HLTV Awards 2026 frontrunners announced

After announcing HLTV Awards 2026, new rules for Hall of Fame nominations and a new award, HLTV has revealed the list of frontrunners under various categories. The frontrunners for each category were decided before the start of the Cologne 2026 Major. Three of Vitality's starting five- ZywOo, ropz and flameZ are in contention for Player of the Year.

Vitality's ZywOo, ropz and flameZ also make appearances under AWPer of the Year, Closer of the Year and Opener of the Year. cobrazera, who joined The MongolZ after Senzu's departure is among the Rookie of the Year frontrunners alongside Krabeni, dem0n and dziugss. Here's an overview of frontrunners announced by HLTV: