The back half of May is when the trophies actually get lifted. Two weeks separate us from the UEFA Champions League Final, the IPL Final, the CAF Champions League Final featuring Mamelodi Sundowns, and the opening rounds of Roland Garros. Here’s where SA punters should be focusing their bets between now and 31 May.
Soccer: Three European Finals and a Continental Crown
The headline act is the UEFA Champions League Final on 30 May — Europe’s biggest single match of the year and one of the most heavily traded markets on the 10bet platform. Expect a flurry of pre-match boosts, first-goalscorer specials, and correct-score value once the line-ups are confirmed.
Before then, the Europa League Final on 20 May and Conference League Final on 27 May complete the European treble fortnight — both typically offer better outright value than the UCL because the markets are thinner.
Closer to home, the CAF Champions League Final is a two-legger that demands SA attention: Mamelodi Sundowns host FAR Rabat on 17 May at Loftus, then travel to Morocco on 24 May. Handicap and BTTS markets will likely offer the best value across the tie.
Domestic standouts to watch: the FA Cup Final on 16 May, the DFB Pokal Final on 23 May (Bayern Munich are the likely favourite), and the SA Premiership run-in with Sekhukhune, Kaizer Chiefs, Sundowns and Pirates all still chasing position.
The EPL closes its season on 24 May with Manchester City vs Aston Villa the standout match alongside Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao in La Liga.
Cricket: IPL Climax on 31 May
The Indian Premier League playoffs dominate the cricket calendar with the Final on 31 May as the season’s crescendo. Top batsman, top bowler, and player runs markets typically offer better value than match winners at this stage of the tournament, especially with Proteas like Quinton de Kock, Heinrich Klaasen and Marco Jansen spread across the franchises.
Standout playoff-stretch fixtures: Chennai Super Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (18 May), KKR vs Mumbai Indians (20 May), and CSK vs Gujarat Titans (21 May).
Rugby: Champions Cup Final and Sevens Doubleheader
The European Rugby Champions Cup Final on 24 May is the marquee fixture for club rugby globally — pre-match line, handicap, and total points are the markets to watch.
The United Rugby Championship hits the final regular-season weekend with Cardiff vs Stormers (15 May) and Munster vs Lions (16 May) as the SA franchises chase playoff positioning.
For the short format, Rugby Sevens Hong Kong (17–19 May) brings the Blitzboks into focus, with the Sevens Valladolid leg (29–30 May) closing the World Series month.
Tennis, Golf and Formula 1
Golf delivers a major: the PGA Championship runs 14–17 May. Top-10 finish and group betting markets offer better odds than picking the outright winner across a 156-strong field.
Tennis fans get a triple-header. The ATP Rome Final on 17 May is the last Roland Garros warm-up before the French Open kicks off on 24 May. Outright winner markets for Paris open early — value tends to disappear quickly once the draw lands.
Formula 1 returns to North America with the Canadian GP on 24 May. Driver match-ups, podium finish, and fastest-lap markets are popular alongside the outright winner.
Horse Racing: A Big Day at Greyville
For the local racing fan, Saturday 30 May at Greyville is the day to circle — featuring the Daily News 2000 (G1) and the Woolavington 2000. Before then, Scottsville on 23 May hosts the SA Fillies Sprint (G1) and the Allan Robertson Championship (G2).
Ready to back your picks? Head to 10bet.co.za for the latest odds, boosted markets, and same-game multi-bet options across every event above.
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