StarLadder and Stake partner up for $100K Tier-2 LAN

StarLadder has teamed up with Stake to host two A-tier LANs in 2026. "This circuit is designed to provide a true offline atmosphere for the global community, focusing on providing a stable environment for teams looking to bridge the gap between Tier 2 and Tier 1." says StarLadder describing the "Stake Ranked" circuit on their blogpost.

Two of these tournaments are set to take place in 2026- one each in April and May. StarLadder claims that tournaments in the circuit will carry prize pools of at least $100,000 USD. Stake Ranked Episode 1 will open the circuit in April 2026 and will send out invites to six teams based on the Global VRS (ranked 13th and below) and pick up two teams from the closed qualifier.

The closed qualifier will take place in the beginning of March, online. The closed qualifier will hand out invites to 14 teams based on the Global VRS and pick up two teams from the open qualifiers which will take place on 21st and 22nd February 2026. The LAN event will host a double-elimination bo3 bracket accommodating eight teams.