In esports betting, it’s easy to fall into the trap of betting on the favorites — they’re the “safe” choice, and the odds are lower, but the outcome is often seen as more predictable. However, betting on underdog teams can yield substantial profits if you know where to look. Underdogs frequently offer higher odds, meaning the potential payout is greater. If you can spot underdog teams with the right combination of skill, momentum, and circumstances, betting on them can be incredibly profitable.
Here’s how you can spot value in underdog teams when betting on 98win .
1. Look for Situations of Undervalued Underdogs
Underdogs aren’t always underdogs for the right reasons. Sometimes, they get discounted because they’ve had a few rough matches, or their odds are inflated due to their opponent’s popularity or reputation. In these cases, the team’s recent performance doesn’t reflect their true potential.
To spot undervalued underdogs, you need to look at the context surrounding the match:
- Recent Form: While a team may have a few losses on their record, they may have shown signs of improvement. Maybe they’ve been improving their coordination, or they performed well against a strong opponent.
- Roster Changes: A team might be performing below expectations due to roster changes, but sometimes a fresh addition or new player synergy can give an underdog an edge. If a new player has been consistently improving or performing well in practice, their impact on an upcoming match could be significant.
- Meta Shifts: In games like League of Legends, CS:GO, and Dota 2, the meta often shifts due to balance changes or patch updates. Teams that may have struggled under the previous meta can suddenly thrive under a new one. Keeping an eye on these shifts could reveal opportunities where underdogs become undervalued.
2. Analyze Head-to-Head Matchups
A key part of betting on underdogs is understanding how they match up against their opponent. Not every underdog team is going to be outclassed by a favorite. The true value often comes from how team compositions, strategies, and styles align with one another.
When analyzing head-to-head matchups, consider:
- Playstyle: Does the underdog’s style of play counter the favorite’s? For example, in CS:GO, a team with strong individual fraggers might outplay a team with a more tactical approach, especially if the favorite is caught off-guard by fast, unpredictable play.
- Past Meetings: Look at how the teams have performed in past matchups. Have the underdogs been competitive in earlier encounters? Maybe they won one or two maps, or they forced a tiebreaker. This can be a strong indicator that the underdog is more capable than the odds suggest.
- Map Pool: In games like CS:GO and Valorant, teams are often stronger on certain maps. An underdog may perform poorly on a map that isn’t part of the rotation for a given series, which gives them an advantage in the upcoming matchup. Pay attention to map statistics and history to find these edge cases.
3. Team Momentum and Recent Improvements
Momentum can play a huge role in esports, just like in traditional sports. A team that’s on a streak or has been showing consistent improvement is a prime candidate for an upset, especially if their opponent is overconfident or not prepared for a challenge.
Look for underdogs that have:
- Strong recent results despite being underrated, such as close losses to top-tier teams or strong wins in smaller tournaments.
- Team growth: Are they improving over time? Sometimes a team may have lost early in the season but made significant adjustments and now looks much more competitive.
- Player form: Pay attention to individual players on underdog teams who are hitting their stride. If a star player starts to emerge, it could tip the scales in favor of the underdog.
4. Betting on Underdogs in Specific Markets
Not every bet on an underdog has to be a match winner bet. Sometimes, the underdog’s value lies in specific markets where they’re more likely to exceed expectations. These markets often offer higher odds and less risk, making them perfect for capitalizing on an underdog’s hidden potential.
Some markets to focus on when betting on underdogs include:
- Map Handicap: If the underdog team has been showing resilience in individual maps, you might bet on them to cover the map handicap. Even if they lose the match, they might be able to win one or more maps, providing good value.
- Total Maps Over/Under: Underdogs often make matches closer than expected. If they’re playing against a superior opponent, betting on over 2.5 maps in a best-of-three series can be profitable.
- First Kill / First Blood: If the underdog is aggressive and has fast starters, they may secure the first kill in a match, giving you a betting opportunity that doesn’t require a full win.
- Player Props: If an underdog’s star player has been performing consistently well, consider betting on specific player performance props (e.g., highest kill count or MVP). This type of bet can be lucrative even if the team doesn’t win the match outright.
5. Underdogs with Strong Coaching and Strategy
Sometimes the key to betting on an underdog lies not in the players but in the coaching staff. Teams with strong, tactical coaches can often outperform expectations through smart strategies and preparation. If an underdog has a highly respected coach with a reputation for making effective mid-series adjustments, that’s a team you’ll want to keep an eye on.
Final Thoughts
Spotting betting value in underdog teams on 98win requires a combination of research, knowledge of team dynamics, and a keen eye for game-specific details. Don’t just look at the odds — look at the underlying factors that could give the underdog a fighting chance. Whether it’s a meta shift, roster change, or superior strategy, the value in underdogs often lies in the details that casual bettors overlook.
By consistently applying this approach, you can identify opportunities where betting on underdogs provides a higher payout than the odds suggest. Always remember, value is key, and sometimes the best bets come from those who are counted out.