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

Platform comparison

Active sub-markets

Market context

FaZe Clan face Sharks in a lower bracket semifinal of the Stake Ranked Episode 2 Playoffs, a best-of-three Counter-Strike match scheduled for 29 May 2025 at 1:30 PM ET. The winner advances in the playoffs bracket; the loser is eliminated. FaZe are favoured at 96% implied probability across prediction markets, reflecting their stronger recent form and roster stability compared to Sharks. The match settlement window closes 30 May at 00:30 UTC, allowing roughly 23 hours post-scheduled start time to capture any reasonable delays before the 50-50 tie-resolution clause activates.

FaZe's dominance in similar lower-bracket matchups this season provides the baseline for current odds. Teams ranked in FaZe's tier typically win such encounters 90–95% of the time against mid-tier opposition, though upsets do occur when roster changes or tactical adjustments favour the underdog. Sharks have shown inconsistent results; their path to this semifinal suggests they capitalised on bracket positioning rather than sustained performance against top-four teams. Historical Stake Ranked data shows that 96% probabilities on Polymarket and Kalshi tend to compress slightly (to 93–95%) on Betfair and Smarkets, where decimal odds of 1.04–1.05 reflect lower implied probability and higher overround fees.

Key catalysts include any last-minute roster announcements, server or technical delays affecting the 29 May schedule, and whether either team issues public statements about preparation. Traders should monitor Stake's official Discord and FaZe's social channels 24 hours before match time. If the match is postponed beyond 7 days without completion, the market resolves 50-50 across all platforms, eliminating the current probability advantage entirely.

Methodology

This page compares Counter-Strike: FaZe vs Sharks (BO3) - Stake Ranked Episode 2 Playoffs specifically across Polymarket, Kalshi, Betfair Exchange and Smarkets. Live odds come from the Polymarket order book; the other venues' contract details are maintained manually because their APIs aren't directly comparable. Every CTA routes to Polymarket Alternative, which mirrors the Polymarket order book at 0% fees.

Resolution & payout

Polymarket settles via UMA Optimistic Oracle on Polygon. A proposer posts the outcome with a bond, the two-hour window runs, then the smart contract pays USDC.

Kalshi settles USD through the CFTC-regulated clearinghouse — the cleanest variant, with heavier KYC. Betfair Exchange settles in account currency (GBP/EUR), net of 2-5% commission. Smarkets follows the same model as Betfair with a lower default 2% commission.

FAQ

Where can I trade this market with the lowest fees?

On Polymarket Alternative, 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.

How does resolution work?

Through the UMA Optimistic Oracle on Polygon: a proposer submits the outcome, a two-hour challenge window opens, and USDC payouts settle automatically once the result is final.

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 Alternative?

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

Do I need to KYC for this market?

Not under $1,500 of lifetime trading volume. Above that threshold, Polymarket Alternative triggers a quick verification flow that finishes in minutes.