Since its official release on June 2, 2020, Valorant has rapidly grown into one of the most popular esports titles in the world. Developed by Riot Games, this tactical first-person shooter shares similarities with games like Counter-Strike, but it has its unique twists. As the game gains traction in competitive esports, betting on Valorant has also become a major draw for fans and bettors alike. Whether you’re an experienced bettor or new to esports betting, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about betting on Valorant.
Understanding Valorant Gameplay
At its core, Valorant is a team-based tactical shooter where two teams of five players battle to complete objectives. The primary objective for the attacking team is to plant a bomb (referred to as the “spike”) at one of two designated bomb sites and defend it until it explodes. The defending team must either prevent the spike from being planted, defuse it if it’s planted, or eliminate all attackers before the timer runs out.
Matches are split into two halves, and teams swap sides after the first 12 rounds. A typical Valorant match is played in a first-to-13 format. If the score is tied at 12-12, a final decider round takes place to determine the winner.
In addition to traditional shooter mechanics, one of the key elements that sets Valorant apart from other tactical shooters is the use of “agents” — unique characters with their own set of abilities. These abilities range from utility skills like smokes, flashes, and healing to powerful ultimates that can dramatically change the course of a round, such as reviving fallen teammates or deploying high-damage weapons.
The game’s economy system also plays a vital role. Players earn money by completing objectives (like planting the spike or getting kills) or winning rounds. This money is then spent on weapons, armor, and abilities, creating a strategic layer where resource management becomes crucial to success.
Understanding Betting Odds in Valorant
When betting on Valorant, odds are typically displayed in American odds format, similar to traditional sports betting. The odds show the likelihood of each team winning the match, and they are presented in terms of either a positive (+) or negative (-) number.
For instance:
- Cloud9 -175
- Immortals +150
In this example, Cloud9 is the favorite, and you would need to bet $175 on them to win $100. On the other hand, Immortals is the underdog, and a $100 bet on them would yield a $150 profit if they win.
These odds fluctuate based on the teams’ performance, roster changes, and other factors, so it’s essential to track them regularly if you want to place the best bets.
Popular Types of Valorant Bets
In Valorant betting, there are several popular wager types to consider, each offering a different approach to betting on matches. These include:
1. Moneyline Bets
The simplest form of betting in Valorant, moneyline wagers involve picking the team you believe will win the match. Most matches are played in a best-of-three format, where the first team to win two games takes the series. You can place moneyline bets on the entire series or on individual games within the series.
2. Spread Bets
Spread betting, or handicap betting, is often available for Valorant matches, particularly in best-of-three series. A spread bet changes the margin by which a team must win to cover the bet. For example, if a match is between T1 and Gen.G Esports, you might see T1 listed as -1.5 favorites. This means T1 must win the series 2-0 for the bet to succeed. If Gen.G wins a single game, the spread bet loses, but the payoff is higher due to the added risk.
3. Totals (Over/Under) Bets
In Valorant, totals bets focus on the number of games played in a series. For example, in a best-of-three match, you can bet on whether there will be more than two or fewer than two games played. A typical total line might look like Over 2.5 or Under 2.5. If you bet on Over 2.5, you’re predicting that the series will go to a third game.
4. Futures Bets
Futures bets allow you to wager on the outcome of an entire tournament or event before it begins. For example, you could bet on which team you think will win the upcoming Valorant Championship. These bets are available well in advance of the event, and odds can shift as the tournament progresses.
5. Prop Bets
While still relatively rare for Valorant, prop bets (short for proposition bets) are wagers based on specific occurrences during a match. These might include questions like “Which team will win the pistol round?” or “Will a specific player get over a certain number of kills?” As Valorant grows in popularity, prop betting could become more widespread.
Strategy for Betting on Valorant
Before you start placing bets on Valorant, it’s essential to understand the dynamics of the game and the teams you’re betting on. Watch matches to get a sense of which teams are in top form and how they perform under pressure. Pay attention to team rosters, as player changes can have a significant impact on performance.
One key aspect of Valorant is team coordination and the ability to use agent abilities effectively. A well-executed strategy that maximizes the use of agents’ abilities can often lead to success, even against more mechanically skilled opponents. Therefore, keeping an eye on how teams approach their agent selections and how they utilize their abilities will help you make more informed betting decisions.
Additionally, understanding the game’s economy system is crucial. A team that knows how to manage its money, buying the right weapons and abilities at the right times, often has the upper hand.
Conclusion
Betting on Valorant can be an exciting and profitable experience for those who understand the game’s mechanics and how to read betting odds. By learning about the different types of bets, analyzing team performance, and tracking odds, you’ll increase your chances of making successful wagers. Remember to gamble responsibly and always research before placing any bets. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or just starting, Valorant offers plenty of opportunities for esports betting enthusiasts.
