How to Play Fantasy Esports
What is Fantasy Esports & The Best Fantasy Esports Betting Sites
Similar to traditional fantasy sports, fantasy esports allows you to assemble a virtual team of professional esports athletes who earn points based on their real-life performances in various competitive esports events. These points are calculated and compared against other players' teams, challenging your skills and knowledge of individual athletes and the games they excel in.
There are many fantasy esports betting sites and apps, offering a wide variety of gaming options and promotional offers to enhance your experience. Among the most popular platforms are DraftKings, FanDuel, and Sleeper. These platforms cover the most popular esports titles like League of Legends, CSGO & CS2, Rocket League, and more, ensuring that there's something for every fantasy esports fan out there.
Show More...
Updated on: 2/16/2024
Best Fantasy Esports Betting Sites
n/a New customers only. 18+ T&Cs apply. begambleaware.org. | Visit NowAll Betting Sites |
Best Fantasy Esports Betting Sites & Apps
As you explore the world of fantasy esports, it's important to find the right platform to suit your needs. With so many options available, we've compiled a list of the top fantasy esports betting sites and apps to help you choose the perfect fit.
- DraftKings - Best Overall for Fantasy Esports
- FanDuel - Best for Fantasy Odds
- Sleeper - Best Fantasy Esports Features
- DraftBuff - New Fantasy Esports Site
DraftKings
Best Overall for Fantasy Esports
Logo | Rating | Bonus | Visit Now |
---|---|---|---|
n/a New customers only. 18+ T&Cs apply. begambleaware.org. | Get Bonus NowAll Betting Sites |
With DraftKings, you can engage in daily fantasy sports for a variety of popular esports titles. They have paid out over $10 billion in winnings and continually offer a wide range of contests to suit your interests. You can easily join for free, draft your favorite players, and win cash prizes.
To get started, simply visit their daily fantasy esports platform, where you'll find everything you need to succeed. From drafting a new lineup whenever you want to picking your favorite stars each week, DraftKings provides a seamless experience for both public contests and private leagues with friends.
Pros
Large selection of esports fantasy titles
Cons
Lack of healthy competition to develop fantasy esports industry
License & Company No. | n/a |
---|---|
# of esports | 4 |
U.S. Players allowed | Yes |
Bonus rollover | No |
In-Play betting available | No |
Cryptocurrency support | Yes |
Live chat support | n/a |
Phone support | n/a |
Minimum deposit | n/a |
Minimum withdrawal | n/a |
Year Established | n/a |
FanDuel
Best for Fantasy Odds
Logo | Rating | Bonus | Visit Now |
---|---|---|---|
n/a New customers only. 18+ T&Cs apply. begambleaware.org. | Get Bonus NowAll Betting Sites |
FanDuel offers conventional esports and daily fantasy esports (as well as traditional sports DFS), focusing on fantasy esports for popular games such as LoL and Counter Strike.
FanDuel DFS odds are slightly better compared to other DFS platforms, however, their selection of esports titles is lower compared to platforms like DraftKings.With FanDuels’ DFS, you can participate in contests that take place over a shorter period compared to regular fantasy leagues. Instead of lasting an entire competitive season, daily esports fantasy focuses on a single competitive weekend or session.
Pros
Great fantasy betting odds
Cons
Lack of esports fantasy titles
License & Company No. | n/a |
---|---|
# of esports | 1 |
U.S. Players allowed | Yes |
Bonus rollover | Yes |
In-Play betting available | No |
Cryptocurrency support | Yes |
Live chat support | n/a |
Phone support | n/a |
Minimum deposit | n/a |
Minimum withdrawal | n/a |
Year Established | n/a |
Sleeper
Best Fantasy Esports Features
Logo | Rating | Bonus | Visit Now |
---|---|---|---|
n/a New customers only. 18+ T&Cs apply. begambleaware.org. | Get Bonus NowAll Betting Sites |
Sleeper is a platform that takes a unique approach to fantasy sports, incorporating elements of battle royale gaming into their esports offering. By doing so, they provide an innovative and immersive gaming experience for you and your friends.
