Sharpr and Abios Release 2024 Esports Betting Market Report

Key Demographic Trends

Generation Z has become the leading audience in esports betting, accounting for 44% of all bettors in 2024, surpassing millennials. Overall, the 18-43 age group dominates the market, representing 87% of all bets. Generation X consistently holds a share of 11-13%.

Counter-Strike: The Betting Leader

Counter-Strike maintained its position as the most popular game for betting, capturing 64% of total bets in Q4 2024.

Average bettor age: 31 years
Player stats bets: 13% of total bets
Live bets share: 46%
Shanghai Major attracted 28% of Q4 bets, becoming the key tournament of the year

Riot Games: Growing Interest in Valorant and Stability in LoL

Riot Games titles saw increased bettor interest, reaching a combined 31% of total bets (up from 27% in 2023).

League of Legends

Betting share: 26% of the total market
Average bettor age: 29 years
World Championship is the second most popular tournament in Q4 with a 19% share

Valorant

Betting share growth: from 3% to 5% year-over-year
Live bets share: 28%

A significant development was Riot Games’ decision to allow team sponsorships by betting brands starting in 2025, potentially strengthening its influence in the betting market.

Dota 2: Declining Interest

Dota 2 continues to lose ground in the esports betting market:

Betting share decreased by 4% compared to 2023
The International 2024 attracted only 3% of total bets in Q3
DreamLeague and PGL Wallachia were ranked among the top 10 tournaments, collecting a combined 5% of bets

The declining interest also impacted The International’s prize pool, which dropped from a record $40 million in 2021 to $2.5 million in 2024.

Conclusions

The 2024 esports betting market reflects shifting player interests: rising popularity of Riot Games titles and a decline in Dota 2 engagement. Counter-Strike remains the market leader, while the growing involvement of Generation Z lays the groundwork for audience expansion. Riot Games’ new sponsorship policy could further strengthen League of Legends and Valorant’s positions in the coming years.