apEX Among the Most Popular Fantasy Picks for the PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026 Playoffs
apEX Among the Most Popular Fantasy Picks for the PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026 Playoffs
Dan “apEX” Madesclaire — the experienced in-game leader of Team Vitality — has emerged as one of the most frequently selected players in the HLTV Fantasy game ahead of the PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026 Playoffs. As of the latest figures, apEX appears on roughly two out of every three fantasy lineups created for the event’s playoff phase, making him the most popular individual pick among participants. (
This trend reflects both his value as a budget-friendly option (apEX carries a relatively modest price tag compared to other top talents) and Vitality’s strong standing heading into the knock-out bracket. His group stage performance at Cluj — where he delivered solid, consistent results alongside teammates like William “mezii” Merriman and Robin “ropz” Kool — has boosted confidence in his potential as a Fantasy asset.
Playoff Format and Fantasy Strategy
The PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026 Playoffs will feature an eight-team, single-elimination bracket. All matches are best-of-three (BO3) except for the Grand Final, which is a best-of-five (BO5). A third-place decider is also included, meaning teams that win their quarterfinals are guaranteed at least two additional matches — a factor that influences Fantasy strategy.
Fantasy strategists have noted that picking a team likely to win their first match and then secure third place can sometimes be more beneficial than simply choosing sides expected to reach the grand final. This is because the extra match(es) from the third-place game can yield crucial additional fantasy points.
Playoff Contenders and Storylines
The playoff lineup at Cluj-Napoca reflects a balanced mix of established heavyweights and dark horses, offering several storylines for fans and fantasy gamers alike.
On the favorites’ side:
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Vitality secured their playoff spot emphatically during the Swiss group stage, including a convincing victory over MOUZ (13-5 on Dust2 and 13-8 on Inferno) to punch their ticket to the knockout rounds. apEX’s influence and Vitality’s overall form have made them one of the most popular teams in Fantasy lineups.
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Falcons — another 3-0 team in the group stage — sit alongside Vitality as frequent picks, with their own strong track record in the Swiss rounds impacting Fantasy choices.
Other quarterfinal matchups are equally compelling:
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Falcons vs PARIVISION opens the bracket, a rematch of sorts for two squads that have crossed paths in other recent events.
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MOUZ vs Natus Vincere will pit MOUZ against a NAVI roster buoyed by the support of Mihai “iM” Ivan, who will be playing in front of a home crowd after NAVI declined an invitation to last year’s Cluj event.
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Vitality will face Aurora, renewing a rivalry from earlier tournaments and group-stage play.
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FURIA meets The MongolZ, a pairing trending toward frequent meetings on the competitive circuit.
The full bracket and schedule, hosted at the BT Arena in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, will determine who moves on to semifinals on Saturday and ultimately the Grand Final on Sunday. All quarterfinals start on February 20, and the playoffs will conclude on February 22.
What This Means for Fantasy Players
Aside from apEX’s popularity, the fantasy player pick lists are dominated by names from Vitality and Falcons — two of the strongest squads in the bracket — occupying nine out of the top ten slots in the most selected Fantasy spots. Their consistency in the Swiss stage and projected deep runs in the bracket explain why many have anchored their strategies around these rosters.
That said, Fantasy gamers are also balancing risk and reward. Some commentators suggest that drafting slightly less-popular players with high upside in potential wins can yield seasonal points and better leaderboard placement, especially with the third-place decider games offering extra scoring opportunities.
Broader Context: Vitality’s Recent Form
Vitality’s strong showing at Cluj is backed up by their successful 2025 campaign overall. In addition to multiple event wins throughout the previous year — including major championships and high-level finals — the team has claimed several big trophies, contributing to their reputation as a top tier CS2 squad. Players like Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut continue to make headlines as one of the most decorated talents on the scene.
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