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Main ranking systems in eSports: ELO, MMR, regional and world rankings

Home » Blog » Main ranking systems in eSports: ELO, MMR, regional and world rankings

Ranking systems in eSports form the basic structure that keeps the industry afloat, providing balance and transparency. The mechanisms create an environment where amateurs and professionals compete on an equal footing, motivating growth and development. The main task is not just to record the level of players, but also to provide benchmarks for tournament selections and award distribution. Why do we need a ranking in eSports? Firstly, it serves as a benchmark for players, helping to determine the level of skill and highlight the strongest. Secondly, rankings encourage fair matches and increase the interest of spectators. In the professional arena, they are a tool for assessing the readiness of teams for world tournaments.

How do rating systems work in cybersport?

Algorithms take into account complex parameters. Most schemes are based on analysing wins, losses, as well as the level of opponents. Dota 2 uses MMR, which adjusts the difficulty of matches based on the current results of players. In CS:GO and League of Legends the rating is based on ELO, where not only the frequency of victories is important, but also the importance of the opponent. How is the rating calculated in cyber sports? For example, the ELO system captures rating changes using the formula: E=Ra+K×(S-E)E = R_a + K times (S – E)E=Ra+K×(S-E), where RaR_aRa is the current rating, SSS is the match result, and EEE is the expected outcome. This approach is used in many disciplines, including FPS and MOBA.

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Ranking varieties: local scale and global arena

A regional ranking system rates participants within localised eSports tournaments. The approach helps to track the development of teams and players in a particular region, highlighting the strongest players for international competition. The world ranking combines the results of regional championships and major tournaments such as ESL Pro League or Worlds. This data forms the final picture of leadership in the industry. The mechanism takes into account not only wins, but also their context, such as the importance of the event or the level of opponents.

ELO, MMR and other systems: how rankings are calculated in eSports

How do rating systems work in cybersport?The ELO system was developed as a method of objectively calculating the strength of players in chess. Later it became a universal tool for rating analyses in various disciplines, including cybersports. The main principle is to compare the positioning of the participants and calculate the probability of the outcome of the match. Victory over a stronger opponent brings more points than over a weaker one. In case of defeat against the second – more points are lost. The algorithm calculates the rating through the formula: R′=R+K×(S-E)R′ = R + K times (S – E)R′=R+K×(S-E), where:

  • R is the current rating;
  • S is the match result (1 – win, 0.5 – draw, 0 – loss);
  • E is the expected result;
  • K is the coefficient affecting the rate of rating change.

In cybersports, the ELO rating system is used in CS:GO and other competitive games where it is important to quickly calculate positions after each session. The versatility of the method allows it to be used in genres from shooters to strategies. The peculiarity is the simplicity of implementation. The disadvantage is the complexity of accounting for team efforts, so the results may not always reflect the personal contribution of each participant.

MMR: Deep Balance Adjustment

MMR, or Matchmaking Rating, is suitable for more flexible assessment of individual and team skills. Unlike ELO, this method focuses not only on the result of a match, but also on statistics within the game. In Dota 2, the scheme is divided into two areas:

  1. Ranked MMR captures the overall level of a player in a competitive environment.
  2. Unranked MMR is applied in less formal sessions, influencing the selection of opponents.

The algorithm analyses dozens of parameters, such as hit accuracy, number of kills, help to allies and other metrics. This allows the individual contribution of each participant to be taken into account, even in the event of a loss. In League of Legends, MMR also forms a level playing field for matches. Developers incorporate up to 200 factors into matchmaking schemes, including play style, favourite champions, average session length and current season activity. MMR shows high accuracy in balancing, especially in team-based disciplines such as MOBAs. The disadvantages manifest themselves in the high level of waiting for matches, especially during peak hours when the engine experiences a shortage of players with close skill levels.

What ranking systems are used in eSports?

Depending on the genre of the game, algorithms are adapted to the needs of gameplay:

  1. FPS games such as CS:GO are more likely to use ELO due to its simplicity and high calculation speed.
  2. MOBA games such as Dota 2 or League of Legends favour MMR, which better reflects the contribution of each participant to a team victory.
  3. Strategy or simulation games may use hybrid models that combine elements of ELO and MMR.

Player Matching Systems: Perfect Balance or Utopia?

