It is said that the best businesses and their leaders, in their respective markets and industries, are never satisfied with their current situation. There are always ways to make it bigger and expand further, which means that, regardless of previous successes and accomplishments, one must always strive for more. The mindset of trying to become the best and then maintaining that standard is not something every company can achieve, yet some have done it and continue to do so consistently. In the gaming and gambling industries, nobody does it better than Stake.
The online casino gambling and sports betting platform has been at the forefront of change and innovation from its inception. For 8 years now, they have been successfully finding new and improved ways to expand and enter different markets. Thanks to smart business practices, tactical sponsorships, and long term partnerships, the casino sportsbook hybrid has done what others cannot. Improving their image and spreading the word the right way has resulted in some of the best deals in the business.
After numerous deals with celebrities, athletes, teams, and leagues, they now have a brand new sponsorship with none other than Team Vitality. The competitive video game organization is a huge name on the scene, and their Counter Strike team will proudly wear the Stake logo for years as the platform promotes the increasing interest in esports betting. Learn about Team Vitality as we talk about the latest in the long line of brand ambassadors for the leading gambling platform.
Team Vitality and Stake Partner Up
Stake has done it again with yet another amazing sponsorship. They have proudly announced themselves as the official betting partner of Team Vitality, one of the most decorated teams in the history of both Counter Strike: Global Offensive and Counter Strike 2. The collaboration is a multi year, seven figure commitment as the players will wear jerseys with the Stake logo displayed on the chest.
Recently, the team has won their sevent consecutive victory in S-tier finals, cementing their status as the No. 1 CS2 team in the world. The latest trophy means back to back Majors for the squad as they won the CS: Go Paris in 2023 and CS2 Austin in 2025. It is a legendary run that also included wins at ESL Pro League, IEM Katowice, and IEM Melbourne. The win streak is iconic and the greatest the scene has had, and this new partnership will hopefully usher in even more success.
Meet Team Vitality Players
The legendary roster of Team Vitality is the opposition’s worst nightmare. If you mean to follow them from this moment on and bet on their matches on Stake’s Counter Strike Sportsbook, you have to know who they are, what they do, and why they are so good. The squad is home to some of the most skilled tactical shooter players in the whole gaming scene. The current team is led by Dan “apEX” Madesclaire, who leads by example as he won his third Major recently. He is the record holder for the most tournament wins at 33 in the history of the game.
The team features Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut, a world class AWP player, Shahar “flameZ” Shushan, who is a consistent lurker, the main rifler William “mezii” Merriman, and the tactician extraordinaire Robin “ropz” Kool. Together, they have every single thing covered and represent a formidable blend of experience and raw gaming talent. ZywOo has recently won his 27th MVP award, an absolute record. Mezzi is the first British player to win a Major. Overall, these five stars are dominant, a true powerhouse in the scene, and Stake is very proud to have them as partners.
Speaking on the deal, the team co CEO, Vas Roberts, said, "This partnership with Stake is historic: not only for its scale but also for its symbolic value. It reflects the success of our ambition to establish Team Vitality as a leading global esports brand, alongside the biggest names in their respective industries. At a defining point in our Counter Strike journey, this collaboration will allow us to create innovative experiences, offer exclusive content around our team, and support our CS2 roster as it reaches new competitive heights.”
Chief Marketing Officer at Stake, Akhil Sarin, stated,
“This partnership brings together two industry powerhouses: Stake, a global leader in betting and entertainment, and Team Vitality, the reigning CS2 world champions. This collaboration adds esports to our globally renowned portfolio of sports and entertainment partnerships, with Team Vitality representing exactly the caliber of world class partner we seek as we enter the esports arena.”
A Great Chance for the Fans
With the deal being a dream for both sides, Stake and Team Vitality, neither has forgotten about the fans. Ultimately, it is all about the support they bring, as without them, there would be no professional video game team, nor the leading casino and sportsbook. With their amazing strategic depth and individual brilliance that can turn the tide of every match, Team Vitality has a very bright future ahead of them. Already, they have done so much, but Stake eagerly anticipates new wins and trophies. As an integral part of their continued journey, and the official betting partner, CS2 will now be at the forefront of the esports side of its sportsbook.
If you enjoy electronic sports and like to make an occasional bet on tactical FPS titles, the new Team Vitality Promo that will be available for Stake users is the best chance for extra betting options and increased wins. The partnership has been launched at a critical moment in the competitive calendar as the IEM Cologne draws closer. It is among the most iconic and widely followed tournaments in the CS circuit. The 2024 edition attracted over a million viewers, the second most watched CS event of the year.
On schedule on 1-3 August, live from the Lanxess Arena, the Group A Upper final is between Vitality and The MongolZ. The team has beaten Astralis in the opening round 2-0, then won against G2, also 2-0, and is not looking at the final stage of their group. In Group B, the Upper semi finals are on schedule with MOUZ vs Natus Vincere and Aurora vs Spirit in contention. One of these teams will be the ultimate opponent should Vitality reach the big final. The 1st place prize is $400,000, plus a club share of $60,000.
