When you consider that the actual game of soccer is the most popular sport on the planet, it’s only fitting that esoccer is a dominant force in the gaming world. That also applies to fans who like to bet on gaming-focused esports, because it can often provide the same level of excitement as a real-life soccer match. In this post we go through some of the top esoccer betting tips for beginners.
Obviously, esoccer is not a one-for-one type of experience, particularly because esoccer betting offers unique betting options vs. regular sports betting. Another advantage is that esoccer has fewer “dry” months compared to live soccer, like when in-person leagues have virtually zero activity during the summer. In sharp contrast, there’s always something exciting going on in the esoccer scene all year round.
If you’re looking to enter the world of esports betting, and in particular esoccer, we’ll give you some nice betting tips to get you started.
What Are the Most Popular Esoccer Games in 2023?
There are a few soccer video games out there, but the most popular title at the time of writing is unquestionably FIFA 23, developed and published by EA Sports.
With licenses that include leagues like La Liga, Bundesliga, and Premier League, and some of the most recognizable players in the world of soccer, FIFA 23 is packed with content. It is also home to all of the major esoccer tournaments in the world.
The vast majority of FIFA tournaments utilize Ultimate Team, a special mode in which players buy card packs to build a dream roster with the best soccer players in the world.
Top 8 Esoccer Betting Tips
Now that you know the most popular esoccer titles, let’s take a look at some important esoccer (also known as efootball) betting tips so you can start placing bets!
Before jumping in, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the scene and the best-performing players, learn about the meta, and understand how the game can change when the developers make balance adjustments.
1. Learn About The Most Important Esoccer Events
This may seem obvious, but it’s also incredibly important! When you keep tabs on the most important esoccer events, you’ll have an opportunity to participate in live betting. You’ll also have more betting options to choose from, because you’ll know when to make a wager.
Tournaments to pay attention to include the FIFAe World Cup, the eChampions League, and EA Sports Cup. There are other esports tournaments played throughout the year, too, so rest assured there’s always something to look forward to.
2. Watch Live Tournaments
The major esports events usually live stream via Twitch, and esoccer tournaments are no exception. Knowing who’s on top and keeping tabs on the rankings for the best-placed teams and players in recent events will give you an idea of which matches to look out for once you start actively placing esoccer bets.
You’ll also grasp more nuanced concepts like average goals scored per match, the players who tend to score more in the first or second half, and their preferred tactics.
3. Check Out the Most Popular Esoccer Betting Lines
If you want to become an expert in football betting, or in this case soccer betting, then you’ll need to familiarize yourself with popular betting lines. The standard esoccer betting lines include match winner, predicting the correct score, and over/under for goals scored during the match.
However, as you gain more knowledge, you’ll discover other unique markets. This is particularly true in live betting action, which can have lines like who will score the next goal in a match.
4. Study Team Rosters And Player Performance
Ultimate Team allows for real-life player performance to directly impact the meta. How? Well, if a soccer player is performing exceptionally well, EA Sports will create a special FUT (FIFA Ultimate Team) card that could potentially shake things up by giving pros who get their hands on that card a serious advantage.
You can build your esoccer betting knowledge by finding out which teams are performing well in the real-life Champions League or the Premier League. Is Real Madrid on top? Is Manchester City dominating? These real-world results have an impact on in-game esoccer player stats. That’s because the devs adjust esoccer player performance depending on how well their real-life counterparts play on the pitch.
5. Pay Attention To Game Updates
Sure, the real-life performance of players can impact how their virtual versions play in-game, but the developers also make adjustments to ensure a balanced environment, just like with other esports games.
Patch notes may nerf certain strategies that top players may favor ahead of important playoffs to qualify for big events. This is why keeping up to date on software updates can give you a potential edge.
6. Keep Track of Head-to-Head Records
While knowing the meta and analyzing real-life results is important, it’s just as useful to learn more about the actual pro players competing in FIFAe events. During major tournaments, a favorite to take the trophy may find themselves facing that one opponent they just can’t overcome, often losing despite being the favorite in the matchup. Smart punters weigh this information heavily before they make a big bet.
7. Play The Game For Yourself
Nothing familiarizes you with gameplay like playing an intense FIFA game for yourself. Not only will you start analyzing how each player works at a basic level, but you’ll also get an understanding of which tactics are the most optimal to win a match.
Equipped with better knowledge, you’ll have the upper hand against other bettors who may not be as familiar with the actual gameplay.
8. Remember To Have Fun
This last tip isn’t specific to only esoccer betting, but it definitely applies to it—and it’s to remember to have fun! Know your limitations and make the best of the experience, and you’ll bring more energy and focus to your betting.
Getting to see the team you placed your faith in pull out a miraculous win feels exhilarating, so savor those victories first and foremost! The more you enjoy it, the more you’ll enjoy it and expand your knowledge of the game.
Similarly, if you find yourself not having fun, feeling stressed, or betting due to your current emotional state, it may be time to step away. One of the most well-known betting tips is to never wager based on your emotions.
Start Betting on Esoccer Today at Thunderpick
Now that you’re more well versed in the world of esoccer betting, it’s time to start placing your bets! Thunderpick is one of the few betting sites that offers a dedicated esoccer betting section. Our bookmakers allow you to engage with a comprehensive list of esoccer tournaments, from major events to small one-offs.
If you catch a match live, you’ll find live betting options across several interesting betting lines, including First Half Winner, Total Goals, and final score. If you’re interested in crypto betting, you’ll be happy to hear that Thunderpick lets you place bets using a wide variety of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin.