With Sleeper, you'll find that the platform focuses on fantasy betting leagues for esports. This means that it expands beyond popular sports titles, allowing you to engage in new and exciting games. Sleeper is also known for its highly-rated mobile app, making it simple for you to manage your teams and leagues on the go.
One notable aspect of Sleeper is its approach to incorporating esports. This includes the League of Legends Championship Series, as well as a pick and ban system, ensuring balanced gameplay across all matches.
Pros
Unique features such as battle royal fantasy mode
Cons
Small selection of esports titles
License & Company No. | n/a |
---|---|
# of esports | 1 |
U.S. Players allowed | Yes |
Bonus rollover | Yes |
In-Play betting available | No |
Cryptocurrency support | Yes |
Live chat support | n/a |
Phone support | n/a |
Minimum deposit | n/a |
Minimum withdrawal | n/a |
Year Established | n/a |
DraftBuff
New Fantasy Esports Site
Logo | Rating | Bonus | Visit Now |
---|---|---|---|
n/a New customers only. 18+ T&Cs apply. begambleaware.org. | Get Bonus NowAll Betting Sites |
DraftBuff is a platform that enables you to participate in fantasy games for your favorite esports titles. As both a website and an app available for Android and iPhone devices, you have easy access to create your ultimate fantasy esports team and compete with friends.
One of the main features of DraftBuff is the variety of tournament options they offer. You can choose between week-long or month-long competitions with various groups. This allows you to have a more flexible gaming experience. The platform offers the ability to create personal identities in fantasy games, with more titles being added in the future.
Pros
Interesting tournament option for fantasy esports
Cons
Fairly new and buggy platform
License & Company No. | n/a |
---|---|
# of esports | 1 |
U.S. Players allowed | Yes |
Bonus rollover | No |
In-Play betting available | No |
Cryptocurrency support | Yes |
Live chat support | n/a |
Phone support | n/a |
Minimum deposit | n/a |
Minimum withdrawal | n/a |
Year Established | n/a |
Compare Best Fantasy Esports Betting Sites & Apps
Betting Site | Bonus | Minimum Deposit | Available in the U.S | # Esports Available | Betting Types |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
DraftKings | n/a | n/a | 4 | Fantasy | |
FanDuel | n/a | n/a | 1 | Fantasy | |
Sleeper | n/a | n/a | 1 | Fantasy | |
DraftBuff | n/a | n/a | 1 | Fantasy |
Scroll to compare ⇄
- Best Fantasy Esports Betting Sites
- Best Fantasy Esports Betting Sites & Apps
- What Is Fantasy Esports?
- How Does Fantasy Esports Work?
Show More
What Is Fantasy Esports?
Fantasy esports is a captivating way for you to engage in the world of competitive gaming, allowing you to create your own lineup of professional players and participate in a virtual competition. Similar to traditional fantasy sports, the aim is to assemble a roster of real-life professional esports players who will earn points based on their performance in the game.
How Does Fantasy Esports Work?
To start, you'll need to select a virtual team from a pool of potential real-life players. The objective is to compete against other people's team picks and accumulate points based on your chosen players' performance in real-life esports events.
When constructing your team, be mindful of your budget or salary cap. Each player has a value assigned to them, and you must create a balanced team without exceeding the predetermined budget.
During the esports events, your team will earn points based on their in-game achievements such as kills, map wins, game wins, tournament wins, and other accomplishments. Remember, the higher your players perform in real events, the more points your virtual team receives.
What Is DFS?
DFS, or Daily Fantasy Esports, is a form of fantasy sports tailored specifically for the fast-paced world of esports. In contrast to traditional fantasy sports that span an entire season, DFS operates on a much shorter timeframe, usually focusing on a single competitive weekend or session. This dynamic nature means you can quickly adapt your strategy and make changes to your teams with ease.
Is Esports DFS Legal in the US?
