100 Thieves beat Team Liquid to reach Stake Pulse Beat III playoffs
Esports organization 100 Thieves has secured a coveted spot in the Stake Pulse Beat III playoffs, overcoming a determined Team Liquid with a 2-1 series victory. The crucial Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) match unfolded on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, in Stockholm, Sweden, marking a significant turnaround for 100 Thieves after a recent disappointing tournament exit.
This win not only propels them deeper into the $80,000 prize pool event but also substantially bolsters their prospects for a coveted Major invite. According to HLTV’s Valve Regional Standings (VRS) prediction model, their chances jumped from approximately 30% to 55% following the triumph.
100 Thieves playoffs performance in Stockholm
The journey to the playoffs wasn’t without its challenges for 100 Thieves. They entered the Stake Pulse Beat III looking for a strong performance after their quarterfinal elimination from ROG JOURNEY Autumn earlier this month. That prior event, held in Skövde, Sweden, saw them place 5th-8th.
Their campaign began promisingly with a dominant 2-0 sweep against JijieHao, setting the stage for the high-stakes qualifying series against fellow esports giant, Team Liquid. This event, running from October 12-17, 2026, is a B-Tier LAN tournament in the competitive CS2 circuit. The broader gaming landscape continues to evolve, with many players exploring different gaming platforms.
The Stake Pulse Beat III, organized by Black Molly Entertainment and sponsored by Stake, represents the third event in this particular CS2 tournament circuit. It attracts 16 teams to Stockholm for a share of the $80,000 USD prize pool, with an entry fee of $3,000 USD per team covering accommodation and other logistical needs.
Tournament format and competitive stakes
The tournament utilizes a robust group stage format, consisting of four double-elimination (GSL) groups, each featuring four teams. All group matches, including the one between 100 Thieves and Team Liquid, are played in a best-of-three (Bo3) series.
Only the top two teams from each group advance to the single-elimination playoffs bracket. This rigorous structure ensures that only the most consistent and resilient teams progress through the initial stages of the competition.
The offline setting at the BME Studio in Stockholm amplifies the pressure and excitement, as teams compete face-to-face for crucial circuit points and prize money. Success here is vital for teams aiming to qualify for larger, Valve-sponsored Major tournaments.
Intense three-map Counter-Strike 2 battle
The best-of-three series against Team Liquid kicked off on Dust2, a map strategically chosen by 100 Thieves. They demonstrated exceptional form, delivering a stunning 13-0 performance. This included a flawless 12-round T-side run, followed by securing the opening round of the second half with a pistol win.
Swedish phenom Alex “poiii” Nyholm Sundgren led the charge, ending Dust2 with a 13/5 K/D, a +18.01% round swing, and an impressive 2.55 Rating 3.0. Nicolai “device” Reedtz, a Danish legend, also showed his class with an 11–3 K–D and a 2.02 Rating 3.0. Every member of 100 Thieves boasted a Rating 3.0 above 1.30 on the map.
Team Liquid, however, struggled immensely on Dust2. Keith “NAF” Markovic was their only player to achieve a rating above 1.00 (1.15), while Jonathan “EliGE” Jablonowski, Georgi “Jorko” Mitev, Mario “malbsMd” Samayoa, and Johnny “JT” Theodosiou all posted significantly lower ratings, highlighting 100 Thieves’ dominance.
Liquid’s Inferno turnaround forces decider
Team Liquid mounted a fierce comeback on their map pick, Inferno. After clinching the crucial first pistol round, they battled back and forth with 100 Thieves, ultimately securing an 8-4 lead by halftime. Liquid capitalized on their momentum, winning the second pistol round and subsequent conversions.
They pushed the score to a commanding 12-4, reaching map point. Despite a brief four-round rally from 100 Thieves, Liquid maintained their composure and closed out Inferno with a 13-8 victory, forcing the series to a decisive third map. This showed Liquid’s resilience under pressure.
Mirage, the decider, unfolded as a tense and closely contested affair. Both teams traded round wins and small streaks throughout the first half, resulting in a tight 6-6 scoreline. Liquid once again secured the second pistol round, but 100 Thieves refused to yield.