Player matching systems are formed to ensure fair competition. These algorithms analyse a variety of factors including skill level, experience, playing style and current form. Case studies: In League of Legends, opponent selection takes into account previous matches, MMR rating, frequency of wins and losses, and behavioural parameters (e.g. penalties for infractions). In Dota 2 and other MOBA projects, mechanisms also pay attention to meta – current trends in the use of heroes or tactics. Schemes often encounter complaints about imbalance. The main problems:

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  1. Limited number of players during certain hours of the day. For example, in CS:GO, this leads to novices and professionals being combined in the same match.
  2. Uneven distribution of skills in team games. For example, one experienced participant in Dota 2 can compensate for a weak session of the whole team, which reduces the accuracy of the result.
  3. Dependence on servers and ping. A high level of latency negatively affects the outcome of matches, even if the balance is maintained.

Why follow the rankings?

Player Matching Systems: Perfect Balance or Utopia?Ranking systems in eSports provide objectivity and encourage the development of players and teams. Participants see their strengths and weaknesses, teams get a tool to analyse their performances, and organisers get a method to select applicants. Honesty and transparent positioning builds audience trust and increases the popularity of cybersport as a full-fledged industry.

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Betting on cybersport: features, types, disciplines

Cyber sporting events have long since turned the screens into full-fledged arenas with millions of viewers, their own legends and multi-million dollar turnovers. The International finals on Dota 2 are already surpassing the Olympics in terms of the number of live views. The betting world reacted immediately. Today, the peculiarities of betting on cybersports form a separate ecosystem – dynamic, aggressive and with a high rate of decision-making.

Cyber vs. classic: who is one step ahead?

The intricacies of playing for outcomes in digital disciplines rely on the unconventional nature of the games themselves. Each match is a living organism, affected by patches, drafts, and game updates. Even the sudden banning of a favourite character can bring down a team’s entire strategy.

Relevance is a key factor. Odds change literally before your eyes, especially in live betting. The bettor reacts not to emotions, but to events in real time. Early rush, non-standard spades or risky rotation on the card – everything affects the outcome.

Types of betting: beyond the usual

Cybersport is disrupting classic betting patterns. Popular betting types go beyond the banal “win-loss”. Flexible prediction mechanics adapted to the game specifics are used.

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Types of betting in cyber sports and their peculiarities:

  1. Decision in favour of the favourite or tournament – the basis of betting, often used at major events such as World Electronic Sports Games or The International.
  2. Forehand and Total – applied to the number of cards, rounds or kills. In CS:GO, betting on total kills per match is popular.
  3. Live betting – tracking the battle in real time with instant reaction to drafts, picks and bans. Here the peculiarities of betting on cybersports are most acute.
  4. Special – on the first kill, the first destroyed barracks, the duration of the match or victory with megacreeps. The format is extremely popular in Dota 2.

Cyber sports bookmakers are adding categories: betting on the first ultimates, card side selection and pistol outcome.

Disciplines where not only teams win

Betting on cybersport: features, types, disciplinesDiscipline selection is the foundation of strategy. Not every game is suitable for thoughtful betting. Prediction requires knowledge of mechanics, meta, and patches.

Dota 2

The main platform is The International. Here the peculiarities of betting on cybersport are dictated by the meta. One patch changes the whole logic: suddenly actual heroes, revised map control mechanics, non-standard picks. Example: in TI11, a bet on Team Spirit vs PSG.LGD brought x3 in the final, thanks to a reevaluation of the odds after the 7.31 patch change.

CS:GO

A timeless classic. It is important to take into account the players’ individual form and tactical decisions. Cybersport betting in this discipline involves map analysis, team economics and attacking styles. World Electronic Sports Games regularly throws up unexpected upsets and live dramas.

Valorant, League of Legends, StarCraft II.

Supports turnover, but requires narrow expertise. In LoL, patches affect even more than in Dota 2. One reworked champion can destroy the balance – the example with rework Swain in patch 12.8 led to a series of defeats for favourites on MSI.

How to bet on cybersport and not drown in numbers

The result does not depend on chance. The bettor studies statistics, watches streams, tracks changes in patches. Odds are not only numbers, but also a reflection of trends, popularity of teams, internal problems.

In CS:GO matches, the confrontation between G2 and Natus Vincere demonstrates how roster instability and draft picks change the odds an hour before kick-off. Cybersports betting is based on daily monitoring of lineups, sudden substitutions and the internal atmosphere in teams.

Features and tips for betting on cyber sports

Accurate predictions for cyber sports matches are not based on intuition, but on precise calculations. Practice shows that attention to detail decides the outcome more often than a big name of the team. Here are the key principles that work on the course:

  1. Keep an eye out for patches. Every update is a potential shift in the balance of power. New mechanics – new favourites.
  2. Learn the draft. In Dota 2 and LoL, draft strategy determines 60% of the outcome.
  3. Play the discipline. Betting on CS:GO without knowing the difference between Mirage and Dust2 is like guessing the weather by smell.
  4. Avoid hype. Odds are often inflated by media favourites. Betting against the crowd is profitable.
  5. Analyse the prize pool. Tournaments with a low bankroll often provoke “draining” matches.
  6. Consider the schedule. A team playing three consecutive series reduces concentration.

