Stake Ranked Episode 2 Day 1 betting predictions – Wednesday, May 27

Stake Ranked Episode 2 kicks off on Wednesday, May 27, with the first games of the tournament, as eight Counter-Strike 2 teams begin their quest for the biggest slice of the US$100,000 prize pool.

Esportbet brings you free Counter-Strike 2 betting predictions and tips for the first four games, along with odds courtesy of the best bookmakers for esports punters.

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  Fast Payouts

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3DMAX vs MAGIC

Best Odds	3DMAX -133.33 at BetOnline | magic +100 at SportsBetting
When	May 27, 2026 | 14:00 CEST
Watch Live	Twitch

3DMAX enter Stake Ranked Episode 2 with plenty to prove after their less-than-inspiring performances at Intel Extreme Masters Rio and CS Asia Championships.

Across those two events, they dropped games to Team Falcons, G2 Esports, MIBR, and Team Liquid. That is not the easiest schedule, but 3DMAX still showed very little to suggest they should be trusted as favourites here.

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  The bookies' bookie

Magic have fared much better lately. They placed fourth at PGL Astana, and while they did not have to beat many elite teams, they posted strong games against HEROIC, Gentle Mates, and 9z Team.

On paper, 3DMAX appear stronger, but their recent form makes them difficult to back at this price. Magic are playing with more confidence and look like the better value side.

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HEROIC vs NINJAS IN PYJAMAS

Best Odds	HEROIC -151.52 at BetOnline | NIP +110 at SportsBetting
When	May 27, 2026 | 14:00 CEST
Watch Live	Twitch

HEROIC are favourites to defeat Ninjas in Pyjamas on the best CS2 betting sites, and that is hard to argue against.

While neither team have found much success in bigger competitions this season, HEROIC left a positive mark at Stake Ranked Episode 1 and CCT Season 3 Global Finals in April.

Ninjas in Pyjamas, on the other hand, suffered an early exit from CS Asia Championships earlier this month. That was another reminder that this roster still needs more time to settle.

NiP have the potential to become a competitive team, but until they show more in official matches, they are difficult to trust. HEROIC look like the safer side.

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FAZE CLAN vs ALLIANCE

Best Odds	FaZe -188.68 at BetOnline | Alliance +137 at SportsBetting
When	May 27, 2026 | 14:00 CEST
Watch Live	Twitch

FaZe Clan are among the main favourites to win Stake Ranked Episode 2, arriving in Spain with one of the most stacked rosters in the tournament.

They are still adjusting after the departure of Finn “karrigan” Andersen, but stand-in Ryan “Neityu” Aubry has already proven himself as a valuable piece. It is not fair to say FaZe are significantly weaker with him in the lineup.

Alliance are one of the lowest-rated CS2 teams in the tournament and have very little experience facing tier-one squads. They have found some success in lesser events, including Conquest of Prague 2026, which they won earlier this month.

That said, facing FaZe is a massive step up in competition and likely too big of an obstacle to overcome. FaZe should open their campaign with a win.

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9Z TEAM vs SHARKS ESPORTS

Best Odds	9z -250 at BetOnline | Sharks +175 at SportsBetting
When	May 27, 2026 | 14:00 CEST
Watch Live	Twitch

9z Team and Sharks Esports have met four times this season, most recently in March, when 9z secured their second consecutive head-to-head victory.

Since then, 9z have produced a few strong tournament runs, including a quarterfinal appearance at PGL Astana 2026. Before that, they also dominated regional competitions, often proving themselves as the better South American team over Sharks Esports.

Sharks can be dangerous in regional matchups, but 9z have had the edge this season and have shown more internationally. Given the head-to-head record and the form leading into Stake Ranked Episode 2, it is hard to go against 9z Team.

The favourites should be able to win this series and cover the map handicap.