FaZe, NIP Win Opening Matches as magic Upsets 3DMAX

Stake Ranked Episode 2 opened in Barcelona on May 27, 2026, with four matches that set the first upper‑bracket ties and sent two teams to immediate elimination matches. magic defeated 3DMAX 2-0, FaZe beat Alliance 2-0, Ninjas in Pyjamas overcame HEROIC, and Sharks edged regional rivals 9z in a three‑map contest that ended with a 13-11 Nuke.

FaZe’s win over Alliance featured Russell Van Dulken (Twistzz) posting a 1.70 rating across the two maps. Ninjas in Pyjamas’ series against HEROIC included Martin Lund (stavn) recording 106.8 average damage per round, a +9.22% round swing, and a 1.85 rating for the matchup. magic closed out a straight‑sets victory against 3DMAX, while Sharks required a decider to take the win over 9z.

The results on day one set the upper‑bracket matches for May 28. magic will face FaZe at 15:00 local time and Ninjas in Pyjamas meet Sharks at 17:30. Teams that lost their opening matches move to the lower bracket and must win to remain in the event: 3DMAX plays Alliance at 10:00 local time and HEROIC faces 9z at 12:30.

Stake Ranked Episode 2 uses a double‑bracket format. Opening winners advance in the upper bracket, while opening losers drop to the lower bracket for elimination matches. Winning teams continue on the upper side of the draw; losing teams must win consecutive lower‑bracket matches to avoid elimination.

Wednesday’s schedule combined quick two‑map series and longer three‑map affairs. The mix of results produced two upper‑bracket matchups for the second day and two immediate elimination games for the opening losers.