What Is E-Sports and Why Is It So Popular in Malaysia?
E-Sports refers to professionally organised video game competitions where teams or individuals compete in popular titles such as Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, PUBG Mobile, Dota 2, and Valorant. In Malaysia, the E-Sports community has grown rapidly over the past few years, with many local teams competing at both regional and international levels.
The 21a platform lets Malaysian players follow and bet on their favourite E-Sports tournaments with ease, through a fully Malay-language interface. That means no language barriers when it comes to making your betting decisions.
With mobile device support, users can follow match updates and adjust their bets in real time from anywhere — whether at home, at a café, or on the go.
Types of E-Sports Tournaments on This Platform
The E-Sports section on 21a covers a wide variety of game genres that are popular among Malaysian players. Each genre has its own tournament format, match duration, and unique betting market types. Understanding these differences helps you make smarter betting choices.
Includes Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and Dota 2. Each match typically runs 20–40 minutes, with teams competing 5 versus 5. Betting markets cover match winner, first set winner, total building destructions, and more. Malaysian teams such as RSG MY and TODAK are among the active local representatives on the international stage.
Includes PUBG Mobile and Valorant. Tournament formats typically consist of multiple rounds with a points system. Betting markets focus on overall tournament winners, individual match winners, and team-specific performance. This genre is especially popular for its exciting live spectator experience.
E-Sports Betting Market Types at a Glance
| Game Types | Example Title | Standard Format | Key Market Types |
|---|---|---|---|
| MOBA | Mobile Legends, Dota 2 | Bo3 / Bo5 | Match winner, set handicap |
| FPS / Battle Royale | PUBG Mobile, Valorant | Double round | Tournament winner, final standings |
| RTS / Strategy | StarCraft II | Bo3 / Bo5 | Set winner, total rounds |
| E-Football (Soccer) | FIFA / EA FC | League / KO | Winner, total goals, handicap |
How to Read E-Sports Odds — A Simple Example
Odds reflect the potential payout for every RM you wager. Here's a simple example: if the odds for Team A to win are 1.75 and you bet RM 40, the payout if you win is RM 40 × 1.75 = RM 70 (including the original stake). Your net profit is RM 30.
Lower odds (e.g. 1.35) indicate a team is considered the stronger side — smaller payout but lower risk. Higher odds (e.g. 3.20) mean the team is seen as the underdog — greater risk but higher potential payout.
| Odds Format | Example Values | How Payouts Are Calculated | Terms of Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decimal | 1.75 | Stake × odds | Malaysia, Europe |
| Fractional | 3/4 | (Stake × numerator) ÷ denominator + stake | UK, Ireland |
| American (Moneyline) | +150 / -200 | Positive: profit per RM100 wagered; negative: amount needed to win RM100 | United States |
| Asian Handicap | -1.5 | The leading team has 1.5 points deducted for recalculation | Asia, Malaysia |
All examples above are for illustration purposes only. Actual odds depend on the live market at the time of the match.
E-Sports vs Other Betting Categories
Many new users wonder how E-Sports differs from regular sports betting or casino games. The table below breaks down the key differences so you can pick the category that suits you best on 21a.
| Aspect | E-Sports | Regular Sports | Table Games |
|---|---|---|---|
| Match frequency | Daily / weekly (ongoing tournaments) | Depends on the league season | Available 24/7 |
| Skill required | Game knowledge helps | Sports statistical analysis | Card / number strategy |
| Live stream | Yes, via streaming platforms | Yes, TV & online broadcast | Live dealer available |
| Betting markets | Winner, handicap, total rounds | 1X2, over/under, BTTS | Player vs dealer, side bets |
If you enjoy keeping up with video games and want to combine that passion with a chance to win, E-Sports is the right fit. For more variety, visit the Table Games or try Blackjack for a different experience.
How to Deposit MYR to Bet on E-Sports
Before you start betting on any E-Sports tournaments at 21a, you need to make a deposit to your account. The process is simple and supports a variety of local Malaysian payment methods. Just follow these steps:
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Step 1 — Log in or register a new account
Go to the Log In if you already have an account, or Register To open a new account. The registration process only requires basic information and takes less than 5 minutes.
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Step 2 — Open the Deposit menu in your account
After logging in, go to the Wallet or Deposit section in your account settings. You'll see a list of available payment methods.
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Step 3 — Select a payment method
Choose your preferred method — such as Touch 'n Go eWallet, GrabPay, or online bank transfer — then enter your deposit amount in Malaysian Ringgit (RM).
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Step 4 — Confirm the transaction
Follow the verification prompt on your payment app. Once confirmed, your account balance will be updated and you can go ahead and pick an E-Sports match to bet on.
Payment Methods & Processing Times
| Payment Methods | Deposit Processing Time | Withdrawal Processing Time | Minimum Concept Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Touch 'n Go eWallet | Instant – within minutes | 1–3 business days | Subject to eWallet account limits |
| GrabPay | Instant – within minutes | 1–3 business days | Subject to GrabPay account limits |
| Online Bank Transfer | A few minutes – 1 hour | 1–2 business days | Subject to individual bank policies |
For detailed withdrawal info and account verification, please check the page FAQ. You can also download the official 21a app via the download page for a smoother transaction experience from your smartphone.
Bet on E-Sports Directly from Your Phone
The official 21a Android app is built specifically to deliver a fast, stable, and user-friendly experience on smaller screens. Track live E-Sports odds as they move, place bets mid-match, and receive match result notifications — all in one app.
Compared to browsing the regular site on a mobile browser, the app delivers faster response times and a smoother navigation experience — which matters most during live betting, when odds can shift within seconds.
To download the app, visit the Download App and follow the on-screen installation instructions. The installation process takes under 3 minutes on most Android devices.
Get the AppReady to Start Betting on E-Sports?
Register your account today and start your E-Sports betting journey with the Malaysian gaming community at 21a. Sign-up is quick and deposits can be made via local eWallets.