Since 2009, League of Legends has been rising through the ranks to become one of the biggest titles in esports. The competitive season features a packed calendar with regional and global events.
Each year, teams from all over the globe compete in leagues like the LCS, LEC, LCK, and LPL; based on their performance, they can move on to major global tournaments. Because matches happen all the time, there are tons of betting opportunities throughout the year.
If you want to make smarter bets on LoL esports, you’ll need to know more than just the basics. How teams play together, what’s going on in the game, and tons of other factors can make a big difference. We’ve rounded up some of the top tips from LoL betting experts to help you be at the top of your game.
LoL Esports Format
League of Legends is played on a single map called Summoner’s Rift. In each match, two teams of five players compete against each other to destroy the opposing team’s Nexus — or, the core building in their base. Each of the five players selects their character, called a Champion, based on their unique abilities.
On the way to destroy the Nexus, teams have to destroy turrets, win fights against other teams, and secure objectives to keep advancing their team.
Every region has its own pro league for League of Legends players. The LCS (North America), LEC (Europe), LCK (Korea), and LPL (China) are the main ones. Each league has regular seasons and playoffs, after which they send the top teams to global tournaments like the Mid-Season Invitational and Worlds.
Expert Advice for League of Legends Betting
Watch The Draft Phase
Before the start of each match, teams will go through a draft phase where they pick and ban certain Champions from play.
This part matters a lot more than many bettors may think. If a team gets a solid draft that fits their style, they could be unstoppable. On the other hand, if key picks are taken away or the team comp is overall poor, a team might struggle to execute their strategy.
Pay Attention to the Meta
League of Legends is one of Riot’s most popular games, so it is still receiving regular updates. These updates, or patches, can change which Champions, items, and approaches are strong, or even work at all. This is called the meta. It’s critical for bettors to understand the current meta of the game so they can keep an eye on how teams are doing.
The better team on paper may fall behind after just one patch because they’re sticking with strategies that have become obsolete.
Understand Team Playstyles
Every team is going to play League a little differently. Some focus on speed and aggression, setting out on the offense right as a match begins; others stall and wait for team fights in the late game. A fast team could beat weak opponents quickly, but struggle against teams that are stronger against that early pressure.
Knowing how two teams are going to match up stylistically can help you make stronger predictions on things like total kills, game time, or first objectives.
Assess Recent Stats & Team Form
Looking at the most recent matches a team has played is one of the best ways to inform your bets. Even strong teams hit cold streaks, and frequent updates can suddenly make weaker teams shine.
Look for trends in wins and losses, how often teams secure objectives, and how they’re doing in lane matchups. Stats don’t tell the whole story, but they can help you make smart choices.
Have a Clear Strategy
Strategy means that you can’t bet just because a match is on. The best way to bet on LoL is to have a plan and stick to it. Maybe you specialize in live betting after the draft, or maybe you stick to props like first blood or total kills. Find what interests you the most and build your strategy around that. Set limits for yourself, keep notes, and refine your strategy with game patches.
It’s easy to chase losses in fast-paced games like LoL but, if you stick to what you’re good at and look for real value, you can come out on top.
Why Bet on LoL?
League of Legends offers steady, year-round action. You can bet on major regional leagues during the regular season, playoffs, and big global events. Matches are all streamed for free and live stats and replays are always available — which makes review and analysis a breeze.
League doesn’t stop for any long stretches, so it’s a good fit for bettors who want regular opportunities. As long as you stick to your strategy, betting on LoL can be profitable and exciting all year.