# $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.

- **Source:** [Bitcoin News](https://brifing.si/source/d8aeaf1e-9839-4dad-9d25-7a6bf3fbeef8)
- **Published:** 2026-07-13
- **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business)
- **Original article:** <https://news.bitcoin.com/558924-in-esports-bets-reveal-the-esports-world-cups-biggest-week-2-favorites/>
- **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/0e1b9606-1502-4d09-a169-7e8c71071584

## First 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.

## Activity 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.

## Champions 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.

## League 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.

## New 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.

## The 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.

## Sources covering this story

- https://news.bitcoin.com/558924-in-esports-bets-reveal-the-esports-world-cups-biggest-week-2-favorites/ — 

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_Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._