Esports DFS (Daily Fantasy Sports) is widely recognized as a skill-based game in the United States. Due to this classification, it enjoys legal status in the majority of US states. However, there are a few states where Esports DFS is not considered legal, such as Washington, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii, Montana, Idaho, and Louisiana.
The number of DFS players in the US is estimated in the millions, making it a prominent part of the global fantasy sports market, which is valued in the billions of dollars.
Fantasy Esports Vs. Fantasy Sports
One similarity between fantasy esports and fantasy sports is the drafting process. In both cases, you assemble a team of players from a pool, customizing your lineup based on their abilities and how they complement each other. Both also offer the chance to compete for significant prize pools, attracting a diverse range of participants eager to test their knowledge and skills.
When it comes to the scoring system in fantasy esports, it is tailored to suit the specific game genres involved.
For example, in a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) like League of Legends, points might be awarded for kills, assists, and objectives completed.
Whereas, a first-person shooter (FPS) such as Counter-Strike: Global Offensive might prioritize headshots, bomb defusals, and round wins. This customization allows for a more immersive and authentic experience for the participants.
Most Popular Esports Fantasy Games in 2023
Esports has seen a rapid growth in popularity over the last few years, which has led to a boom in the Esports DFS (Daily Fantasy Sports) market. In the US, DFS is considered a skill-based game, which makes it legal in most states. As a result, numerous DFS players are now enjoying these fantasy competitions that are based on popular esports titles.
Here is a quick overview of the esports available for DFS:
Fantasy Esports League Of Legends (LoL)
LoL is one of the most played competitive esports titles with more than 180 million players worldwide. When you dive into the world of Fantasy League of Legends (LoL), you'll face challenges to your skills and LoL knowledge. The goal of fantasy LoL is to create your dream lineup and compete against other fans based on the real-life performance of your chosen players and teams.
One of the most popular platforms for playing fantasy LoL is DraftKings, which offers salary cap contests that need you to build a winning lineup while adhering to a predetermined budget. To form a successful lineup, it's essential to understand the structure and scoring in these contests.
At the core of lineup formation is selecting players from various positions, including:
- Top Laner (TOP)
- Mid Laner (MID)
- Attack Damage Carry (ADC)
- Support (SUP)
- Jungler (JNG)
These positions have different scoring systems based on in-game actions like killing opponents, assists, and objective control. DraftKings' scoring system for LoL is as follows:
Action | Points |
---|---|
Kills | +3 points |
Assists | +2 points |
Deaths | -1 point |
Creep Score | +0.02 points |
Top 5 LoL Teams for Fantasy Esports
Together with our experts, we’ve looked at the top performing and most discussed teams, and here are the top 5 LoL teams for fantasy esports that we found:
Team | Region | About |
---|---|---|
T1 | Korea | The T1 team consistently dominates the Korean League of Legends scene with their experienced players and impressive strategies, making them a strong choice for your fantasy esports lineup. Choosing members from this team is likely to increase your overall points due to their powerful performance in international competitions. |
G2 Esports & Fnatic | Europe | G2 Esports and Fnatic, two notable European powerhouses, also have a history of success, and are known for fielding strong rosters. Both teams have a long-standing rivalry and consistently compete at the highest level, making their players ideal contenders for your fantasy team. |
Royal Never Give Up | China | From China, Royal Never Give Up (RNG) has been a force to be reckoned with since their inception. With talented players like Uzi and Xiaohu, RNG has proven time and time again that they can be successful on the international stage. Don't hesitate to pick players from this team to strengthen your fantasy lineup. |
Cloud9 | North America | Cloud9 is known for its aggressive playstyle and a roster full of skilled players. While North American teams have historically struggled to find success internationally, Cloud9 has managed to showcase strong performances time and time again, making their players a valuable addition to any fantasy team. |
Fantasy Esports CSGO & CS2
Counter Strike has dominated the esports scene for nearly a decade, with millions of fans, pro players worldwide participating in CSGO/CS2 tournaments and recent release of CS2, it's only natural that fantasy esports platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel have jumped on the opportunity to organize fantasy events for the game.