Tournament calendar and prize pool

The peculiarities of betting on cybersports form a strategy based not only on the composition of the teams or the patch, but also on the status of the event. Championships with high prize pools force players to give their best. Example: The International 2021 – $40 million. The pressure on participants, the high pace of preparation, and the peak form of the teams are factors that influence the outcome.

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League Two events, including regional competitions, are often accompanied by unpredictable outcomes. Key participants miss matches, play substitutes and the odds look overly generous. At the World Electronic Sports Games 2019, many top squads lost to little-known teams – the betting market was in disarray.

Live betting in such cases provides flexibility: the bettor reacts quickly to instability, gets a head start through observation. Traditional pre-match betting in such conditions becomes obsolete.

Features of betting platforms for betting on cybersports

Bookmakers oriented to sports in its classic sense are slowly introducing cybersports into their lines. Specialised platforms are creating their own algorithms, predictive models and live analytics tools.

The peculiarities of betting on cyber sports require from platforms a high speed of updating odds, a wide range of events and non-standard markets. The largest cyber sports BCs provide:

  • support for more than 15 disciplines: from CS:GO to Clash Royale;
  • advanced analytics with graphs of peaks, bans, purchasing efficiency;
  • integration with live streams and maps;
  • mobile push notifications of draft progress and in-game events.

Platforms with AI to calculate dynamic odds win: the player sees the match and gets instant signals for live betting.

Conclusion

Features of betting platforms for betting on cybersportsThe features of cybersport betting are analytics, adaptability and understanding of the game context. The result is determined by preparation, not by chance. In CS:GO it’s economics, in Dota 2 it’s draft and meta, in LoL it’s speed and synchronicity. A successful player evaluates odds, follows patches and uses live tools.

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Top 10 most challenging sports: extreme exertion

In some sports, the main thing is strength, in others – agility or endurance. But there are disciplines that require all this and even more. We present to your attention the TOP-10 most difficult sports – a list that destroys stereotypes. Here, each element requires exceptional training and often goes beyond human capabilities. From brutal training to psychological stability, these disciplines are created for real heroes.

Extreme loads: TOP-10 most difficult sports

And despite their complexity, many people around the world continue to train and break records.

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Boxing

Boxing is not just a fight, it is a real chess game, where for every blow of the opponent you need to instantly find a counter-punch. The physical training of boxers includes not only the development of strength, but also insane endurance and rapid reaction. Training lasts for years to develop the skills of defense, attack and coordination of movements. It is not for nothing that boxing takes first place in the top of the most difficult sports, because it requires incredible punching force. Fine movements and concentration are fundamental.

Famous champions such as Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson have shown the world that boxing is a combination of physical strength and intellectual strategy. Boxers train for 4-6 hours every day. The programs include running, bag work, sparring and special training aimed at developing strength and endurance. Such intensity is maintained for many years to achieve success in the ring.

Motocross

Motocross is a powerful mixture of adrenaline, nerves of steel and phenomenal coordination. Every turn on the track requires lightning-fast reactions and physical endurance. Riders spend years developing stability and developing automaticity in motorcycle control. Psychological preparation is also extremely important here, because motocross is considered one of the most physically demanding sports.

Every race is an adrenaline explosion, where the stakes are high, and any wrong step can end in a fall. Athletes’ training includes track driving, endurance exercises, and special exercises to improve reaction and coordination. Recovery also plays an important role, because the load is incredibly high.

Gymnastics

Gymnastics is a constant pursuit of perfection. Flexibility, strength, and coordination, a combination of acrobatics and artistic art – all this is combined in one discipline. Gymnasts are distinguished not only by physical strength. Each element requires agility and great concentration, which makes gymnastics one of the sports that requires incredible endurance. Many years of training, working with injuries, and a constant desire for the best result.

Daily gymnasts’ training can take up to 8 hours, starting from early childhood. Exercises for flexibility, strength, acrobatics, and constant repetitions of the same elements allow you to achieve the desired level of training.

Freestyle skiing

Freestyle skiing is a combination of high technique, acrobatics, and risk. Every jump is a moment when you need to trust your skills and intuition to land without mistakes. Freestyle athletes spend years honing every move to achieve perfection. A mistake can lead to serious injuries. The rating of the most difficult sports cannot do without this discipline, because training includes not only physical but also serious psychological preparation.

