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Dota 2 betting strategies

Backtested on 261 matches, odds modelled from ratings
Odds are modelled from the Elo rating (walk-forward, no look-ahead) with a bookmaker margin — the rating tracks the real pre-match line closely. Starting bankroll is 1000 units. This is not investment advice.
Your strategy: Always the underdog · 2% of bankrollits recommendations show up on match pages
All results are computed on historical matches: probability is built walk-forward with Elo, and stake size scales off a 1000-unit bankroll. "Bankroll reset" sets how often the bankroll returns to its starting sum — profit is withdrawn, drawdown topped up.
selected
Always the favorite
D2Dota 210% of bankrollpayout: monthly

Bets the favorite of every match — the team with the lower odds. A simple baseline: hits often, but the low odds usually leave profit small or negative after the margin over the long run.

+2366u
profit
+21.7%
ROI
72%
win rate
26.5%
drawdown
selected
Model favorite (Elo)
D2Dota 210% of bankrollpayout: monthly

Bets the Elo model's favorite — the team the model gives over 50% to win, regardless of odds. Pits the model's view against the market.

+2366u
profit
+21.7%
ROI
72%
win rate
26.5%
drawdown
selected
Always the favorite
D2Dota 25% of bankrollpayout: monthly

Bets the favorite of every match — the team with the lower odds. A simple baseline: hits often, but the low odds usually leave profit small or negative after the margin over the long run.

+1057u
profit
+24.4%
ROI
72%
win rate
17%
drawdown
selected
Model favorite (Elo)
D2Dota 25% of bankrollpayout: monthly

Bets the Elo model's favorite — the team the model gives over 50% to win, regardless of odds. Pits the model's view against the market.

+1057u
profit
+24.4%
ROI
72%
win rate
17%
drawdown
selected
Always the favorite
D2Dota 22% of bankrollpayout: monthly

Bets the favorite of every match — the team with the lower odds. A simple baseline: hits often, but the low odds usually leave profit small or negative after the margin over the long run.

+392u
profit
+26%
ROI
72%
win rate
8.6%
drawdown
selected
Model favorite (Elo)
D2Dota 22% of bankrollpayout: monthly

Bets the Elo model's favorite — the team the model gives over 50% to win, regardless of odds. Pits the model's view against the market.

+392u
profit
+26%
ROI
72%
win rate
8.6%
drawdown
selected
Always the favorite
D2Dota 2Martingalepayout: monthly

Bets the favorite of every match — the team with the lower odds. A simple baseline: hits often, but the low odds usually leave profit small or negative after the margin over the long run.

+295u
profit
+26.8%
ROI
72%
win rate
5.9%
drawdown
selected
Model favorite (Elo)
D2Dota 2Martingalepayout: monthly

Bets the Elo model's favorite — the team the model gives over 50% to win, regardless of odds. Pits the model's view against the market.

+295u
profit
+26.8%
ROI
72%
win rate
5.9%
drawdown
selected
Always the favorite
D2Dota 21% of bankrollpayout: monthly

Bets the favorite of every match — the team with the lower odds. A simple baseline: hits often, but the low odds usually leave profit small or negative after the margin over the long run.

+191u
profit
+26.5%
ROI
72%
win rate
4.8%
drawdown
selected
Model favorite (Elo)
D2Dota 21% of bankrollpayout: monthly

Bets the Elo model's favorite — the team the model gives over 50% to win, regardless of odds. Pits the model's view against the market.

+191u
profit
+26.5%
ROI
72%
win rate
4.8%
drawdown
selected
Always the favorite
D2Dota 2Flat (10 units)payout: monthly

Bets the favorite of every match — the team with the lower odds. A simple baseline: hits often, but the low odds usually leave profit small or negative after the margin over the long run.

+186u
profit
+27%
ROI
72%
win rate
4.5%
drawdown
selected
Model favorite (Elo)
D2Dota 2Flat (10 units)payout: monthly

Bets the Elo model's favorite — the team the model gives over 50% to win, regardless of odds. Pits the model's view against the market.

+186u
profit
+27%
ROI
72%
win rate
4.5%
drawdown
selected
Favorite at odds ≤ 1.5
D2Dota 2Flat (10 units)payout: monthly

Bets only the heavy favorite at odds ≤ 1.5. Very high hit rate, but tiny odds: a single upset wipes out the profit from many wins.

-5u
profit
-25%
ROI
50%
win rate
1%
drawdown
selected
Favorite at odds ≤ 1.5
D2Dota 2Martingalepayout: monthly

Bets only the heavy favorite at odds ≤ 1.5. Very high hit rate, but tiny odds: a single upset wipes out the profit from many wins.

