Stake Pulse
Stake x BME CS2 Tournament Circuit 2026Our Esports Commitment
Stake is proud to present Stake Pulse, a brand-new Counter-Strike 2 Tier 2 tournament circuit produced in partnership with Black Molly Entertainment (BME) and hosted live from the BME Studio in the Nordics. Building on our expanding portfolio of first-party esports properties - including our own Stake Ranked circuit and long-standing sponsorships across the competitive CS2 scene - Stake Pulse is a series that gives rising CS2 teams a professional platform to compete in front of a live audience with full broadcast production. Across three Beats in 2026, we're backing 16 teams per event with paid accommodation, catering, dedicated practice rooms, and over $180,000 in combined prize money.
The Pulse Circuit
The Stake Pulse circuit is built around three distinct Beats spread across 2026: Beat I (31 July - 5 August, $60,000), Beat II (21-26 September, $60,000), and Beat III (12-17 October, prize pool TBA). Each event follows the same competitive framework - 16 teams split into four GSL groups playing BO3, feeding into a Single Elimination 8-team playoff that culminates in a Grand Final. Two slots per Beat are earned through Open Qualifiers, with the remaining 14 available on a first-come, first-served basis. As a Valve-recognised Tier 2 event, every match delivers Global Valve Regional Standings (VRS) points, giving teams meaningful progression toward the Valve Major cycle.
Stake Pulse Beat II - Coming Up in September
Following Betclic Apogee's title-winning run at Beat I in August, Stake Pulse Beat II returns to BME Studio from 21–26 September 2026, with a stacked 16-team field chasing the same $60,000 prize pool and $20,000 winner's share. Fourteen sides secured their spots through the direct sign-up route - Astralis, HEROIC, 100 Thieves, fnatic, EYEBALLERS, Betclic, FOKUS, Sashi, Virtus.pro, Echo, Phantom, Johnny Speeds, INFINITE, and Sangal - while EAC and ASTRAL punched through the Open Qualifiers on 20–21 August to claim the final two seats. Reigning champions Betclic return to defend their crown against an even sharper field this time out, with fnatic, Johnny Speeds, and EAC all back from Beat I to test themselves against Tier 1 names Astralis and HEROIC. Full brackets, group draws, and exclusive live betting odds will be available on our Stake Pulse Beat II betting market page once markets open.
Bet on Every Stage of the Action
Watch every group stage match, playoff series, and Grand Final live with free live streams and real-time odds on Stake Sportsbook, across the full range of markets from match winners and map handicaps to correct scores and total maps. New to CS2 betting? Our CS2 betting guide, broader Esports betting guide, and FPS terminology explained cheat sheet have you covered whether you're new to esports or a seasoned sports bettor!