DraftKings allows seasoned players as well as newbies to create their own fantasy player lineup, adding another layer of excitement to watching CS tournaments. Some of the essential aspects of creating a CS fantasy team include:
- Selecting players from different teams
- Ensuring you stay within the salary cap
- Balancing the roles of your players (riflers, snipers, etc…)
While CS2 is still growing in the esports scene, it's expected that more fantasy esports platforms will explore the possibilities of including this game in their offerings.
Top 5 CSGO & CS2 Teams for Fantasy Esports
Here’s our list of the top 5 CSGO and CS2 teams that you should be considering for your fantasy esports venture based on our research and past performance:
Team Name | Key Players | Recent Tournament Results | About |
---|---|---|---|
Team Vitality | ZywOo, Spinx, apEX, Magisk, Dupreeh | Multiple championship wins | Team Vitality has been exceptionally strong in CS2 and carried over their success from the CS era. Their impressive roster, featuring ZywOo and Dupreeh, has played an essential role in their performance. |
Natus Vincere | s1mple, electronic, Boombl4, b1t, Perfecto | Consistent top 3 finishes | Natus Vincere continues to mesmerize fans with their firepower, primarily thanks to their star player, s1mple. Their consistent top performances make them a reliable pick for your fantasy esports team. |
Astralis | k0nfig, gla1ve, Farlig, Xyp9x, blameF | Proven track record in CSGO | Astralis has a proven track record in CS and transitioned well into CS2. With experienced players like dev1ce and gla1ve, this Danish team is always a contender in the esports scene. |
Cloud9 | Hobbit, nafany, sh1ro, ax1Le, interz | Rising stars in CS2 | Cloud9 is quickly becoming one of the best teams in the world for CS2. With dynamic playstyles and remarkable individual talents, they offer unique opportunities for your fantasy esports roster. |
Virtus.pro | Jame, SANJI, qikert, buster, YEKINDAR | Dominant presence for years | Virtus.pro has maintained a dominating presence this year, making them a solid choice for your fantasy esports team. Their team coordination and exceptional strategies have led to numerous victories in recent tournaments. |
Fantasy Esports Rocket League
In Fantasy Esports Rocket League, your goal is to create a competitive team by selecting players who perform well in real-life Rocket League matches. To build a winning team, you need to understand the rules and gameplay, including team composition, scoring system, and player performance.
To start, you need to choose a team of six players, ensuring that there is a balance between attackers, midfielders, and defenders. Keep in mind that a valid lineup includes players from at least two different Rocket League matches, as this diversification reduces the risk of poor performance on a single match day and allows your roster to potentially benefit from high-scoring events across matches.
The scoring system in Fantasy Esports Rocket League is based on players' real-life performance, with points awarded for various actions like goals, assists, and saves.
To better understand and evaluate player performance, take the time to analyze individual statistics, recent form, and overall skill level. Keep an eye on standout players known for consistent high-scoring performances and also consider potential sleeper picks who may have untapped potential.
Here's a brief overview of scoring criteria:
Action | Points |
---|---|
Goals | +5 points |
Assists | +3 points |
Saves | +1 point |
Shots on Goal | +0.5 points |
Winning a Match | +2 points for each participating player |
Top 5 Rocket League Teams for Fantasy Esports
For Rocket League fans, we've compiled a list of the top 5 teams to consider for your fantasy esports lineup. These teams have shown consistent success in recent tournaments and possess skilled players that can help you score big in fantasy leagues.