-5u
profit
-25%
ROI
50%
win rate
1%
drawdown
selected
Favorite at odds ≤ 1.5
D2Dota 21% of bankrollpayout: monthly

Bets only the heavy favorite at odds ≤ 1.5. Very high hit rate, but tiny odds: a single upset wipes out the profit from many wins.

-5u
profit
-25.2%
ROI
50%
win rate
1%
drawdown
selected
Favorite at odds ≤ 1.5
D2Dota 22% of bankrollpayout: monthly

Bets only the heavy favorite at odds ≤ 1.5. Very high hit rate, but tiny odds: a single upset wipes out the profit from many wins.

-10u
profit
-25.4%
ROI
50%
win rate
2%
drawdown
selected
Favorite at odds ≤ 1.5
D2Dota 25% of bankrollpayout: monthly

Bets only the heavy favorite at odds ≤ 1.5. Very high hit rate, but tiny odds: a single upset wipes out the profit from many wins.

-26u
profit
-25.9%
ROI
50%
win rate
5%
drawdown
selected
Favorite at odds ≤ 1.5
D2Dota 210% of bankrollpayout: monthly

Bets only the heavy favorite at odds ≤ 1.5. Very high hit rate, but tiny odds: a single upset wipes out the profit from many wins.

-55u
profit
-26.8%
ROI
50%
win rate
10%
drawdown
selected
Underdog at odds ≥ 2.0
D2Dota 21% of bankrollpayout: monthly

Bets the underdog at odds ≥ 2.0. The classic "undervalued underdog" idea: they pay at least double, so the strategy can profit even winning under half its bets.

-149u
profit
-49.8%
ROI
23%
win rate
14.9%
drawdown
selected
Underdog at odds ≥ 2.0
D2Dota 2Flat (10 units)payout: monthly

Bets the underdog at odds ≥ 2.0. The classic "undervalued underdog" idea: they pay at least double, so the strategy can profit even winning under half its bets.

-151u
profit
-48.8%
ROI
23%
win rate
15.1%
drawdown
selected
Always the underdog
D2Dota 21% of bankrollpayout: monthly

Bets the underdog of every match — the team with the higher odds. Wins rarely, but each win pays back a losing streak. Needs strong nerves and bankroll discipline.

-249u
profit
-38.8%
ROI
30%
win rate
25.5%
drawdown
selected
Always the underdog
D2Dota 2Flat (10 units)payout: monthly

Bets the underdog of every match — the team with the higher odds. Wins rarely, but each win pays back a losing streak. Needs strong nerves and bankroll discipline.

-263u
profit
-38.1%
ROI
30%
win rate
26.9%
drawdown
selected
Model underdog (Elo)
D2Dota 21% of bankrollpayout: monthly

Bets the Elo model's underdog — the team with under 50% probability. Often the market underdog too, but driven by form and rating rather than the odds.

-287u
profit
-44.5%
ROI
28%
win rate
28.7%
drawdown
selected
Underdog at odds ≥ 2.0
D2Dota 22% of bankrollpayout: monthly

Bets the underdog at odds ≥ 2.0. The classic "undervalued underdog" idea: they pay at least double, so the strategy can profit even winning under half its bets.

-292u
profit
-50.8%
ROI
23%
win rate
29.2%
drawdown
selected
Model underdog (Elo)
D2Dota 2Flat (10 units)payout: monthly

Bets the Elo model's underdog — the team with under 50% probability. Often the market underdog too, but driven by form and rating rather than the odds.

-301u
profit
-43.6%
ROI
28%
win rate
30.1%
drawdown
selected
Always the underdog
D2Dota 22% of bankrollpayout: monthly

Bets the underdog of every match — the team with the higher odds. Wins rarely, but each win pays back a losing streak. Needs strong nerves and bankroll discipline.

-473u
profit
-39.4%
ROI
30%
win rate
48.1%
drawdown
selected
Model underdog (Elo)
D2Dota 22% of bankrollpayout: monthly

Bets the Elo model's underdog — the team with under 50% probability. Often the market underdog too, but driven by form and rating rather than the odds.

-546u
profit
-45.4%
ROI
28%
win rate
54.6%
drawdown
selected
Underdog at odds ≥ 2.0
D2Dota 25% of bankrollpayout: monthly

Bets the underdog at odds ≥ 2.0. The classic "undervalued underdog" idea: they pay at least double, so the strategy can profit even winning under half its bets.

