IEM Rio Major Legends Stage Fantasy game live

Test your Counter-Strike knowledge as the IEM Rio Major reaches the top 16.

The IEM Rio Major Challengers Stage has officially concluded. In its wake comes the Legends Stage, where 16 teams will battle it out for their chance to reach the playoffs and appear on stage in the sold-out Jeunesse Arena.

Accompanying the next phase of play at the $1,250,000 tournament will be another HLTV Fantasy game, where players will be able to win skin prizes and points for the seasonal leaderboard.

Those who are unfamiliar with Fantasy games can take a look at HLTV's tips and tricks guide here, which was made just before the start of the IEM Rio Major.

Players have mostly gravitated towards FaZe to round out their ranks. Finn "⁠karrigan⁠" Andersen leads the charge as the most-picked player; costing a relatively affordable $176,000, the Danish tactician could prove to be a valuable and cost-effective pick for those in need of a tried-and-tested captain for the Leader role. The other two popular PGL Antwerp Major picks are Helvijs "⁠broky⁠" Saukants ($217,000) and Russel "⁠Twistzz⁠" Van Dulken ($212,000).

Unsurprisingly, Oleksandr "⁠s1mple⁠" Kostyliev has also attracted a lot of attention. The Ukrainian superstar is the third most-picked player, but his services will make a large dent in your budget, as he fetches $234,000. With this investment, though, comes the large chance of a sizeable reward; the AWPer has put up a 1.21 rating in the past three months, and he continues to be a force to be reckoned with in the server regardless of his opponent.

Other common picks are the heavy-hitting duo of Mathieu "⁠ZywOo⁠" Herbaut and Dmitry "⁠sh1ro⁠" Sokolov, playing for Vitality and Cloud9, respectively. The pair aren't cheap, costing $247,000 and $232,000 each, but have showcased their heroics in the server already in the Challengers Stage. sh1ro was particularly deadly, averaging a stellar 1.45 rating — the best performance in that portion of the Major.

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Fantasy tips and tricks for IEM Rio

Players who need to watch their spending could look to MOUZ. The European combine stormed through the competition in the Challengers Stage, boasting an unblemished 3-0 record en route to a Legends Stage berth. Christopher "⁠dexter⁠" Nong only fetches $184,000, a rather small asking price for an in-game leader, whilst their highest-rated player, Dorian "⁠xertioN⁠" Berman, will leave a $213,000 hole in your wallet.

Similarly, Bad News Eagles, who also had their own 3-0 record to advance to the top 16, are rather cost-effective selections. A player from the Kosovar squad will cost no more than $199,000 in the form of Flatron "⁠juanflatroo⁠" Halimi, a solid choice for those who wish to save some money for the bigger names.

Players who wish to harness the home-crowd advantage can select members of FURIA. The Brazilian roster finished the opening stage of the Major with a 3-1 record, and will undoubtedly have the backing of the crowd when on stage. Kaike "⁠KSCERATO⁠" Cerato leads the way as the most-costly choice, costing $212,000 to have him on your team.

The HLTV x Roobet league will once again offer points on the seasonal leaderboard as well as skin prize for those who clinch a podium finish:

1. Huntsman Knife | Bright Water (Field-Tested)
2. Gut Knife | Bright Water (Field-Tested)
3. Shadow Daggers | Bright Water (Field-Tested)

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Please take note of the Fantasy rules before competing as they provide important information regarding the prizes, eligibility, and selection of winners. Fantasy is free of charge and can be played in official HLTV leagues, as well as independently organized private and public ones.

Start playing Fantasy by going to the Fantasy page here.