How to get souvenir gun skins from the CSGO Rio Major

TL;DR

  • Rio Major souvenir cases require purchasing an access pass and tokens to unlock specific match cases
  • Two pass options available: $10 basic or $18 upgraded with better token value
  • Skins come from updated Operation Riptide collections and legacy map collections
  • Rare souvenir variants of high-value skins like AK-47 Gold Arabesque are possible but extremely rare
  • Free tokens available through successful tournament stage predictions

Major CSGO tournaments consistently feature souvenir cases as premium collectible items, and the Rio Major continues this tradition with enhanced acquisition mechanics. These commemorative items serve as tangible memories of esports history while offering players potential financial returns through rare skin discoveries.

Even casual CSGO enthusiasts who don’t follow competitive gaming can benefit from the market dynamics surrounding souvenir skins. The system has evolved significantly, presenting both opportunities and complexities for collectors. Understanding Valve’s revised framework for these limited-edition items is crucial for maximizing your investment.

Many returning players face confusion about the current souvenir ecosystem, which now incorporates both direct purchase options and prediction-based rewards. This guide breaks down the complete process from acquisition to potential payouts.

Acquiring Rio Major souvenir skins involves a structured purchase system through Steam. Players must first obtain the Rio Major access pass, available for $10 directly through the Steam store or in-game client. This initial purchase unlocks the ability to buy individual souvenir tokens.

Each souvenir token costs $3 and becomes redeemable once tournament matches commence on October 31, 2022. Token redemption allows selection of specific match cases, enabling targeted collection of skins from memorable games.

CSGO Rio Major souvenir token

For collectors seeking optimal value, the upgraded Rio Major pass at $18 provides three souvenir tokens bundled together, effectively saving $3 compared to individual token purchases. Both pass variants include upgradeable commemorative coins that track your tournament engagement level.

A significant opportunity exists for free token acquisition through the Pick’Em Challenge system. Successful predictions across the three tournament stages—Challengers, Legends, and Champions—can yield additional tokens without additional cost.

Rio Major souvenir cases contain skins from two primary sources: original map collections and the refreshed 2021 collections introduced during Operation Riptide. This dual-source approach ensures both continuity for long-term collectors and excitement around newer skin lines.

Operation Riptide fundamentally transformed the souvenir landscape by introducing updated skin collections for Train, Mirage, Dust_2, and Vertigo. Valve systematically retired older souvenir collections for these maps in favor of their modern counterparts.

This transition creates extraordinary opportunities for obtaining souvenir versions of exceptionally rare skins. The AK-47 | Gold Arabesque and AWP | Desert Hydra represent the pinnacle of potential discoveries, though their drop rates remain minuscule.

Maps that didn’t receive 2021 collection updates—Ancient, Inferno, Nuke, and Overpass—continue distributing skins from their established collections. While these older collections lack the recent hype surrounding Riptide skins, they contain multiple high-value items that maintain strong market demand.

Notable skins from legacy collections include the AK-47 | Panthera onca and M4A1-S | Master Piece, both maintaining respectable value despite not being part of the newest collections.

Strategic acquisition of Rio Major souvenirs requires understanding both immediate costs and long-term value potential. The upgraded pass offers better per-token pricing but requires higher initial investment. Consider your budget and collection goals when selecting between pass options.

Market timing significantly impacts souvenir skin values. Prices typically peak immediately after the tournament concludes as demand surges from collectors seeking complete sets. However, patient investors often find better returns months later when supply becomes scarce.

A common mistake involves over-investing in tokens for matches featuring popular teams, assuming higher demand will translate to better returns. In reality, skin rarity and condition (float value) prove more important than match significance for long-term value.

Advanced collectors should research specific skin float ranges before redeeming tokens, as mint-condition souvenirs command substantial premiums. The sticker combinations applied to souvenir skins also influence desirability—team logos from legendary matches add collector appeal.

For maximum efficiency, coordinate your Pick’Em predictions with your collection goals. Successful predictions not only provide free tokens but also enhance the commemorative value of your overall collection.

Action Checklist

  • Purchase Rio Major access pass ($10 basic or $18 upgraded)
  • Complete Pick’Em predictions for all tournament stages
  • Research specific match cases before token redemption
  • Monitor tournament schedule for memorable matches to target
  • Check skin float values and sticker combinations before listing on market

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