-692u
profit
-53.3%
ROI
23%
win rate
69.2%
drawdown
selected
Model underdog (Elo)
D2Dota 2Martingalepayout: monthlyruin

Bets the Elo model's underdog — the team with under 50% probability. Often the market underdog too, but driven by form and rating rather than the odds.

-1000u
profit
-100%
ROI
0%
win rate
100%
drawdown
selected
Always the underdog
D2Dota 2Martingalepayout: monthlyruin

Bets the underdog of every match — the team with the higher odds. Wins rarely, but each win pays back a losing streak. Needs strong nerves and bankroll discipline.

-1002u
profit
-57.6%
ROI
25%
win rate
100.2%
drawdown
selected
Always the underdog
D2Dota 25% of bankrollpayout: monthly

Bets the underdog of every match — the team with the higher odds. Wins rarely, but each win pays back a losing streak. Needs strong nerves and bankroll discipline.

-1020u
profit
-40.7%
ROI
30%
win rate
101.9%
drawdown
selected
Underdog at odds ≥ 2.0
D2Dota 2Martingalepayout: monthlyruin

Bets the underdog at odds ≥ 2.0. The classic "undervalued underdog" idea: they pay at least double, so the strategy can profit even winning under half its bets.

-1070u
profit
-100%
ROI
0%
win rate
107%
drawdown
selected
Model underdog (Elo)
D2Dota 25% of bankrollpayout: monthly

Bets the Elo model's underdog — the team with under 50% probability. Often the market underdog too, but driven by form and rating rather than the odds.

-1187u
profit
-47.6%
ROI
28%
win rate
118.7%
drawdown
selected
Underdog at odds ≥ 2.0
D2Dota 210% of bankrollpayout: monthly

Bets the underdog at odds ≥ 2.0. The classic "undervalued underdog" idea: they pay at least double, so the strategy can profit even winning under half its bets.

-1255u
profit
-56.5%
ROI
23%
win rate
125.5%
drawdown
selected
Always the underdog
D2Dota 210% of bankrollpayout: monthly

Bets the underdog of every match — the team with the higher odds. Wins rarely, but each win pays back a losing streak. Needs strong nerves and bankroll discipline.

-1639u
profit
-41.6%
ROI
30%
win rate
159.9%
drawdown
selected
Model underdog (Elo)
D2Dota 210% of bankrollpayout: monthly

Bets the Elo model's underdog — the team with under 50% probability. Often the market underdog too, but driven by form and rating rather than the odds.

-1903u
profit
-49.8%
ROI
28%
win rate
190.3%
drawdown
selected
Always the favorite
D2Dota 2Quarter Kellypayout: monthly

Bets the favorite of every match — the team with the lower odds. A simple baseline: hits often, but the low odds usually leave profit small or negative after the margin over the long run.

+0u
profit
+0%
ROI
0%
win rate
0%
drawdown
selected
Favorite at odds ≤ 1.5
D2Dota 2Quarter Kellypayout: monthly

Bets only the heavy favorite at odds ≤ 1.5. Very high hit rate, but tiny odds: a single upset wipes out the profit from many wins.

+0u
profit
+0%
ROI
0%
win rate
0%
drawdown
selected
Always the underdog
D2Dota 2Quarter Kellypayout: monthly

Bets the underdog of every match — the team with the higher odds. Wins rarely, but each win pays back a losing streak. Needs strong nerves and bankroll discipline.

+0u
profit
+0%
ROI
0%
win rate
0%
drawdown
selected
Underdog at odds ≥ 2.0
D2Dota 2Quarter Kellypayout: monthly

Bets the underdog at odds ≥ 2.0. The classic "undervalued underdog" idea: they pay at least double, so the strategy can profit even winning under half its bets.

+0u
profit
+0%
ROI
0%
win rate
0%
drawdown
selected
Underdog at odds ≥ 3.0
D2Dota 2Flat (10 units)payout: monthly

Bets the underdog at odds ≥ 3.0 — a solid dog. Fewer wins, but each pays triple; the variance and drawdowns are noticeably longer.

+0u
profit
+0%
ROI
0%
win rate
0%
drawdown
selected
Underdog at odds ≥ 3.0
D2Dota 21% of bankrollpayout: monthly

Bets the underdog at odds ≥ 3.0 — a solid dog. Fewer wins, but each pays triple; the variance and drawdowns are noticeably longer.

+0u
profit
+0%
ROI
0%
win rate
0%
drawdown
selected
Underdog at odds ≥ 3.0
D2Dota 22% of bankrollpayout: monthly

Bets the underdog at odds ≥ 3.0 — a solid dog. Fewer wins, but each pays triple; the variance and drawdowns are noticeably longer.

