Team Vitality has officially revealed a groundbreaking international partnership with Stake, the world’s leading online casino and sportsbook platform. This multi-year collaboration, valued in a seven-figure agreement, represents one of the most ambitious commercial deals in the history of competitive esports. Announced on the grand stage of IEM Cologne 2025, the partnership signals Stake’s formal entry into the world of esports while reinforcing Team Vitality’s standing as one of the most influential and globally recognized organizations in competitive gaming.
As part of the agreement, Stake will become the official international betting partner of Team Vitality’s Counter-Strike 2 roster, which has been widely regarded as the number-one team in the world. The deal will feature extensive branding on Team Vitality’s jerseys, high-profile content collaborations, and exclusive fan activations designed to create deeper engagement between the organization, its players, and the global esports audience.
The collaboration between Team Vitality and Stake is more than just a sponsorship arrangement — it is a symbolic moment in the evolution of esports as a mainstream global entertainment industry. Over the past decade, the growth of competitive gaming has attracted sponsors from diverse sectors, including automotive, energy drinks, and fashion. Now, with a global betting giant entering the space at this scale, esports is further cementing its legitimacy as a cultural and commercial powerhouse.
Stake has previously established a reputation for building partnerships with some of the world’s most popular sports properties, including Formula 1, top-tier football clubs, and high-profile MMA events. By joining forces with Team Vitality, Stake extends its influence into the rapidly expanding esports sector, aligning with an organization that shares its values of ambition, performance, and global entertainment. For Team Vitality, this deal provides more than financial backing — it delivers an opportunity to develop pioneering fan engagement strategies. Stake’s experience in digital entertainment and interactive platforms positions it as a partner capable of helping esports push creative boundaries.
The collaboration will focus on delivering premium content, year-round activations, and unparalleled access to players, ensuring that Vitality fans worldwide feel closer than ever to their favorite team.The timing of the partnership could not be more significant. Team Vitality’s Counter-Strike 2 roster is currently experiencing one of the most successful periods in the organization’s history. In the past year alone, the team has won multiple consecutive titles, including the prestigious ESL Grand Slam and the BLAST Austin Major. These victories have established Vitality not only as the reigning powerhouse of CS2 but also as a global symbol of excellence within the competitive gaming ecosystem.
Launching the Stake partnership at IEM Cologne 2025 underscores this momentum. Known as one of the most iconic and fiercely contested tournaments in Counter-Strike, IEM Cologne routinely attracts massive global audiences. The 2024 edition recorded more than one million viewers, making it the second-most-watched Counter-Strike event of the year.
From the outset, the partnership has been structured to deliver more than visibility. Stake will play a central role in supporting Vitality’s CS2 roster throughout the season, ensuring the players have the resources, infrastructure, and activation platforms needed to sustain their competitive edge. Beyond simple branding, Stake and Vitality are committed to co-creating innovative fan experiences. This includes interactive digital content, behind-the-scenes storytelling, and exclusive access opportunities designed to bridge the gap between the team and its supporters around the world.
Both organizations recognize the power of esports not only as a sport but also as a cultural movement that transcends borders. The deal is therefore not limited to Europe — it carries ambitions of global resonance. By aligning with Stake, Team Vitality secures a partner with international reach, while Stake gains instant credibility within a vibrant and loyal esports community.
