Esports, short for electronic sports, has undergone a meteoric rise in popularity over the past decade, and India is no exception to this trend. Fuelled by increasing internet penetration, affordable smartphones, and a growing gaming culture, competitive gaming has become a mainstream phenomenon. 

Alongside this, the Indian betting market has welcomed esports as an exciting and lucrative opportunity. But which cyber sports disciplines are Indian bettors gravitating towards? This blog will walk you through some of the most popular esports titles dominating the Indian betting landscape.

Why Indian Players Are Turning to 11IC for Esports Betting

As the esports betting scene gains momentum in India, platforms like 11IC app download apk are stepping into the spotlight by offering tailored experiences for local bettors. With a user-friendly interface, competitive odds, and a wide selection of popular esports titles such as Dota 2, CS 2, and Valorant, 11IC caters directly to the preferences of Indian players.

What truly sets 11IC apart is its commitment to making betting both accessible and rewarding. New users can kickstart their experience with an exclusive welcome bonus of ₹200 by using the promo code “zhqtFB9” during registration. This bonus gives players a head start in exploring live bets, tournaments, and in-play features without any initial deposit.

Why Esports is Becoming a Hot Favourite Among Indian Bettors

Before diving into specific games, it’s important to understand why esports has become so prominent in the Indian betting scene:

• Growing Esports Community: India boasts 420 million online gamers as of 2023, with a steadily growing esports community. Not only players but also fans are increasingly engaging with professional gaming leagues.
• Accessibility: Online betting platforms are making esports more accessible than traditional sports, allowing users to place bets on matches from the comfort of their homes.
• Streaming Platforms: The rise of platforms like YouTube Gaming, Twitch, and Loco enables fans to follow tournaments and live streams, increasing enthusiasm for betting on their favorite teams.

Counter-Strike 2

One of the oldest titles in the esports world, CS 2 is a major favorite among Indian bettors. A first-person shooter (FPS) game, larger global teams like FaZe Clan and Navi, as well as regional teams, compete in global tournaments like the ESL Pro League or BLAST Premier.

Why it’s popular among Indian Bettors

• Simplicity: CS 2 competitive structure makes it easy to understand, even for newcomers.
• Betting Opportunities: From predicting the match outcome to niche bets like “First Team to Secure 10 Kills,” CS 2 offers diverse options.

Betting Tips for CS 2

• Analyse team performance in recent tournaments.
• Be aware of map-specific strengths, as CS matches rotate maps like Mirage and Inferno, which influence gameplay.

PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG Mobile) 

It’s impossible to talk about esports in India without mentioning PUBG Mobile. Despite the temporary bans imposed over the years, the launch of localized versions like Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) has kept the game alive, along with its massive fan base.

Why it’s popular among Indian Bettors

• Wide Audience: With over 200 million registered users in its heyday, PUBG Mobile has been a constant feature in many Indian gaming communities.
• High-Profile Tournaments: Leagues like the PUBG Mobile India Series (PMIS) attract global attention and, by extension, betting opportunities.
• Dynamic Betting Markets: Options like predicting the last-man-standing team, number of kills secured by a specific player, or total survival time make betting exhilarating.

Strategy When Betting on PUBG Matches

• Watch live streams to observe individual player or squad strategies. 
• Track kill counts and survival rates, as these metrics often indicate consistency.

Dota 2

A part of the Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) genre, Dota 2 is widely recognised within esports circles and frequently features in top-tier tournaments like “The International.” Though not as mainstream as FPS games, its tactical depth attracts seasoned Indian bettors.

• Skill-Oriented: The game focuses on complex strategies and team synergy, making it a fascinating watch for bettors.
• Big Prize Pools: With record-breaking payouts, tournaments generate massive attention, adding to the betting buzz.

Call of Duty (CoD): Mobile

With a legacy rooted in PC and console gaming, the mobile version of Call of Duty quickly gained traction in India due to appealing graphics and fast-paced gameplay.

• Mobile-First Market: India has a predominantly mobile gaming base, making CoD Mobile’s accessibility a key factor.
• Tournaments like CODM Championships: These leagues attract major audiences and foster betting interest.

What to Know Before Betting on CoD Mobile

• Familiarise yourself with the team dynamics and map preferences.
• CoD matches often hinge on precision and reaction times, making underdog wins relatively common. 

Free Fire

Another mobile gaming giant is Garena Free Fire, an accessible battle royale tailored for low-end devices, giving it a massive user base in India:

• Ease of Play: Similar in appeal to PUBG, but with shorter, faster matches.
• Avid Community: Regional tournaments like the Free Fire India Championship are crowd pullers that fuel interest in betting markets.

Betting Opportunities in Free Fire

• Bet on “Top Squad by Kills” or individual player performance.
• Keep an eye on local teams like TSM Entity, known for their consistent performance. 

Valorant

Valorant, developed by Riot Games, has enjoyed massive popularity globally and locally since its 2020 release. Combining strategy with the crisp mechanics of FPS games, it’s become a betting favorite.

Why it’s popular among Indian Bettors

• Emerging Indian Representation : Teams like Velocity Gaming represent India at global championships.
• Young Fanbase: Valorant’s vibrant and youthful community aligns with Indian audiences, particularly Gen Z bettors.

Best Practices for Valorant Betting

• Understand “Agent” picks as they influence team performance.
• Match-specific bets can include predicting Spike placements or the “defuse” outcome.