TL;DR
- Esports tournaments can generally be divided into shorter formats, namely single elimination, and longer formats, such as double elimination, round robin, and Swiss format.
- Shorter format tournaments are more volatile and carry higher risk with higher odds, while longer format tournaments are less risky with lower odds and give you more data to work with.
- Different formats offer unique betting markets, such as game-specific bets in a best-of-3 series or cumulative stats betting in a round-robin format
Esports tournament formats vary between games and organizers. For example, CS2 uses the Swiss System and single elimination, whereas League of Legends (LoL) competitions go with a double elimination and round-robin format. This guide gives you a quick rundown of the different formats you’ll likely come across and how they might affect your esports betting game plan.
Common tournament formats in esports
Single elimination
Teams or players are eliminated from the competition following only a single loss. Matches progress until there is an overall winner. This format is popular in tournaments like Red Bull Kumite, which feature fighting games like Street Fighter.
Double elimination
This format features a bracket system with an upper and lower bracket. Players or teams drop to the lower bracket after their first loss and are eliminated after their second loss. Apex Legends Global Series Playoff is one of the tournaments that uses this format.
Round robin
Each team plays against each other once (single) or twice (double) in this format. The overall rankings are based on the total wins or losses per team or player. The Overwatch League regular season uses this tournament format.
Swiss format
Teams will play against others with the same win/loss record. Teams are only eliminated from the tournament when they lose a set number of games (usually three losses). This format is used in the CS2 Majors.
Group stage to knockout
This format is also known as hybrid because it combines multiple formats. The tournament begins with a round robin or the Swiss format, then transitions to a single or double elimination format for the playoffs. Call of Duty League Majors uses this format in their tournaments.
How the tournament format influences betting risk
The format of the tournament plays a key role in the risks you take when betting. You’ll need to adjust your strategy depending on which format the tournament is using.
Formats with fewer matches, such as the single elimination format, for example, carry a much higher risk and volatility level. There’s less data to rely on, and one bad game by a favorite could mean elimination. Underdogs often have the opportunity to turn the tables and cause an upset in these matches.
In longer formats such as the round-robin and double elimination, you have more time to analyze each player or team’s form. You can establish a baseline of each competitor’s strengths and weaknesses, giving you much better odds of getting your bets right.
In shorter, high-pressure formats, upsets are far more likely. Even the highest-ranked teams and players can be eliminated early in the competition.
Betting opportunities by esports tournament format
Different tournament formats create unique angles and opportunities that you can use in your betting strategy. Let’s take a closer look at how you can use unique formats to your advantage.
Best-of series (Best of 3 or Best of 5)
In a series where two teams or players go head-to-head for a best-of-three or best-of-five series, you’ll have the opportunity to make map or game-specific bets. For example, Team A will win on Map 2. Your advantage here is that you can analyze which maps a team or player has a weakness in, giving the opposition a better chance at winning on a specific map.
Group stages
In group stage formats (such as round-robin or Swiss formats), esports betting sites tend to focus on broader outcomes. These are lower-risk bets that are easier to get right. For example, you can bet on Team 2 to qualify from Group B. But it gets even better; you can go even broader with a bet like ‘Team A will finish in the top 3’. These formats also give you the opportunity to go for cumulative bets such as total kills, headshots, and objectives taken, for example.
Knockout rounds
These are the volatile formats. In short formats like single or double elimination, any match could be a team’s or players’ last. The stakes are high, and teams can adapt their strategy mid-game, becoming more conservative or aggressive as they push for a victory that would save them from elimination. Momentum swings are common in these formats, causing the odds to change much faster than you might expect.
Tips for esports bettors
If you’re still new to esports betting and find tournament formats overwhelming, don’t worry. We’ve got a couple of tips to keep you in the loop and help you out.
- Research the format before you place any bets. We covered the major tournament formats in this article, but always conduct a deep dive into the format of a specific tournament before you start placing your bets.
- Shorter formats have higher unpredictability, so consider placing smaller stakes to manage your risk and stay in the game for a more extended period.
- Longer formats offer great opportunities and value with favorites. They might start slow but pick up their performance along the way. Just keep an eye on them and jump on the train early.
- Analyze team stamina, strategy depth, and adaptability. Keep a close eye on the team or player’s performance in the long-form tournament to assess their strengths and weaknesses, and make sure to adapt your strategy accordingly.
- And of course, monitor your bankroll and practice responsible betting to safeguard your funds.
Understandably, you may focus on betting markets and odds when wagering on esports, but also take into consideration the impact of tournament formats when you’re strategizing your next move. Once you start paying attention to whether you’re betting on a best-of upset fest or a long-form grind, you’ll notice your results improve pretty quickly.
FAQs
Long-form tournaments like elimination round-robin and Swiss formats are generally best for betting. These formats allow you to track each team’s performance for a longer time, giving you more data to analyze and work with before placing your bets. CS2 Majors, LoL Worlds, and Dota 2 International use these formats.
Yes, reputable betting sites will always factor in the tournament format when setting their odds. Shorter, more volatile formats, such as single elimination, will have higher odds compared to less risky, longer format tournaments like round robin or best-of-three matches.
