Want to jump into the excitement of VALORANT esports betting? We can help you get started with this VALORANT betting guide! As you step into near-future Earth, you’ll immediately feel the intense competition and thrilling VALORANT odds and bets to match.
This guide will cover everything you need to know, from VALORANT betting tips to how to play Riot Games’ popular tactical shooter. Whether you’re familiar with the traditional sports betting world or fresh to the VALORANT gambling scene, we’ve got you covered.
Uncover the vibrant synergy of live streams, sportsbook offerings, and welcome bonuses. So, what are you waiting for? Dive right in, and may the VALORANT betting odds forever be in your favor!
Or jump straight into the world of VALORANT betting over at Thunderpick.
Table of Contents
What is VALORANT?
In addition to being one of the most popular esports titles, VALORANT is the groundbreaking first-person shooter (FPS) from gaming titan Riot Games. That’s the same studio that brought you League of Legends (LoL), in case you didn’t know. The best part about VALORANT? It’s completely free to play!
Introduced under the codename “Project A” in late 2019, VALORANT has evolved into an esports masterpiece, drinking deeply from the legendary well of the acclaimed FPS title Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO). Yep, we bet you’ve heard of that one! So, how do you play VALORANT? Great question.
VALORANT Gameplay
VALORANT matches take place as thrilling five-versus-five matchups across multiple unique maps, each commanding strategies between the two sides: attackers and defenders. The objective is simple. The first team to win 13 out of 25 rounds wins the entire match! If a 12-12 tie occurs, a sudden death round determines the winner.
To win a round, the attackers must plant a “Spike” (bomb) at designated sites. If it detonates, they win the round. However, the defenders aim to prevent this by eliminating all the attackers, defusing the Spike, or allowing the round timer to reach zero (before the Spike goes boom, of course).
Similar to Overwatch, players can choose from various characters, known as “Agents,” each of whom wields menacing abilities to influence the game. You’ll purchase many of these Agents with Kingdom Credits, the in-game currency earned by playing VALORANT game modes or completing Dailies.
There are four types of Agents—Duelists, Sentinels, Initiators, and Controllers—and they all denote distinct functional roles. While VALORANT is far from being a carbon copy of Counter-Strike, it seamlessly integrates many of CS:GO’s core mechanics, like bullet-spray patterns, buy zones, and bomb planting.
VALORANT also places a strong emphasis on strategy and team play over “run and gun” gameplay.
VALORANT Betting Guide: The Esports Scene
VALORANT was heralded as the “next big thing” in the competitive gaming ecosystem, so it’s no shock that the game’s esports arena exploded over time. After all, it was only in 2020 that Riot launched its inaugural “First Strike” regional tournaments, which laid the foundation for the VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT).
This series comprises three levels:
- Challengers: The regional battlegrounds where teams fight tooth and nail for a spot in the next tier.
- Masters: Divided into stages, this is where international skirmishes determine the best in mid-season. For reference, it’s sort of like the LoL Mid-Season Invitational.
- Champions: The annual world championship, where the crème de la crème face off. It’s a pretty big deal. Think: Dota 2’s The International “big.”
In 2023, Riot decided to shake up its VALORANT tournament by pivoting the VCT to a partner system. Now, 30 franchised teams clash in three regional leagues—American, EMEA, and Pacific. They began with a bang at the VCT LOCK//IN in São Paulo, which set the tone for the 2023 season.
The goal? Qualify for Masters and Champions. But there’s a twist. Non-partnered teams aren’t left in the shadows. Instead, they skirmish in the Ascension series to earn a promotion into the International Leagues, and eventually, aim for the Challengers.
Betting on VALORANT
Given VALORANT’s thriving esports scene, it is no surprise that the game also has such an impressive online betting landscape. Whether it’s the VALORANT Champions Tour or Ignition Series, there are heaps of intense high-octane plays to watch and bets to make. But where to begin?
The answer is Thunderpick! It’s one of the best VALORANT betting sites out there, and it allows you to take advantage of competitive VALORANT odds and a plethora of cryptocurrency payment options, including major cryptos like Bitcoin or Ethereum, for both deposits and withdrawals. As part of our partnership with Evil Geniuses, Thunderpick also offers some of the best VALORANT odds in the market when EG are playing.
Our range of VALORANT betting bonuses include:
- Map insurance
- Cashback bonus
- VCT insure bonus
For the sake of transparency, these promotions typically only apply to major tournaments like the VALORANT Champions Tour and other VALORANT tournaments. However, as one of the top Valorant betting sites, Thunderpick also offers an excellent first-deposit bonus of a 100% match up to €600.
Understanding VALORANT Betting Odds
Now that you have a firm grasp of betting, you may be wondering what amazing betting options are available on Thunderpick. Say no more. In addition to our VALORANT betting odds, these are some of the popular betting lines that you can choose from.
Match Winner
Here’s where bettors place their trust. A money-line bet, which is often referred to as the “winner bet,” is where you put your chips on the team you believe will clinch victory in a round, match, or even an entire tournament. If you’re the type to back your favorite team, this VALORANT betting market is for you!
Over/Under
An over/under bet challenges bettors to predict specific stats related to a VALORANT game, like whether a team will notch up a certain number of kills. Before jumping in, it’s always smart to check out live streams on Twitch or tune into qualifiers to get a feel for team dynamics.
Handicap
Also known as a line or spread bet, the handicap system ensures a level playing field during an uneven matchup. It does this by awarding an underdog team a slight advantage. Let’s say a VALORANT team has a -2.5 handicap. This means they must secure victory by at least 3 points for you to win the bet.
Other VALORANT Betting Markets
As the VALORANT gambling ecosystem evolves, you can expect to see innovative types of bets pop up on top VALORANT gambling sites. Here are some more examples:
- First Kill
- Total Kills
- Map Duration
- Live Betting
Betting platforms also have unique VALORANT betting markets. So, exercise due diligence to know what they entail.
Final Shots
Are you ready to get started on your VALORANT esports betting journey? We bet you are. The good news is Thunderpick is a great bookie to kickstart your adventure! If you’re new to the platform, don’t miss out on our first deposit welcome bonus—it’s a token of our appreciation. As you venture deeper, don’t forget to explore our various crypto payment methods and visit our FAQ section to learn more. VALORANT betting online can be as exhilarating as the game itself. If you’re making VALORANT bets make sure to brace yourself, make informed decisions, and enjoy every moment of your real money betting experience!
