plan. | | 🔍 Hidden Gems: Deep analysis can uncover teams flying under the radar. | ❤️ Emotional Bias: It’s easy to bet on your favourite, even when the numbers say no. |

Statistically, backing underdogs in major events is a long shot. In the 2025 League of Legends World Championship, underdogs won just 18% of matches. But when they hit, the returns can be massive—like Fnatic toppling T1 in the group stage, rewarding brave bettors big time.

Legendary Underdog Wins

1. OG’s Dota 2 Triumph at The International 2018 OG arrived as outsiders yet claimed victory over PSG.LGD in the grand finals. Early bets on them would’ve turned a modest stake into a windfall.
2. Cloud9’s CS:GO ELEAGUE Major Win (2018) As a wildcard team, Cloud9 shocked FaZe Clan in the final. Anyone who backed them saw huge returns, proving that even against the odds, the underdog can shine.

Betting on underdogs can be a savvy move when you spot genuine value. Focus your research on team performance trends, up-to-date betting odds, and context around tournaments—local or global. While there’s no guarantee, strategic underdog betting can pay off handsomely. So, give it your all, sasa? Stay informed, stick to your plan and you might just turn those long shots into big wins.

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