+0u
profit
+0%
ROI
0%
win rate
0%
drawdown
selected
Underdog at odds ≥ 3.0
D2Dota 25% of bankrollpayout: monthly

Bets the underdog at odds ≥ 3.0 — a solid dog. Fewer wins, but each pays triple; the variance and drawdowns are noticeably longer.

+0u
profit
+0%
ROI
0%
win rate
0%
drawdown
selected
Underdog at odds ≥ 3.0
D2Dota 210% of bankrollpayout: monthly

Bets the underdog at odds ≥ 3.0 — a solid dog. Fewer wins, but each pays triple; the variance and drawdowns are noticeably longer.

+0u
profit
+0%
ROI
0%
win rate
0%
drawdown
selected
Underdog at odds ≥ 3.0
D2Dota 2Quarter Kellypayout: monthly

Bets the underdog at odds ≥ 3.0 — a solid dog. Fewer wins, but each pays triple; the variance and drawdowns are noticeably longer.

+0u
profit
+0%
ROI
0%
win rate
0%
drawdown
selected
Underdog at odds ≥ 3.0
D2Dota 2Martingalepayout: monthly

Bets the underdog at odds ≥ 3.0 — a solid dog. Fewer wins, but each pays triple; the variance and drawdowns are noticeably longer.

+0u
profit
+0%
ROI
0%
win rate
0%
drawdown
selected
Underdog at odds ≥ 5.0
D2Dota 2Flat (10 units)payout: monthly

Bets the clear underdog at odds ≥ 5.0. Rare but big wins with long losing streaks and deep drawdowns in between. Only for a large bankroll and patience.

+0u
profit
+0%
ROI
0%
win rate
0%
drawdown
selected
Underdog at odds ≥ 5.0
D2Dota 21% of bankrollpayout: monthly

Bets the clear underdog at odds ≥ 5.0. Rare but big wins with long losing streaks and deep drawdowns in between. Only for a large bankroll and patience.

+0u
profit
+0%
ROI
0%
win rate
0%
drawdown
selected
Underdog at odds ≥ 5.0
D2Dota 22% of bankrollpayout: monthly

Bets the clear underdog at odds ≥ 5.0. Rare but big wins with long losing streaks and deep drawdowns in between. Only for a large bankroll and patience.

+0u
profit
+0%
ROI
0%
win rate
0%
drawdown
selected
Underdog at odds ≥ 5.0
D2Dota 25% of bankrollpayout: monthly

Bets the clear underdog at odds ≥ 5.0. Rare but big wins with long losing streaks and deep drawdowns in between. Only for a large bankroll and patience.

+0u
profit
+0%
ROI
0%
win rate
0%
drawdown
selected
Underdog at odds ≥ 5.0
D2Dota 210% of bankrollpayout: monthly

Bets the clear underdog at odds ≥ 5.0. Rare but big wins with long losing streaks and deep drawdowns in between. Only for a large bankroll and patience.

+0u
profit
+0%
ROI
0%
win rate
0%
drawdown
selected
Underdog at odds ≥ 5.0
D2Dota 2Quarter Kellypayout: monthly

Bets the clear underdog at odds ≥ 5.0. Rare but big wins with long losing streaks and deep drawdowns in between. Only for a large bankroll and patience.

+0u
profit
+0%
ROI
0%
win rate
0%
drawdown
selected
Underdog at odds ≥ 5.0
D2Dota 2Martingalepayout: monthly

Bets the clear underdog at odds ≥ 5.0. Rare but big wins with long losing streaks and deep drawdowns in between. Only for a large bankroll and patience.

+0u
profit
+0%
ROI
0%
win rate
0%
drawdown
selected
Model favorite (Elo)
D2Dota 2Quarter Kellypayout: monthly

Bets the Elo model's favorite — the team the model gives over 50% to win, regardless of odds. Pits the model's view against the market.

+0u
profit
+0%
ROI
0%
win rate
0%
drawdown
selected
Model underdog (Elo)
D2Dota 2Quarter Kellypayout: monthly

Bets the Elo model's underdog — the team with under 50% probability. Often the market underdog too, but driven by form and rating rather than the odds.

+0u
profit
+0%
ROI
0%
win rate
0%
drawdown
selected
Value: edge ≥ 5%
D2Dota 2Flat (10 units)payout: monthly

Value bets: only bet when odds × model probability − 1 ≥ 5%, i.e. the market underrates the outcome. The core "value" strategy: positive expected value matters more than the hit rate.