Jonny Mosley and other famous freestylers made this sport popular, inspiring young people and showing that freestyle is an art bordering on incredible risk and skill.

Triathlon

Top 10 most challenging sports: extreme exertionTriathlon is a marathon, where each stage presents a new challenge: from fighting through water to overcoming long distances on a bike and run. It is a test of human capabilities. Complex sports that require superhuman endurance, such as triathlon, challenge even the most prepared athletes.

Triathlon stages and their features:

  1. Swimming: depending on the competition, the distance varies from 750 meters (for a sprint triathlon) to 3.8 km (in Ironman). Swimming is usually done in open water – lakes, rivers or the ocean, which adds additional difficulties related to currents and weather conditions. Athletes have to overcome cold water and cope with a crowd of other participants, which makes swimming especially stressful.
  2. Bike race: after the water, triathletes switch to bicycles. Distances also depend on the competition format and can range from 20 km (sprint) to 180 km (Ironman). At this stage, it is not only the strength of the legs that is important, but also the ability to maintain an aerodynamic posture, as well as the correct distribution of effort in order to save energy for the final stage.
  3. Running: one of the most difficult sections, as it follows two exhausting disciplines. The distance varies from 5 km to a full marathon distance of 42.2 km (Ironman). During the run, athletes must cope with fatigue, dehydration and overcome the desire to stop. This stage requires maximum concentration and fortitude.

Mountaineering

Mountaineering is a fight with nature and yourself, where every step can be decisive. Climbing to the top requires not only physical strength, but also incredible psychological resilience. For climbers, not only physical fitness is important, but also the ability to cope with extreme situations, where the risk can be enormous. Only real heroes, like Reinhold Messner, dare to conquer the highest peaks. The top 10 most difficult sports cannot be imagined without mountaineering, because it requires absolute dedication and great endurance.

One of the most famous and difficult to reach peaks in the world is Everest (8,848 meters). It was first conquered by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953. Today, climbing Everest has become a symbol of the highest point in a climber’s career, but it still remains an incredible challenge.

Water Polo

Water polo is a game where there is no place for rest. Constant movement in the water, fighting for the ball and teamwork make this sport one of the most difficult. The physical load here is extremely high, because the players must constantly be afloat, fight for the ball and maintain a high pace. The difficulty of water polo lies in the combination of endurance, strength and team coordination. Water polo is undoubtedly included in the top 10 most difficult sports due to the combination of high physical and mental loads.

Weightlifting

Weightlifting is a fight against gravity and your own limits. Every lift of the barbell is a test of strength, will and endurance. Athletes have to spend many years in the gym, honing their technique and building muscle. It is one of the most difficult sports, where every movement must be performed perfectly to avoid injury.

Main exercises:

  1. Snatch: the athlete must lift the barbell from the platform to outstretched arms in one movement, maintaining balance. The snatch technique is extremely difficult, as it requires strength, speed and coordination at the same time. The famous weightlifter Lasho Talakhadze from Georgia set a world record in the snatch in 2021, lifting an incredible 225 kg.
  2. The clean and jerk consists of two phases – first, the barbell is lifted to the chest, then pushed to outstretched arms. This exercise requires tremendous strength and power, especially in the jerk phase. Again, Lasho Talakhadze set a clean and jerk record in the same 2021, lifting 267 kg. The total result in two exercises was 492 kg – an absolute world record for the super heavyweight category.

Rock Climbing

Rock climbing is the art of overcoming heights and fear. Each new route is a challenge that requires a unique approach, courage and physical fitness. Climbers must be not only physically strong, but also incredibly flexible and mentally resilient. The most dangerous sports, such as rock climbing, require tremendous concentration and the ability to make quick decisions.

The Dawn Wall route on El Capitan has become a symbol of human resilience and striving for the top. In 2015, Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorson first free climbed it, spending 19 days on it,

Rugby

Rugby is a real battle, where every meter of the field is won by the efforts of the whole team. Physical strength, endurance and a willingness to constantly collide make rugby one of the most demanding sports. The pressure players endure is comparable to repeated sprints and the simultaneous struggle to support the weight equivalent to two or three human bodies, which requires both strength and incredible endurance.

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Conclusion

RugbyThe top 10 most difficult sports are a challenge to anyone who is ready to go further. These sports teach us to overcome challenges, be strong and never give up. If you ever wonder which sport is the most difficult in the world, think of those who challenge their physical abilities day in and day out.

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