Why these three events matter for crypto bettors
TI, Worlds, and Valorant Champions are each title’s pinnacle event, drawing the strongest fields, the sharpest lines, and the deepest prop menus. Knowing the official structure lets you anticipate price swings and pick markets that fit each game’s rhythm. Riot’s esports now even feature an official crypto-exchange partner at global events, a reminder that crypto rails are increasingly present around top tournaments—even though betting eligibility still depends on your local laws and the sportsbook you use.
Event primers you can trust
Dota 2 — The International (TI)
Valve’s 2025 TI runs September 11–14, with Valve’s schedule announcement confirming the arena dates. Recent editions introduced multi-round stages leading into playoffs; modeling those stages correctly is key to map totals and upset probability. Cross-check Valve’s schedule with a current format page before you commit.
League of Legends — Worlds
Worlds features a three-phase structure introduced in 2023 and used again in 2024: Play-In, a Swiss Stage, then a Knockout bracket. The Swiss phase uses advancement/elimination thresholds that materially change live and futures pricing versus old group formats. Expect best-of-ones in most Swiss matches with best-of-threes for qualification/elimination; Knockouts are best-of-five.
Valorant — Champions
Champions caps the VCT season. For 2025, Riot says Champions opens with four groups of four, then an eight-team double-elimination playoff—an important volatility cue for series handicaps and lower-bracket runs. Use the official season explainer when you map qualification paths from the International Leagues and Masters events.
Crypto payments: timing and safety notes that actually matter
On-chain deposits only credit after network confirmations. For Bitcoin, the developer docs estimate ~10 minutes per confirmation on average; many operators wait for multiple confirmations. Ethereum’s proof-of-stake runs in 12-second “slots,” which helps you plan ETH or stablecoin transfers—though empty slots do happen. Always fund before the first game of your qualifying steps rather than at the last minute.
Check your operator’s licence in your jurisdiction before depositing. In Great Britain, you can verify a site instantly via the Gambling Commission’s public register (businesses, people, regulatory actions). Similar public registries exist in other regions.
Odds and markets to prioritize by tournament
TI (Dota 2)
- Series spreads and kill totals can hinge on patch-driven pace and Roshan control. The current stage format (e.g., Swiss-style rounds into playoffs) increases variance compared with round-robin groups, so build bigger buffers into pre-tournament outrights and match look-aheads.
- Futures tip: late-stage double-elim (where applicable) can create hedging windows; check the official bracket before you ladder exposure.
Worlds (League of Legends)
- Swiss Stage dynamics reward number-shopping on elimination/advancement matches (often best-of-three) versus standard best-of-one rounds. Track patch notes and objective pacing; Swiss matchups are redrawn each round, which affects prep time and volatility.
- Props like first Baron/Dragon reflect objective tempo more than raw kills—factor that into live totals.
Valorant Champions
- Groups into double-elim playoffs favor resilient map pools and strong pistol/eco conversion—teams with stable lower-bracket performance can be mispriced after an early loss. Check the 2025 groups/DE structure before building series handicaps or OT props.
A simple, repeatable crypto-betting checklist for majors
- Verify tournament structure on the official site or rules page (dates, stage formats, BOx lengths).
- Fund early. Budget BTC/ETH confirmations around match start times; stablecoins on faster networks can help when supported.
- Shop prices and convert to implied probability. Prefer lower-margin markets; Swiss and double-elim stages often create overreactions you can fade with discipline.
- Capture news only from authoritative hubs (official sites, league pages) before you act on “format rumors.”
- Bet legally: check licensing; keep records of promo terms; withdrawable cash balances shouldn’t be locked behind unfair conditions in regulated markets.
FAQs
Do these events accept crypto directly?
Tournament organizers and game publishers aren’t sportsbooks. Whether you can deposit in crypto depends on your chosen operator and local law; verify eligibility and licences first. For Riot’s global events, crypto brands may appear as partners, but that is separate from betting.
How early should I fund before my bets?
As a rule of thumb, fund well before the first game in your qualifying steps. Bitcoin averages ~10 minutes per confirmation and you may need multiple; Ethereum targets 12-second slots but final credit depends on your book’s policy.
Is Swiss Stage at Worlds really different for bettors?
Yes—Swiss reshuffles opponents each round and uses BO1s with BO3s for do-or-die matches, which changes variance and pricing versus old groups. Plan for swingier paths to advancement.
Where do I confirm TI 2025 dates and format?
Use Valve’s news post for official dates, then a current format reference before you model stages and brackets.
Responsible play
Only use licensed operators in your jurisdiction. Set hard limits, keep wagering fun, and use deposit limits/timeouts or self-exclusion if needed. To check a GB operator, use the Gambling Commission’s public register.
