DATA.BET Launches Betting Markets for Riot's 2XKO

DATA.BET has introduced dedicated betting lines for 2XKO, Riot Games' forthcoming 2v2 fighting game set to enter competitive play in 2026. The provider's new markets cover anticipated tournament outcomes, character-based props, and match winner odds, marking an early push to integrate the title into global esports wagering ecosystems. This development aligns with Riot's expanding portfolio beyond League of Legends and Valorant, signaling heightened operator interest in diverse fighting game verticals amid rising demand in Europe, Asia, and Latin America.

• Expanded Market Access: Operators in regulated markets like the UK, Sweden, and Brazil gain immediate tools for 2XKO pre-launch hype, potentially boosting early engagement by 20-30% based on similar fighting game rollouts.
• Integrity Alignment: Betting lines incorporate ESIC-compliant data feeds, ensuring transparent odds and reducing risks of irregular wagering patterns as the game's esports scene matures.
• Strategic Timing: Launch coincides with Riot's beta testing phase, allowing bettors to wager on developer-sanctioned scrims and qualifiers, fostering liquidity in nascent markets.

The rollout of 2XKO betting markets by DATA.BET represents a pivotal step in bridging Riot Games' aggressive esports diversification with the betting industry's appetite for innovative titles. As a subsidiary of Altenar, DATA.BET specializes in real-time odds for over 60 esports disciplines, serving more than 200 operators across Europe and emerging markets in South America and Southeast Asia. The provider has confirmed that its 2XKO lines will feature granular markets, including first-to-X wins, total rounds, and special props on character synergies—elements designed to mirror the game's tag-team mechanics inspired by titles like Street Fighter and Marvel vs. Capcom.

Riot Games unveiled 2XKO in August 2025 during a global developer stream, positioning it as a "fast-paced, accessible entry into competitive fighting games" with planned esports integration from launch. Unlike Riot's established MOBAs, 2XKO's compact 2v2 format lends itself to high-frequency betting opportunities, appealing to operators seeking alternatives to saturated CS2 and LoL markets. DATA.BET's move pre-empts official tournaments, leveraging simulated events and community qualifiers to build volume. "We're excited to partner with Riot on this groundbreaking title, offering bettors a front-row seat to its rise," stated DATA.BET CEO Eyal Golani made the announcement. This initiative arrives as global esports betting volumes have surged 15% year-over-year in non-US regions, per recent H2 Gambling Capital data, driven by hybrid live/in-play features.

For operators, the implications extend beyond immediate revenue: integrating 2XKO enhances portfolio depth and attracts younger demographics in markets like Germany and Australia, where fighting games command 12% of esports wagers. Regulators, including the UK Gambling Commission, stand to benefit from standardized data feeds that bolster anti-match-fixing protocols, especially as ESIC expands monitoring to new IPs. Bettors, meanwhile, encounter lower vig rates—averaging 4.5% on moneylines—compared to 6-8% in emerging titles, promoting sustainable play.

Challenges persist, however. With 2XKO's full release slated for mid-2026, early markets rely on proxy events, raising questions about liquidity depth. Industry experts anticipate a 25% uptick in fighting game betting if Riot secures partnerships with organizers like EVO or Thaiger Uppercut, events that drew over 100,000 peak viewers in 2025. In Brazil, where esports wagering has grown 40% amid recent licensing reforms, platforms like Betano have signaled interest in exclusive 2XKO promotions to capture mobile-first users.

This launch underscores a broader trend: publishers like Riot are proactively shaping betting ecosystems to safeguard integrity while monetizing viewership. By channeling revenues into grassroots circuits—echoing Riot's Valorant model—DATA.BET's markets could indirectly fund prize pools exceeding $5 million in the title's debut year. As esports betting evolves, such collaborations fortify the sector's resilience against volatility, ensuring equitable growth for stakeholders in high-potential regions.

Sources: DATA.BET, Esports Insider