In a move confirming esports’ elite status globally, Team Vitality has announced a major multi-year international partnership with Stake. The seven-figure agreement was unveiled at IEM Cologne 2025, one of the most prestigious tournaments in the Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) calendar. The collaboration sees Stake become the official international betting partner of Team Vitality’s CS2 roster.

This high-profile alliance marks Stake’s official entry into the esports world. The partnership includes extensive activation plans such as premium jersey placement, dynamic digital campaigns, innovative co-branded content, and exclusive access to players. 

With Team Vitality currently dominating the global CS2 scene, the partnership showcases brands’ commitment to innovation and high-impact audience engagement.

Strategic Expansion into Esports

For Stake, this partnership is a significant step in expanding its impressive portfolio of global sports partnerships. Known for collaborations across Formula 1, MMA, and football, the company enters the esports landscape with a strategic move. 

Stake’s branding will appear prominently on the front and left collarbone of Vitality’s official CS2 jersey. The brand will also enjoy increased visibility through content co-creation, player access activations, and integration across the team’s social and digital platforms.

Powerful Timing and Global Impact

The partnership kicks off during one of the most important moments in the esports calendar. IEM Cologne attracts a massive international audience, with the 2024 edition drawing over one million viewers. As the reigning champions of last year’s tournament, Team Vitality enters Cologne 2025 at the peak of its dominance, after recently winning the ESL Grand Slam and Blast Austin Major titles.

The launch’s timing is strategic as it aligns Stake’s debut in esports with a major industry event. The synergy between the two brands leverages sponsorship value and cultural impact within a growing fanbase.

Elevating the Future of Competitive Gaming

Team Vitality’s co-CEO Vas Roberts highlighted the deal’s significance. “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. 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.”

Stake and Team Vitality share values rooted in ambition, excellence, and the thrill of performance. With this union, Team Vitality joins the ranks of mainstream sports and paves the way for further recognition of esports as a premium entertainment sector.