StarLadder and Stake Announce One Hundred Thousand Dollar Tier 2 Counter-Strike Circuit for May

StarLadder announces the $100,000 Stake Ranked Episode 2 for Counter-Strike 2, featuring a Schengen Zone LAN and critical Valve Regional Standings points.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 6, 2026, 11:02 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Esports Insider

Expanding the Counter-Strike Tier 2 Ecosystem

StarLadder has officially detailed the second installment of its Stake Ranked tournament series, a collaborative effort with the online betting platform Stake. This $100,000 Counter-Strike 2 event is scheduled to take place from May 27 to 30, serving as a vital platform for teams positioned outside the global elite. By focusing on the Tier 2 scene, StarLadder is positioning itself as a primary facilitator for rising talent, providing a significant prize pool that rivals many top-tier regional competitions. This initiative is part of a broader six-tournament cycle intended to revitalize the competitive landscape and provide consistent opportunities for organizations to compete for high stakes.

The Strategic Importance of Valve Regional Standings

The tournament’s structure is heavily influenced by the Valve Regional Standings (VRS), which have become the definitive metric for professional Counter-Strike merit. Teams ranked 13th and below in the global standings for April and May are eligible for direct invitations, making the event a high-leverage opportunity for organizations looking to climb the ladder. Because VRS points are the primary currency for securing invitations to Counter-Strike’s prestigious Majors, events like Stake Ranked Episode 2 carry weight far beyond their immediate financial rewards. According to the organizers, this system ensures that the most deserving teams from the mid-tier ranks receive a path to international prominence.

Navigating the Path to the Main Event

The qualification process for the tournament is multi-layered, beginning with open qualifiers on April 21 and 22. From there, the top two teams will advance to a 16-team closed qualifier, joining invited rosters in a single-elimination, best-of-three bracket. This rigorous weeding-out process culminates in a main event where only eight teams will compete. The final stage will be held as a LAN event within the Schengen Zone, providing a professional offline environment that is often missing in the online-heavy Tier 2 scene. This format is designed to test the consistency and pressure-handling of teams as they vie for the $25,000 first-place prize.