3DMAX and Alliance Set for Three-Map Playoff Clash

3DMAX and Alliance are set for a tightly contested best-of-three showdown in the lower bracket round 1 of the Stake Ranked Episode 2 Playoffs, with the series expected to require all three maps to decide a winner. The Counter-Strike matchup is scheduled for May 28 at 6:00 a.m. ET and carries significant stakes as both teams look to keep their playoff runs alive.

With elimination pressure mounting, both sides are likely to lean on their strongest map selections while attempting to exploit weaknesses in the opposing veto. The balance between the teams points toward a competitive series rather than a quick sweep, setting up a potentially decisive final map.

Official results are expected to be reflected through HLTV following the match, with the outcome of the series determining which team advances in the lower bracket and which exits the playoff stage.