Through continued trading, 100 Thieves managed to eke out a narrow 10-9 advantage. A crucial eco victory further solidified their position, giving them the needed leverage to close out Mirage with a 13-9 win and claim the series. This clutch performance secured their playoff berth.
Strategic rosters and experienced players
100 Thieves boasts a formidable lineup that strategically blends seasoned veterans with burgeoning talent. Alex “poiii” Nyholm Sundgren, a 20-year-old Swedish rifler, has rapidly ascended to become a pivotal player for the team since his professional debut in August 2023. He’s considered one of Counter-Strike’s hottest prospects, known for his aggressive playmaking.
Joining poiii are two Danish stalwarts: Nicolai “device” Reedtz and William “sirah” Kjærsgaard. Device, aged 31, is widely regarded as one of the best AWPers of all time, bringing four CS:GO Major titles and over $1.9 million in prize money to the team. Sirah, a rifler, adds further firepower with over $44,000 in career earnings.
Håvard “rain” Nygaard, a 32-year-old Norwegian rifler and entry fragger, contributes immense experience from his nearly decade-long tenure with FaZe Clan, where he won the PGL Major Antwerp 2022 MVP award. His over $1.6 million in prize money underscores his elite status.
Rounding out the roster is Jack “Gizmy” von Spreckelsen, a 22-year-old British rifler and in-game leader. Gizmy brings experience from approximately 60 tournaments, accumulating around $10,400 in prize money, and provides crucial leadership on the server. Meanwhile, other gaming titles consistently emerge.
High stakes for Major qualification
The victory against Team Liquid holds substantial weight beyond the Stake Pulse Beat III tournament itself. It significantly impacted 100 Thieves’ standing in the Valve Regional Standings (VRS), which is Valve’s proprietary ELO-style ranking system dictating qualification for prestigious Major tournaments.
HLTV’s VRS prediction model indicated a jump in 100 Thieves’ Major invite chances from approximately 30% to a more secure 55%. This places them firmly within the range considered for an automatic invitation to an upcoming Major, a critical goal for any top-tier CS2 team.
For Team Liquid, improving their VRS rating remains a key objective, especially with the PGL Singapore Major on the horizon. While they are a globally recognized esports brand with a rich history, their recent LAN win drought of seven years highlights the competitive landscape they navigate.
Team Liquid’s tournament journey and organizational strength
Before facing 100 Thieves, Team Liquid had already navigated a challenging path within the Stake Pulse Beat III group stage. They secured a 2-1 victory over BBL, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure, before their encounter with 100 Thieves.
Following their loss, Liquid rallied once more, defeating JiJieHao 2-0 to ultimately advance to the single-elimination playoffs bracket themselves. This demonstrates their persistent drive, even after a tough loss, and their commitment to improving their standing.
Team Liquid, founded in 2000 in the Netherlands, is a multi-regional professional esports organization with a storied history. They initially gained prominence in StarCraft and later expanded significantly, notably merging with Team Curse in 2015 to integrate their successful League of Legends team.
Their long list of championship wins across various titles, including the Intel Grand Slam in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive in 2019, underscores their organizational strength.
This match also marked the first time these particular 100 Thieves and Team Liquid rosters had clashed, adding an extra layer of intrigue. Pre-match predictions from Strafe users were split 50/50, underscoring the perceived parity between these two highly-rated organizations. Beyond competitive esports, other game releases keep the broader industry active.
Looking ahead to the playoffs
With their hard-fought victory, 100 Thieves has punched their ticket to the Stake Pulse Beat III playoffs. Their next challenge awaits them in the quarterfinals, scheduled for Friday, October 16th. This crucial match will further test their mettle as they vie for the tournament title and additional Valve Regional Standings points.
Their bounce-back performance at this B-Tier LAN event, following the ROG JOURNEY Autumn disappointment, signals a team hitting its stride. The increased probability of a Major invite adds a significant layer of importance to their continued success in Stockholm, setting the stage for an exciting playoff run.