+0u
profit
+0%
ROI
0%
win rate
0%
drawdown
selected
Value: edge ≥ 5%
D2Dota 21% of bankrollpayout: monthly

Value bets: only bet when odds × model probability − 1 ≥ 5%, i.e. the market underrates the outcome. The core "value" strategy: positive expected value matters more than the hit rate.

+0u
profit
+0%
ROI
0%
win rate
0%
drawdown
selected
Value: edge ≥ 5%
D2Dota 22% of bankrollpayout: monthly

Value bets: only bet when odds × model probability − 1 ≥ 5%, i.e. the market underrates the outcome. The core "value" strategy: positive expected value matters more than the hit rate.

+0u
profit
+0%
ROI
0%
win rate
0%
drawdown
selected
Value: edge ≥ 5%
D2Dota 25% of bankrollpayout: monthly

Value bets: only bet when odds × model probability − 1 ≥ 5%, i.e. the market underrates the outcome. The core "value" strategy: positive expected value matters more than the hit rate.

+0u
profit
+0%
ROI
0%
win rate
0%
drawdown
selected
Value: edge ≥ 5%
D2Dota 210% of bankrollpayout: monthly

Value bets: only bet when odds × model probability − 1 ≥ 5%, i.e. the market underrates the outcome. The core "value" strategy: positive expected value matters more than the hit rate.

+0u
profit
+0%
ROI
0%
win rate
0%
drawdown
selected
Value: edge ≥ 5%
D2Dota 2Quarter Kellypayout: monthly

Value bets: only bet when odds × model probability − 1 ≥ 5%, i.e. the market underrates the outcome. The core "value" strategy: positive expected value matters more than the hit rate.

+0u
profit
+0%
ROI
0%
win rate
0%
drawdown
selected
Value: edge ≥ 5%
D2Dota 2Martingalepayout: monthly

Value bets: only bet when odds × model probability − 1 ≥ 5%, i.e. the market underrates the outcome. The core "value" strategy: positive expected value matters more than the hit rate.

+0u
profit
+0%
ROI
0%
win rate
0%
drawdown
selected
Value on underdog (odds ≥ 2)
D2Dota 2Flat (10 units)payout: monthly

Value on the underdog: the same ≥ 5% edge, but only on a team at odds ≥ 2.0. Hunting underrated dogs — rarer, with bigger payouts.

+0u
profit
+0%
ROI
0%
win rate
0%
drawdown
selected
Value on underdog (odds ≥ 2)
D2Dota 21% of bankrollpayout: monthly

Value on the underdog: the same ≥ 5% edge, but only on a team at odds ≥ 2.0. Hunting underrated dogs — rarer, with bigger payouts.

+0u
profit
+0%
ROI
0%
win rate
0%
drawdown
selected
Value on underdog (odds ≥ 2)
D2Dota 22% of bankrollpayout: monthly

Value on the underdog: the same ≥ 5% edge, but only on a team at odds ≥ 2.0. Hunting underrated dogs — rarer, with bigger payouts.

+0u
profit
+0%
ROI
0%
win rate
0%
drawdown
selected
Value on underdog (odds ≥ 2)
D2Dota 25% of bankrollpayout: monthly

Value on the underdog: the same ≥ 5% edge, but only on a team at odds ≥ 2.0. Hunting underrated dogs — rarer, with bigger payouts.

+0u
profit
+0%
ROI
0%
win rate
0%
drawdown
selected
Value on underdog (odds ≥ 2)
D2Dota 210% of bankrollpayout: monthly

Value on the underdog: the same ≥ 5% edge, but only on a team at odds ≥ 2.0. Hunting underrated dogs — rarer, with bigger payouts.

+0u
profit
+0%
ROI
0%
win rate
0%
drawdown
selected
Value on underdog (odds ≥ 2)
D2Dota 2Quarter Kellypayout: monthly

Value on the underdog: the same ≥ 5% edge, but only on a team at odds ≥ 2.0. Hunting underrated dogs — rarer, with bigger payouts.

+0u
profit
+0%
ROI
0%
win rate
0%
drawdown
selected
Value on underdog (odds ≥ 2)
D2Dota 2Martingalepayout: monthly

Value on the underdog: the same ≥ 5% edge, but only on a team at odds ≥ 2.0. Hunting underrated dogs — rarer, with bigger payouts.

+0u
profit
+0%
ROI
0%
win rate
0%
drawdown
Dota 2 betting strategies on historical matches: favorite, underdog at odds 2+/3+/5+, value bets, 1–10% bankroll stake, quarter Kelly, martingale. Odds modelled from the Elo rating. Starting bankroll 1000 units.