The esports event organizer StarLadder has unveiled specifics regarding the sophomore installment of its Stake Ranked Counter-Strike 2 competitive series.
Scheduled for May 27th through 30th, this Tier 2 competition will feature teams vying for a prize fund totaling $100,000 (approximately £74,893).
Announced **on March 6th**, **Stake Ranked Episode 2** will adopt a structure comparable to its predecessor, allowing teams to gain entry to the primary competition via open qualification rounds, closed qualification rounds, and direct invites determined by the Valve Regional Standings (VRS).
Selection for direct invitations will be made according to the global rankings from April and May, with eligibility extended to teams positioned 13th or lower.
From April 21st to 22nd, open qualifiers will be held, from which two teams will progress to the closed qualifier featuring 16 teams, set for April 29th to May 3rd. A single-elimination, best-of-three format will then identify two teams to proceed to the ultimate competition.
A total of eight invited and qualified teams will clash at a LAN venue within the Schengen Zone, vying for a $25,000 (approximately £18,703) top award and crucial VRS points, which could dictate their qualification for Counter-Strike’s Major events.
This second installment, Stake Ranked Episode 2, is one of six Tier 2 competitions orchestrated by StarLadder in collaboration with the internet casino and sports wagering platform Stake, forming part of the organizer’s strategic initiative to enhance its footprint in the Tier 2 competitive landscape.
Elevated Significance of Tier 2
Given that Valve has decided to attribute greater weight to the VRS, numerous prominent esports organizations regularly participate in Tier 2 events to improve their standing. Consequently, event organizers have committed more resources to these smaller tournaments, providing an inducement for both established and emerging teams to contend.
Currently, the closed qualifying round for Stake Ranked Episode 1 is in progress, featuring teams such as FOKUS, Fnatic, Team Nemesis, and Berlin International Gaming (BIG), all striving to secure a spot in the primary tournament scheduled for Barcelona from April 1st to 4th.
In addition to the Stake Ranked series, StarLadder has collaborated with peripherals producer LORGAR to introduce an additional Tier 2 competition, which will run from March 12th to April 26th.
