How to Bet on Overwatch

Overwatch was released by Blizzard Entertainment in 2016 and since then, it quickly became one of the most iconic hero-based shooters in the esports scene. Matches are fast-paced, heroes have distinct abilities, and teams are forced to put their heads together to complete objectives tied to each game mode. Overwatch is a natural fit for esports betting.

Whether you’re new to betting on esports or want to understand more about how Overwatch works, you’re in the right place. Our guide covers the competitive landscape, how to read the odds, and even how to pick the right sportsbook when you’re ready to get started.

How Overwatch Esports Works

Overwatch has been building itself a solid reputation in the scene for about a decade. In 2025, the growth continues with the launch of the Overwatch Champions Series (OWCS). This competition is designed to replace the old Overwatch league and will showcase players from all over the world. The OWCS will bring together teams from Europe, Asia, and North America to compete in events throughout the year.

As teams compete, they’ll earn points that affect their standings and hopefully secure them a spot in the World Finals.

What Happens in Matches

There are four types of maps to choose from in Overwatch that set the tone for gameplay. These include:

1. Control: Teams battle for control of a set location on the map
2. Escort: One team is responsible for dropping off a payload while the other tries to stop them
3. Hybrid: This format sees a team capturing control of a point and then escorting a payload
4. Push: Both teams try to move in on a common enemy base, with the team that gets closer declared the winner

Teams of five select from three roles — Tank, Damage, or Support. Each hero has unique abilities that contribute to a team’s strategy and shape how a match is played. These matches are played in a Best-of-Five format, so the first team to win three maps takes the series.

How the Overwatch Season Works

OWCS replaced the old Overwatch competitive circuit and now runs from January to November. The global structure and new relegation system make Overwatch esports more competitive and more engaging, almost all year round. The season breaks down into three main stages.

• Open Qualifiers: Qualifiers kick off each stage and give new teams a shot at joining the pro circuit.
• Regular Season: Weekly matches are played between the top teams (up to 12 depending on the region). Every match is broadcast live.
• Regional Tournaments: These bring together the best teams in each region to compete against each other. The best teams advance to the next international event.

At the conclusion of each stage, qualified teams from all regions come together to compete in a global live event. These international matchups are some of OWCS’ most competitive events, making them a prime opportunity for bettors.

How to Read Overwatch Odds

Because betting on Overwatch is so popular, most sportsbooks are going to present their odds in the American format, also known as moneyline, and this format makes it easy to compare odds based on $100 bets. Some sportsbooks may also feature decimal odds for esports, but the American format is best for beginner esports bettors.

In American Odds a minus sign (-) indicates the favorite while a plus sign (+) indicates the underdog. For favorites, the number tells you how much you need to bet to win $100; for underdogs, the number shows what you’d win if you did bet $100.

For example, let’s take a look at some odds you may see in the real world:

Atlanta Reign -170

You’d need to bet $170 to win $100.

Dallas Fuel +140

A $100 bet would win you $140 if they pull off the upset.

Just like traditional sports, esports odds get updated based on performance, betting trends, and roster changes.

Overwatch Betting Options

From simple moneylines to complex parlays, esports betting on Overwatch gives you tons of ways to wager on matches, season outcomes, and more. Below, we’ll look at the most popular types of Overwatch bets.

• Moneyline: Moneylines are the easiest and most common bet, where you predict the winner of a match outright.
• Map Winner: Instead of betting on the full Overwatch match, you can bet on individual maps based on your knowledge of team form.
• Handicap (Spreads): Handicaps in Overwatch betting start a stronger team off with a disadvantage based on maps. For example, a favorite might be listed at -2.5, meaning they must win 3–0 to cover.
• Over/Unders: You can bet on how many maps will be played in a match, which can be a valuable play if a matchup is really one-sided.
• Futures: These bets let you predict the winner of a season or tournament in advance, with better odds based on how early you lock in.
• Props: Props in esports betting are just like you’d expect; they give you the opportunity to bet on outcomes other than who will win the game. You’ll find options like final score, first map winner, and more.

You can also put your strategy to the best by combining multiple bets and bet types into parlays, where you win big if all your picks are correct. During live matches, a number of sportsbooks let you place prop bets as the game happens, with the odds shifting in real time.

Expert Tips for Betting on Overwatch

It can be both fun and profitable to bet on Overwatch as long as you take a smart approach. Here are some expert tips to help you stay ahead:

• Track Roster Changes: Team chemistry matters, and roster changes could mean weaker communication among team members that have less history together.
• Account for Travel Fatigue: In big international competitions, jetlag can plague even the strongest of players.
• Watch the Meta: Overwatch gets frequent updates and hero bans that can shake up a team’s entire strategy.

All of these factors can play a big role in how well a team performs in a given matchup.

Conclusion

Overwatch has a solid player base after its ten-year tenure and recent changes completely revamped the competitive scene to make it even more appealing for betting. OWCS features a packed schedule with tons of opportunities for new teams to rise through the ranks, so bettors have their pick of markets nearly all year long.

If you’re just starting out, learning the meta of the game and how teams work together will give you the foundation you need for success.