Team Name | Notable Achievements | About |
---|---|---|
NRG Esports | Multiple RLCS Championship Titles | NRG Esports is a powerhouse in Rocket League with several championship titles under their belt. They have a strong lineup consisting of skilled and experienced players, making them a top pick for your fantasy esports team. |
Team Vitality | RLCS Season 7 and Season 9 Champions | Team Vitality has consistently performed well in the Rocket League scene, winning both the Season 7 and Season 9 Championships. With seasoned players such as Fairy Peak!, Kaydop, and Alpha54, they have proven themselves as strong contenders in the esports arena. |
BDS Esport | Dominant performance in 2021 RLCS Season X - Fall | BDS Esport made a significant impact during the 2021 RLCS Season X - Fall, showcasing impressive teamwork and individual talent. Their recent performance makes them a promising choice to include in your fantasy team. |
G2 Esports | Consistent top finishes throughout RLCS history | G2 Esports have consistently placed high in various RLCS seasons. Their roster boasts remarkable talent, including the likes of JKnaps and Chicago, making them a great addition to your fantasy esports lineup. |
Dignitas | Former World Champions with experienced players | Dignitas has a history of success in Rocket League, as former world champions with an experienced roster. Though they've recently faced some roster changes, their new lineup still possesses the potential to achieve greatness. |
Fantasy Esports Call Of Duty
With tens of millions players worldwide (and over 2 million players for CoD Warzone), it’s quickly becoming one of the most popular esports titles.
To start, you pick your favorite players from the pool of professional CoD players participating in the CoD tournaments such as Call of Duty Champs. Keep in mind that each CoD player is assigned a value based on their past performance and role in their team. Your challenge is to create a well-rounded lineup that stays within the allocated budget.
Scoring points in fantasy Call of Duty is achieved by monitoring your chosen players as they perform in the various matches. Points can be earned for actions such as kills, deaths, assists, and much more.
Top 5 CoD Teams for Fantasy Esports
To help you make informed decisions, we think Atlanta FaZe has proven themselves to be one of the best Call of Duty teams in the world right now. With a roster made up of some of the best players in the business, including aBeZy, Simp, Cellium, and SlasheR, they are a solid choice for your fantasy esports team if you’re just getting started.
Fantasy Esports Overwatch
In fantasy Overwatch, you need to assemble a lineup of real-life professional players, earning points based on their in-game performances. Your lineup competes against those created by other participants, with your overall ranking determined by the total points accumulated by your chosen players.
The main goal is to assemble a well-rounded team, where each player complements the strengths of others. You should consider:
- Role specialization: Ensure your lineup includes players from different roles such as tanks, damage dealers, and supports.
- Player synergies: Choose players that work well together and complement each other's skills for better performance.
- Consistency: Opt for reliable players that consistently deliver strong performances rather than higher-risk players who may be inconsistent.
Fantasy Esports Rainbow Six Siege
With fantasy Rainbow Six Siege, you need to create your dream team of top Rainbow Six Siege players and compete against others in various platforms.
The scoring system in fantasy Rainbow Six is designed to reward participants for various in-game achievements. Points are awarded for the following actions:
- Kills
- Plants (Spike/Defuser placement)
- Disables (Defusing the Spike)
- KOST (Kill, Objective, Survive, or Trade)
- Clutches (Winning rounds as the last player standing)
On the flip side, points are deducted for Deaths, balancing the playing field and encouraging strategic decisions.
Top 5 Rainbow Six Teams for Fantasy Esports
As an esports enthusiast, picking the right Rainbow Six teams for your fantasy league is crucial. Here is a list of the top 5 teams that you should consider for an excellent performance in your fantasy esports league.
Team | Country | Winnings | About |
---|---|---|---|
G2 Esports | International | $2,712,087 | G2 Esports has been dominating the Rainbow Six scene and have earned the most profits among the teams. They are a multinational team with world-class players, making them a definite top choice for your fantasy roster. |
Team BDS | France | $2,332,653 | Team BDS hails from France and has secured the second rank in winnings. With notable successes in various tournaments, they are an excellent pick to have on your team. |
Ninjas in Pyjamas | Brazil | $2,009,265 | Ninjas in Pyjamas, a Brazilian team known for their strong performances and skillful players. They have accumulated significant winnings, making them a reliable choice for your fantasy esports league. |
TSM | United States | $1,866,000 | Team SoloMid (TSM), based in the United States, is another great contender for your team. With a history of strong performances and substantial winnings, they are sure to be a valuable addition. |
Spacestation Gaming | United States | $1,842,500 | Spacestation Gaming is a promising United States-based team. Their steady success and growth make them a worthy pick for your fantasy team. |
Fantasy Esports Valorant
Fantasy Valorant is an engaging and strategic gaming experience that lets you dive into the world of Valorant esports. As a relatively new game in the competitive gaming scene, Valorant has gained significant popularity.
