HLTV has released its final Prospects Ranking update of the current season, with Lithuanian star Džiugas "dziugss" Steponavičius retaining first place, while Kacper "xKacpersky" Gabara stays second and Dmytro "dem0n" Myroshnychenko remains third.

The July edition serves as the last ranking before this year's eligible class graduates, making it one of the most significant updates of the season. Alongside stability at the very top, the latest list also rewards several players for standout LAN performances over the past month.

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Quick Summary

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dem0n and xKacpersky remain among the world's best CS2 prospects

There is little movement at the top of July's edition, reinforcing what has become one of the clearest trends throughout 2026.

Lithuanian rifler dziugss keeps first place after another strong month, while Polish talent xKacpersky retains second position following several months as one of the ranking's leading players.

Ukrainian prospect Dmytro "dem0n" Myroshnychenko also finishes his final appearance in the ranking inside the top three, continuing the consistency that has made him one of the most highly regarded young players in Counter-Strike this season.

The remainder of the top five saw only one positional swap, with Klimentii "kl1m" Krivosheev moving ahead of Adrian "xelex" Vincze, reversing their positions from June.

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Updated Top 10 (July 2026)

HLTV's published article highlights only major movements beyond the top five in its summary. Complete ranking available through HLTV's interactive dashboard.

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Biggest movers in July

Although the podium remained unchanged, several players enjoyed strong rises thanks to recent tournament performances.

Among the biggest stories:

• David "Dawy" Bibik returned to the Top 10 after helping Inner Circle win Super DraculaN.
• João "koala" Pfeffer climbed back into the Top 15 following an impressive Major showing.
• Nikita "jackasmo" Skyba continued his resurgence after posting a 1.30 rating during the previous month.
• Adam "Grizz" Golden strengthened his position after consistent performances at FRAG TAP Reloaded.
• Vladimir "b1st" Krasikov recorded one of the month's biggest jumps, climbing to 26th after averaging a 1.20 rating in Virtus.pro's new lineup.
• New entries include kralle, pleynnn, SquEzxc, and ogwizard.

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Background: What is the HLTV Prospects Ranking?

The HLTV Prospects Ranking evaluates the world's best young Counter-Strike players who have not yet fully established themselves at the highest tier of competition.

The ranking combines multiple performance indicators rather than relying on rating alone, including:

• Performance versus stronger opponents
• LAN results
• Playoff performances
• Event recognition
• Recent form
• Age
• Community "Bold Prediction" votes
• FACEIT performance

Eligibility is limited by experience thresholds, ensuring the list focuses on emerging talent rather than already established stars.

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Why this ranking matters

The HLTV Prospects Ranking has increasingly become an indicator of future tier-one stars.

Many players featured near the top of previous editions eventually earned opportunities with leading organizations after consistently appearing in the rankings.

For organizations searching for future roster additions, the list offers a data-driven overview of players combining:

• mechanical ability
• LAN experience
• consistency
• long-term potential

While the ranking itself has no competitive impact, it often shapes discussion around transfers and scouting.

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Timeline

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Key Details

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Impact Analysis

The July ranking reinforces several long-term narratives rather than introducing dramatic changes.

For dem0n, another top-three finish confirms his standing among Europe's most promising young riflers.

For xKacpersky, maintaining second place after leading earlier editions highlights remarkable consistency throughout the season.

Meanwhile, players such as Dawy and b1st used recent LAN success to strengthen their cases ahead of the next eligibility cycle.

Because this is the final update before graduation, the ranking effectively serves as the closing evaluation of the current generation of prospects.

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What changes now?

No competitive rules change as a result of the ranking.

However:

• this is the final ranking for the current eligibility cycle;
• HLTV confirmed that a dedicated graduation article will follow;
• the next season of prospects will introduce a refreshed class of eligible players after graduation.

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What to watch next

The next developments surrounding the HLTV Prospects project include:

• HLTV's graduate feature covering players leaving the ranking.
• The launch of a new eligibility cycle.
• Whether top-ranked prospects earn additional opportunities with tier-one organizations.
• Performances of newly promoted prospects during the second half of the 2026 season.

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Related teams, players and events

Players

• Dmytro "dem0n" Myroshnychenko
• Kacper "xKacpersky" Gabara
• Džiugas "dziugss" Steponavičius
• Adrian "xelex" Vincze
• Klimentii "kl1m" Krivosheev
• David "Dawy" Bibik
• João "koala" Pfeffer
• Nikita "jackasmo" Skyba

Teams

• FUT
• Virtus.pro
• MASONIC
• CYBERSHOKE Prospects
• Inner Circle

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FAQ

Who is No.1 in the HLTV Prospects Ranking for July 2026?

Džiugas "dziugss" Steponavičius retained first place in the July 2026 update.

Where did dem0n finish?

Dmytro "dem0n" Myroshnychenko finished third in the final ranking of the current season.

Did xKacpersky keep his place?

Yes. Kacper "xKacpersky" Gabara remained second in July after spending much of the season at or near the top of the rankings.

Is this the final ranking of the season?

Yes. HLTV describes July as the final Top 50 update before the current class graduates.

Does the ranking affect VRS or Valve rankings?

No. The HLTV Prospects Ranking is an editorial ranking and does not influence Valve Regional Standings or tournament qualification.