Advice, Tips, and Tricks to Get Good
“Getting good” at a video game, both in a serious manner and as a popular joke for someone struggling, is never easy. To help you get good at the game, in case you are inspired by Team Vitality and want to know more before betting on Stake.com, here is a quick roundup of useful advice, tips, and tricks about the game.
First of all, you must learnt the fundamentals. Always keep your crosshair at head level and aimed where enemies might appear. Do not look at the ground, the sky, or the walls. Spend 10-15 minutes in an aim trainer like Aim Botz before playing. Stop moving before shooting, especially with rigles, and learn to counter strafe. It is done by tapping the opposite movement key to stop instantly.
When it comes to game sense and tactical awareness, map knowledge is crucial. Start with a small pool of the most popular maps like Dust2, Mirage, and Inferno. Learn the callouts, common angles, choke points, and bomb sites. Workshop maps and offline practice can help you as you practice exploring the map without pressure. Familiarizing yourself with your surroundings is a must.
A very important and often forgotten aspect of competitive shooters is the sound. You must use your ears, as the game sounds are everything in CS2. Walk by holding the Shift key to stay silent, and use good headphones while playing. Turn off unnecessary in game music or ambient sound, as they do not serve a purpose in winning and staying competitive.
In a shooter, it all comes down to combat and gunplay. Key weapons must be mastered first, mainly the AK-47, M4A1-S, and M4A4. Master these rifles and start with tapping and bursting instead of spraying. The Glock, USP-S, and P250 are more important than you know. Practice these pistols frequently. The Desert Eagle (Deagle) is great for aim training, and a high risk risk high reward weapon. Avoid SMGs early unless you are eco buying or rushing.
Practicing spray control with the guns is crucial because each of them has a recoil pattern. Learn to control it by pulling down, up, or to the sides to counter the recoil of each. Spray down a wall and see how it moves with a full clip, then pull your mouse in the opposite direction.
Other advice includes watching the professionals do it on streams, communicating clearly, staying calm, and playing with friends instead of solo. Remember to use medium graphics settings for higher FPS and visibility, and set a custom crosshair that suits your style of play. Set goals, devote time and effort, and you will be the best player in your squad in no time!
Counter Strike Franchise FAQs
While CS: Global Offensive and CS 2 are widely popular around the globe, many new players and younger generations lack the knowledge about the franchise as a whole. To be a true fan of something, you must also be a historian of it. To help you, here are some frequently asked questions with detailed answers to break the confusion and inform you about the franchise.
1. What is the origin of the Counter Strike franchise?
Counter Strike began as a mod for Half Life in 1999, created by Minh "Gooseman" Le and Jess Cliffe. Due to its popularity, Valve acquired the rights and released it as a standalone game.
2. How many games are in the Counter Strike series?
Counter Strike (1999-2003)
Counter Strike: Condition Zero (2004)
Counter Strike: Source (2004)
Counter Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO, 2012)
Counter Strike 2 (CS2, 2023)
3. What made CS: GO so popular in esports?
CS: GO offered refined gameplay, consistent updates, a strong competitive matchmaking system, and support from Valve through Major Championships. It attracted a global player and viewer base and opened tournament play like never before.
4. What is the difference between CS: GO and CS2?
CS2 is a major upgrade built on the Source 2 engine that features improved graphics, responsive smokes, sub tick servers, and a modernized UI. It does all of that while keeping the core gameplay largely intact and iconic.
5. Why is Counter Strike often used as an example of tactical FPS gameplay?
Unlike many modern shooters, CS emphasizes precise aiming, team coordination, and economy management. There are no respawns during rounds, meaning it demands both mechanical and strategic skill to win.
6. What is the Counter Strike "economy"?
Each team earns money based on round performance. Managing this in game economy, like when to save or buy weapons, is a critical tactical element that can determine a match's outcome.
7. How do skins and cases work in Counter Strike?
Players can earn or buy weapon skins via loot boxes (cases), which require keys to open. Some skins are extremely rare and have become part of a lucrative virtual item market. They sell for considerable amounts of real world money.
8. What are Valve Majors in CS?
Valve Majors are premier CS tournaments with top tier teams and large prize pools. First introduced in 2013, Majors are prestigious and shape the legacy of pro players and organizations. It is the tournament to win as a pro player.
9. Has Counter Strike ever been involved in controversies?
Yes. Topics like match fixing, cheating, and skin gambling have sparked controversy over the years. It has prompted Valve to implement stricter rules and anti cheat measures.
10. What impact has Counter Strike had on gaming culture?
Counter Strike helped define online multiplayer FPS gaming, spread attention on, and fascination with video games as a whole. It also influenced map design with its classic locations (Aztec, Assault, Dust II), and played a key role in the rise of global esports. Its legacy continues with CS2, and who knows what else lies in its future.