When you participate in a fantasy Valorant, you're given the opportunity to select a custom team based on your budget and understanding of the players' abilities. Your goal is to achieve the highest score possible within the average time frame of 2 hours per Valorant match, while adhering to the budget constraints.
Some of the key features and aspects of fantasy Valorant include:
- Point-based system: Compete against other players by accumulating points based on your chosen team members' performance in real-life Valorant matches.
- Limited budget: You have a fixed budget to create your custom team, forcing you to use strategic thinking and carefully evaluate each player's potential performance.
- Exclusive platform: Esports One has introduced Metarenas, a platform dedicated to fantasy esports, offering you a streamlined experience when participating in fantasy Valorant tournaments.
Top 5 Valorant Teams for Fantasy Esports
In the world of Valorant, there are several teams that have left a mark and are making headlines. Here's a list of the top 5 teams you should consider as you're building your fantasy roster:
Team Name | Notable Achievements | About |
---|---|---|
Sentinels | VCT Masters 2021, VCT Masters Reykjavik | The Sentinels have been a dominant force in the Valorant scene, emerging as winners at the prestigious VCT Masters Reykjavik 2021. With players like TenZ and ShahZaM in their roster, it's safe to say that this team can be an excellent choice for your fantasy esports lineup. |
Fnatic | VCT Europe Stage 2, VCT Masters Reykjavik runner-up | Fnatic is another team that has consistently been performing well in the European region. They were the runners-up at VCT Masters Reykjavik. With a balanced and experienced roster, Fnatic could potentially be a top choice for your fantasy team. |
Team Liquid | VCT Europe Stage 1 | Team Liquid has been making waves in the Valorant scene, quickly ascending to become a formidable force in the European region. Their dedication and team synergy have led them to perform consistently, making them a formidable consideration for your fantasy esports roster. |
Vision Strikers | First Strike: Korea, VCT Korea Stage 1 | Vision Strikers, a South Korean team, grabbed headlines for their incredible 100-match win streak in 2021. With their dominance in the Korean scene, it's wise to keep an eye on their players and consider them as potential value picks for your fantasy roster. |
100 Thieves | First Strike: North America, VCT NA Stage 1 | 100 Thieves has been a powerful contender in the North American region with their adaptive playstyle and extraordinary teamwork. Having won the First Strike: North America and reaching the VCT NA Stage 1, this team might earn you some precious fantasy points. |
Esports Fantasy Clash Royale
In Clash Royale, you can create your own fantasy team by selecting four players from the Clash Royale League (CRL). The objective is to accumulate the most Crowns by comparing your selected players' performance to the World Finals. This competition provides an exciting twist on traditional fantasy sports, as you strategize and root for your chosen players.
To start playing, follow these simple steps:
- Visit the Clash Royale game and go to the Esports tab: Fantasy Royale is available through the in-game News Royale Esports tab. Finding it should be a breeze.
- Create your Fantasy Royale team: Select four CRL players who you think will perform best during the championship matches. Be informed and do your research; it's essential to choose wisely!
- Monitor their stats: Keep track of your team's performance during the World Finals, from the number of Crowns earned to their overall standing in the competition.
- Compare with others: The real fun in fantasy esports is comparing your team's performance with other players. See how well your predictions and strategies fare against fellow fans of the game.
The Biggest Upcoming Fantasy Esports Tournaments & Competitions
Let's take a look at some of the most anticipated events and how you can participate.
LoL Worlds
League of Legends World Championship (Worlds 2023) takes place between October 10th and November 19th. As one of the most prestigious events in the esports world, it's the perfect opportunity for you to showcase your knowledge of both seasoned and emerging talent. In addition fantasy sports, you can place bets on LoL Worlds during the event.
