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

Platform comparison

Active sub-markets

Market context

The Stake Ranked Episode 2 Playoffs upper bracket semifinal between magic and FaZe is scheduled for 28 May at 16:00 UTC. Polymarket currently prices magic's victory at 36%, implying FaZe as 64% favourites in this best-of-three encounter. The conditional token structure on Polygon means traders holding YES tokens receive full payout only if magic win outright; any cancellation, tie, or forfeit beyond the seven-day window triggers a 50-50 split of the liquidity pool.

FaZe enters as the stronger-ranked roster on recent LAN performance, having maintained top-four finishes across major tournaments throughout 2025 and 2026. Magic, whilst capable, have shown inconsistency in high-pressure playoff formats. Historical precedent from similar tier-one matchups suggests that when an established top-four team faces a mid-tier challenger in single-elimination playoffs, the favourite wins approximately 70% of the time. The current 64% pricing for FaZe sits slightly below that baseline, suggesting modest value for contrarian traders backing magic.

Traders should monitor team roster confirmations and any schedule adjustments from Stake's official announcements through 27 May. Internet connectivity issues or equipment failures have historically delayed Counter-Strike playoffs by 24–48 hours without triggering the seven-day forfeit clause. FaZe's recent bootcamp location and scrim results will likely surface on team social channels in the 48 hours preceding the match. Any last-minute stand-in announcements would materially shift the conditional token pricing, particularly if either team loses a key rifler or in-game leader.

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 Polymarket Scam?, which mirrors the Polymarket order book directly.

Resolution & payout

Settlement runs on-chain. Polymarket's contract logic separates YES and NO shares as conditional tokens; at resolution the winning share lifts to $1.00 and the losing one to $0. The outcome input comes from the UMA Optimistic Oracle, which secures against bad resolution with a bond + dispute window.

Once finalised, the smart contract pays USDC to the holders' wallets within minutes — no withdrawal fees beyond Polygon network gas. Kalshi settles in USD via CFTC clearance, Betfair in account currency net of commission, Manifold in play-money mana with no cash-out.

FAQ

Where can I trade this market with the lowest fees?

On Polymarket Scam?, 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.

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 Polymarket Scam??

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

How fast are USDC deposits?

Polygon credits deposits after 12 confirmations — usually under 30 seconds. Withdrawals follow the same path and land back in your wallet within minutes.

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.