$558,924 in Esports Bets Reveal the Esports World Cup’s Biggest Week 2 Favorites
Champions in Paris and betting market activity highlight the week's top contenders.
1First Week Results at the Esports World Cup
The first week of the 2026 Esports World Cup crowned three champions. 100 Thieves defeated NRG 3-1 in Valorant, claiming the $600,000 prize. UNLIMIT won Apex Legends, while NAVI triumphed in Fatal Fury. These results marked the initial distribution of the reported $75 million prize pool.
2Activity in Betting Markets
Esports betting saw significant interest on Polymarket and Kalshi platforms. Polymarket's top 20 match markets recorded $402,600 in volume. On Kalshi, teams like T1 and Hanwha Life were heavily favored with high odds.
3Champions in Valorant and Apex Legends
100 Thieves secured victory in Valorant, with Cryocells earning MVP honors. In Apex Legends, UNLIMIT outperformed ZETA DIVISION and Wolves. These outcomes provided early insights into team performances for the tournament.
4League of Legends and Dota 2 Betting Trends
On Polymarket, League of Legends matches saw Gen.G, T1, and Bilibili Gaming as strong favorites. In Dota 2, Team Liquid and LGD Gaming stood out. These trends reflect bettors' confidence in team performances.
5New Markets and Odds on Kalshi
Newly listed markets on Kalshi favored teams like Donstu Esports, Team Orange Gaming, and E WIE EINFACH E-SPORTS. Some matches showed nearly even odds, indicating high uncertainty among traders.
6The Significance of Esports Betting
Esports betting provides a dynamic measure of performance expectations for teams and organizers. The first week's results, prize pool, and betting activity underscore the growth and professionalization of the esports industry.