Six Invitational
Rainbow Six Siege fans can look forward to the Six Invitational, which takes place in Montreal, Canada from February 7th to 19th. As the season-ending championship event in the Rainbow Six esports 2022-23 season, it's sure to be a thrilling competition for fantasy esports enthusiasts.
Are Fantasy Esports Tournaments Rigged?
Let’s take a closer look at what makes fantasy esports and DFS legit:
Real players
When going over the selection process of esports players, it often involves drafting players from different professional esports teams. Since these professional players have built reputations and career achievements, it independently increases the credibility of the tournaments. Platforms like Draftkings even provide transparency into the players' statistics, enabling you to make informed decisions.
Scoring
The scoring systems of fantasy esports rely on the in-game achievements of the players in the respective esports titles they compete in. These performance metrics include kills, map wins, game wins, and other in-game accomplishments. As you participate, remember that the performance data is collected from official esports matches, which are under strict industry regulations and integrity standards.
Fees
Finally, fantasy esports platforms generally have a clear fee structure and prize pools. To ensure the legitimacy of prize distribution, and many platforms provide a detailed descriptions of how their reward systems function, as well as terms and conditions that govern payouts.
How To Make Your Esports Fantasy Picks
Here are five tips to help you create a successful fantasy draft and get the most out of your esports experience.
Is Daily Fantasy Esports Considered Gambling?
When it comes to daily fantasy esports, you might wonder whether it falls into the category of gambling. To answer this question, let's first understand what gambling entails and examine how daily fantasy esports differs from traditional gambling activities:
- Gambling typically involves placing bets on uncertain outcomes, with the potential to either win or lose money. For example, CSGO/CS2 gambling (and similar games such as Dota 2 and Rust) offer various gambling games including lucky wheel, crash games, roulettes, case battles and case opening to a degree.
- Daily fantasy esports on the other hand focuses more on the participants' knowledge and understanding of the esports players and teams involved. Participants build the teams based on their analysis of real-life esports athletes' performance and compete with others in a contest, making it closer to the game of skill than gambling.
To further differentiate daily fantasy esports from gambling, let's consider the following factors:
- Foundation in skill: As mentioned earlier, success in daily fantasy esports largely depends on the participant's knowledge and understanding of esports, whereas gambling often emphasizes chance or luck.
- No "house" involvement: In traditional gambling activities, the "house" (operator) takes an active role in the outcome of bets. In daily fantasy esports, the contest providers do not control the outcome of the events.
- Legal status: Although the legal status of daily fantasy esports may vary by country, it is often classified separately from conventional gambling. For example, fantasy sports (including esports) are exempted from prohibitions against online gambling in the USA.
Payment Methods For Fantasy Esports Betting
There are several payment methods to choose from when betting on fantasy esports. Some of the most common options include:
- Visa
- MasterCard
- Skrill
- PayPal
- Neteller
- Bank Transfers
- Cryptocurrencies (BTC, ETH, USDT, and more)
Although there's a varied list of payment options, most platforms primarily accept Visa and MasterCard.
Advantages & Disadvantages Of Fantasy Esports Betting
When it comes to fantasy esports betting, it's essential to weigh the advantages and disadvantages before diving in.
Advantages
- Engagement: Participating in fantasy esports allows you to become more engaged with the games and players you follow. By creating your own team and tracking their performance, you'll have a deeper connection and understanding of the esports scene.
- Accessibility: Unlike traditional esports betting, fantasy esports typically doesn't require expert knowledge in odds or bookmakers. Simply draft your team and let their performance drive your success in the league.
- Control Over Results: Unlike traditional betting where you can only bet on fixed odds, in fantasy esports, your success is determined by how well you draft and manage your team. This allows you to have more control over the outcomes.
- Less Risk: Since fantasy esports is often played with virtual currency or for small amounts of cash, it can be less financially risky compared to traditional esports betting.
Disadvantages
- Time Commitment: Managing a fantasy esports team can be time-consuming due to the need to research player performance, study game statistics, and make strategic decisions.
