Top Esports Teams in 2025 – Rankings, Players & Betting Insight

Esports betting has exploded in popularity, and South African punters are taking notice. What started as a niche interest in competitive video gaming has evolved into a major betting market, rivalling traditional sports. Big tournaments featuring team-based games now offer substantial prize pools, attracting professional players and dedicated fans alike.

With millions of Rands at stake, esports betting sites offer South African players exciting opportunities. The good news is that this form of wagering mirrors regular sports betting, making it easy to understand. Compare top esports betting sites for South African players. Find the best odds, secure platforms, and exclusive bonuses to get in on the action today.

Natasha Fernandez
Published by: Natasha Fernandez
Last updated:16.01.2026

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eSports Betting

The best esport players in the world

In terms of total earnings, the top four players in the world all play Dota 2 professionally. They are males aged between 22 and 29. All four made the majority of their money from the International 2019.

Johan "N0tail" Sundstein

This Danish player is currently ranked number 1 globally. He has competed in 129 matches and attained around $7,183,837. Before transitioning to Dota 2, Sundstein was a Heroes of Newerth player. During the International 2019 match, he won $3,124,036.20 in prize money.

Jesse "JerAx" Vainikka

Hailing from Finland, Vainikka has so far competed in 66 matches. While this is not as impressive as Sundstein, it should be noted that Vainikka has earned $6,475,948. This makes him the world's second-best esports player. He reached the number 2 spot at the 2016 Shanghai Major.

Anathan "ana" Pham

This Australian came to the attention of esports bookmakers at an early age. Before Pham turned 18 years old, he had already made $604,739 from 15 tournaments. His current total is in excess of $6,004,411.

Sébastien "Ceb" Debs

The fourth-best player is from France, with $5,773,909 made from 65 tournaments. Debs came first at the International 2018 before winning the following year again. Throughout his career, he has played for nine major teams.

How to choose the best esport team to bet on?

This will largely depend on the nature of the game being played. Some of them require participants to have fast reflexes and accuracy. Others are more tactical in nature. The best esports teams to bet on will know what qualities are needed in order to win a match.

One of the most critical aspects of this type of wagering is research. The gambler should leave very little up to chance. Most tournaments have dozens of teams vying for first place.

In order to narrow down the most likely victors, the punter has to know the track record of each one. Luckily before the final championship, there is usually a season-long qualifying period. This gives viewers the chance to analyze the various strengths and weaknesses of each contender.

Famous esport teams make a name for themselves by attaining a large number of high-profile wins. If their rivals seem evenly matched, then it is trickier to predict who will gain the top prize. If gamblers are unsure, they could research the game mode and map. They may then watch past matches where each of the two teams has competed in similar scenarios. This will give them a better idea of how well the players will perform.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best esports team in 2025?

Team Vitality is currently one of the top-performing esports teams in 2025, particularly in CS2 and Valorant. Their consistent tournament placements and disciplined gameplay make them a standout choice. However, other elite teams, such as Team Liquid, JD Gaming, and T1, continue to lead in their respective titles, making the answer game-dependent.

Can I legally bet on esports matches?

Esports betting is legal in many countries through licensed operators. Major sportsbooks offer odds on popular titles like CS2, League of Legends, and Dota 2. It's essential to verify local regulations and use only platforms that are properly licensed and compliant with responsible gambling standards.

What does house edge mean in esports betting?

The house edge refers to the built-in advantage that bookmakers use to ensure long-term profitability. In esports betting, this often means odds are slightly lower than the true probability of an event. Understanding house edge helps bettors make smarter wagers by identifying fair-value opportunities.

Do esports teams play more than one game?

Yes, many top esports organizations compete in multiple games. Teams like Fnatic, Team Liquid, and Natus Vincere have divisions in CS2, Dota 2, Valorant, and more. While some teams focus on a single title, multi-title organizations offer broader exposure and often bring consistent strategies across formats.

Who is the highest-paid esports player of all time?

Johan "N0tail" Sundstein is the highest-paid esports player to date, earning over $7 million through Dota 2 tournaments. His success with team OG, particularly during their back-to-back wins at The International, set a benchmark in esports prize earnings history.