Jakub Pietruszewski powers FaZe Clan to 2-0 win over Sharks Esports
FaZe Clan defeated Sharks Esports 2-0 in the lower bracket semifinal of Stake Ranked Episode 2 on May 29, 2026, advancing to the final day of the Barcelona LAN. This victory ensures the roster a top-three finish and a spot in the consolidation final. Jakub “jcobbb” Pietruszewski delivered a standout performance, powering his side through Ancient and Mirage to eliminate the Brazilian squad.
The win marks a successful recovery for FaZe Clan after they were previously knocked down to the lower bracket following a loss to magic. By defeating Sharks Esports, the team remains in contention for the $25,000 top prize. Sharks Esports exit the tournament in fourth place, securing $11,000 from the total $100,000 prize pool as they head home from Spain.
Polish player Jakub “jcobbb” Pietruszewski, who celebrated his 22nd birthday earlier this year, was the statistical leader of the series with an overall 1.61 rating. His dominance was especially apparent on the CT-sides of both maps. While competition at this level is fierce, roster moves and game updates continue to shape the industry, similar to how Star Fox day one update details recently confirmed new features for console players.
FaZe Clan secure opening map lead on Ancient
The best-of-three series opened on Ancient, the map pick of Sharks Esports. FaZe Clan took immediate control on their CT-side, establishing a 3-0 lead and eventually closing the first half with a dominant 9-3 scoreline. The European side showed disciplined defense, frequently shutting down Shark’s attempts to infiltrate the bomb sites.
Sharks Esports found momentum after the side swap, winning six of the first seven rounds of the second half to tie the game. However, FaZe Clan regained their composure before the Brazilians could take the lead. FaZe won three consecutive rounds to close out the map 13-9, preventing a full comeback.
Russel “Twistzz” Van Dulken and David “frozen” Čerňanský provided steady support throughout the first map, finishing with ratings of 1.35 and 1.09 respectively. Their ability to trade effectively during late-round scenarios helped mitigate the aggressive plays from Shark’s Daniel “rdnzao” Monteiro, who led his team with 31 kills across the series.
Mirage victory seals the sweep for FaZe Clan
On Mirage, FaZe Clan secured the initial pistol round on their T-side but failed to convert the follow-up. This allowed Sharks Esports to briefly climb to a 3-1 lead. The half remained competitive as both teams traded rounds, but FaZe ultimately walked away with a narrow 7-5 advantage heading into the break.
FaZe Clan then won their third pistol round of the day upon switching to the CT-side, reaching double digits first. Sharks Esports managed to close the gap to just two rounds late in the game, but they eventually ran out of time. Jakub “jcobbb” Pietruszewski finished the map with a 2.30 CT rating, leading his team to a 13-10 win and a 2-0 series victory.
This deep run in a Valve Tier 2 event is significant for the team’s standing. As IEM Cologne Major 2026 stickers and related tournament updates impact the professional circuit, earning Valve Regional Standings (VRS) points here is vital for future Major qualifications. FaZe currently sits at #16 in the global rankings.
Final day schedule and tournament standings
The Stake Ranked Episode 2 tournament, organized by StarLadder, concludes on May 30 with the final three teams. magic has already secured a spot in the grand final after sending FaZe to the lower bracket earlier in the event. The final day features two matches that will determine the champion in Barcelona.
The remaining matches are scheduled as follows (times in PDT):
- Lower Bracket Final: Ninjas in Pyjamas (NIP) vs. FaZe Clan – 06:00 AM
- Grand Final: magic vs. Winner of Lower Bracket Final – 09:30 AM
The final placements and prize distribution for the eliminated teams are now confirmed:
- 4th Place ($11,000): Sharks Esports
- 5th-6th Place ($9,000): Alliance, 9z Team
- 7th-8th Place ($7,500): 3DMAX, HEROIC
Rosters for the final day competitors
Teams will look to maintain their form in the closing matches. The rosters for the final day include the following players:
- FaZe Clan: broky, Twistzz, jcobbb, frozen, Neityu
- Ninjas in Pyjamas: Snappi, stavn, sjuush, xKacpersky, cairne
- magic: MaSvAl, sFade8, AW, mo0N, tenzy
The upcoming clash between FaZe Clan and Ninjas in Pyjamas carries weight due to their respective rankings, with NIP currently ranked #35. Fans can watch the conclusion of the event live on the StarLadder Kick channel. For those following broader industry trends, Tekken 8 full news roundups also highlight a busy week for competitive gaming across multiple genres.