- Lack of Predictability: Individual player performances may vary from game to game, making it difficult to consistently predict outcomes. This unpredictability can, at times, lead to unexpected losses or underwhelming performances.
- Limited Availability: Some esports titles might not have well-established fantasy esports platforms, as the concept is still growing, limiting your options for participating in such leagues.
Is Fantasy Esports Betting Safe?
If you’re getting into fantasy esports, there are a few safety concerns that you need to be aware of:
Data Reliability
One of the primary concerns in the realm of fantasy esports betting is the reliability of the data being used. As a bettor, you rely on accurate player and team statistics to make informed decisions. However, in some rare cases, inaccuracies or misreporting in data may happen due to human error or technical glitches. To overcome this challenge, it is important to use reputable fantasy esports platforms and verify the data from multiple sources whenever possible.
Cheating Incidents
While esports has made significant strides in recent years in terms of professionalism and integrity, there still exists the rare possibility of cheating scandals affecting the outcome of bets. Players may be involved in match-fixing, use hacks, or other dishonest methods to gain an advantage. Esports organizations and regulatory authorities are increasingly vigilant to help curb these incidents and maintain a fair competitive environment.
Is Fantasy Esports Worth Trying?
Playing fantasy esports is stats-based, meaning that your players will score points according to their performance in real-life matches. This encourages you to develop a deeper understanding of the game mechanics while using your strategic prowess to choose the optimal lineup for your team.
So, if you're an esports enthusiast looking for an engaging and skill-testing experience, fantasy esports is definitely an option worth exploring. With its accessibility, potential for growth, and challenging strategic gameplay, you might just discover a new way to enjoy your favorite games and put your knowledge to the test.
Your Fantasy Esports Questions Answered
What are the best fantasy esports apps?
There are numerous fantasy esports apps available, with some of the top contenders being Sleeper, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Sleeper is known for its focus on a variety of esports titles and is available on both Apple Store and Google Play. DraftKings and FanDuel are widely recognized for their user-friendly interfaces and variety of contest formats.
How do I participate in Fantasy League of Legends?
To participate in fantasy League of Legends, first, find a platform that supports fantasy competitions for this game, such as E-GO APP. Register and create an account, then choose a contest to enter. Once you've joined a contest, you'll need to draft your fantasy team by selecting real-world professional players based on their projected performance. Monitor your team's progress during the competition and make adjustments as necessary.
Are there fantasy leagues for games like Valorant and Call of Duty?
Yes, there are fantasy leagues available for games such as Valorant and Call of Duty. You can find these leagues on fantasy esports platforms like DraftKings, where various esports titles are supported. Keep an eye out for upcoming tournaments and contests to participate in.
What is Fantasy LCS and how does it work?
Fantasy LCS (League of Legends Championship Series) is a type of fantasy esports competition focusing on the professional League of Legends leagues. Similar to traditional fantasy sports, participants draft a team of professional players and earn points based on their real-life performance in the LCS. You can participate in Fantasy LCS competitions by joining a league on an esports fantasy platform. In addition to fantasy esports, you can also participate in LCS betting if that is something you’re into.
How does DraftKings fantasy esports compare to FanDuel esports?
Both DraftKings and FanDuel offer fantasy esports contests, with each platform hosting a variety of competition formats. Both platforms are highly respected and well-known in the industry. However, there may be subtle differences in their user interfaces, mobile apps, and contest offerings. To choose the right platform for your needs, we recommend trying both and exploring their features and supported esports titles.
Contributors
Author
Artiom Pucinskij
Artiom is the founder and editor of EsportsLounge, a leading esports content website covering everything from esports betting to the latest esports news. With a passion for gaming that extends beyond his professional work, Artiom loves playing popular games such as CSGO, LoL and Dota 2 in his spare time. With five years of experience in the gaming and betting industries, Artiom has developed a deep understanding of the world of esports and is dedicated to bringing his readers the most informative and engaging content possible. When he's not busy covering the latest esports trends, Artiom can often be found indulging in his favorite game, Final Fantasy.