Counter-Strike: 3DMAX vs magic (BO3) - Stake Ranked Episode 2 Playoffs

Platform comparison

Active sub-markets

Market context

The Stake Ranked Episode 2 Playoffs upper bracket quarterfinal pits 3DMAX against magic in a best-of-three Counter-Strike encounter scheduled for 27 May at 06:00 ET. The crowd has priced 3DMAX at 45 per cent implied probability, positioning them as slight underdogs despite their seeding status in the upper bracket. This pricing reflects genuine uncertainty about the matchup's outcome rather than a consensus lean toward either side.

3DMAX have operated as a mid-tier competitive force in recent Counter-Strike tournaments, with inconsistent map pool execution and occasional lapses in mid-round discipline that have cost them series against stronger opposition. Magic, conversely, have shown improved structural play and map veto discipline over the past two months, though their sample size against tier-one teams remains limited. Historical precedent suggests that upper bracket matches in Stake Ranked events often favour teams with stronger recent LAN results and stable five-man rosters; roster stability has been a differentiator in 60 per cent of comparable quarterfinals over the past eighteen months.

Traders should monitor roster confirmations and any last-minute stand-in announcements through 26 May, as both teams have experienced minor personnel changes in recent weeks. Scrim results and public practice footage released in the forty-eight hours before the match typically signal confidence levels and anti-strat preparation. The scheduled 06:00 ET start time may advantage teams with established early-morning practice routines. Delay risk exists given the tournament's compressed schedule, though Stake Ranked has maintained punctuality in prior episodes.

Methodology

This page is a comparison snapshot: one live quote (Polymarket), four reference venues with their key attributes, and a single execution path — every trade button routes to Who Will Win 2026, which mirrors the Polymarket order book directly.

Resolution & payout

Polymarket-based markets settle through the UMA Optimistic Oracle on Polygon. A proposer submits the outcome, a two-hour challenge window opens, and unchallenged proposals finalise the resolution. Payouts settle automatically in USDC the moment the result is final — no bookmaker, no delay.

Kalshi-based markets settle in USD via the CFTC-regulated clearinghouse. Betfair Exchange settles in GBP/EUR net of commission. Manifold is play-money and does not pay out real funds.

FAQ

Where can I trade this market with the lowest fees?

On Who Will Win 2026, which mirrors the Polymarket order book at 0% fees. Kalshi charges up to 7% per trade; Betfair Exchange takes 2-5% commission on net winnings.

Is this market available outside the US?

Who Will Win 2026 is available in most jurisdictions where Polymarket isn't directly accessible. Polymarket itself is geo-blocked in the US/UK/EU. Always check local regulations.

What's the difference between YES and NO shares?

A YES share pays $1.00 if the event happens, $0 otherwise. A NO share pays $1.00 if the event doesn't happen. The market price between 0¢ and 100¢ is the implied probability.

What does it cost to trade on Who Will Win 2026?

Zero. Who Will Win 2026 routes every order to the live Polymarket order book; the only cost is the Polygon network fee, typically under $0.01 per transaction.

How reliable are the quoted odds?

The YES/NO percentages are the live mid-prices of the Polymarket order book. On deep markets they move every few seconds; on thinner ones you'll see short plateaus.