Team Falcons: From Ambitious Newcomers to Serious Contenders
Originally founded in 2017, Team Falcons entered the Counter-Strike scene with modest results. Backed by significant investment from Saudi Arabia’s Savvy Games Group, Falcons began ramping up operations in 2023 with the clear goal of building a world-class roster. Their ambitions became increasingly evident as they started courting tier-one talent and investing in infrastructure, support staff, and long-term development.
While their initial CS:GO/CS2 rosters saw limited success in international competition, the organization was always transparent about its goal to build a superteam. The signings of coach Danny “zonic” Sørensen, alongside former Vitality support staff, hinted at something bigger on the horizon.
Early Aspirations and Roster Assembly
Team Falcons’ journey in CS2 began in earnest in late 2023. In November, the organization appointed legendary coach Danny “zonic” Sørensen, renowned for his leadership during Astralis‘ golden era. This move signaled Falcons’ intent to build a team capable of challenging the elite. Shortly after, they secured Emil “Magisk” Reif, a former Astralis star, and Marco “Snappi” Pfeiffer from ENCE, rounding out a formidable coaching and leadership core.
The roster continued to evolve with the signings of Alvaro “SunPayus” Garcia and Pavle “Maden” Bošković, both from ENCE. Despite these promising additions, the team faced challenges in early 2024, including early eliminations from major tournaments and a failure to qualify for the PGL Major Copenhagen 2024. In response, Falcons made strategic changes, bringing in Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev on loan and later signing Peter “dupreeh” Rasmussen. However, further setbacks led to the benching of several players by the end of 2024.
The 2025 Roster: A New Beginning & the NiKo Era Begins
The turning point came on January 3, 2025, when Team Falcons announced the signing of Nikola “NiKo” Kovač from G2 Esports. NiKo, widely regarded as one of the best players in CS2, brought with him a wealth of experience and a hunger for success. His addition was seen as a statement of intent, signaling Falcons’ commitment to competing at the highest level.
Under NiKo’s leadership, the team experienced immediate success. They clinched their first CS2 trophy at PGL Bucharest 2025, defeating G2 Esports in the final. This victory not only marked a significant milestone for the team but also showcased their potential to challenge the established elite.
The HEROIC Core: A Strategic Acquisition
In January 2025, Team Falcons made another strategic move by acquiring the core trio from HEROIC: Damjan “kyxsan” Stoilkovski, René “TeSeS” Madsen, and Abdul “degster” Gasanov. This acquisition brought a wealth of experience and synergy to the team, as the trio had previously achieved significant success together. Their addition provided the team with a solid foundation and bolstered their chances in upcoming tournaments.
The Arrival of m0NESY: Why This Is a Game-Changer
Bringing in NiKo and m0NESY marks one of the most impactful double signings in recent CS history. Both players were key figures on G2 Esports, a top-5 team globally, and were instrumental in G2’s wins at the BLAST Premier World Final 2022 and IEM Katowice 2023.
m0NESY – a generational AWPer, m0NESY was a breakout star after joining G2 from NAVI Junior at just 16. His lightning-fast reaction time and aggressive style redefined how young AWPers could shape games at the tier-one level.
Together, NiKo and m0NESY bring a lethal mix of firepower, experience, and star power. Their synergy, honed at G2, will give Falcons an immediate tactical and mechanical edge.
What Makes This Roster Potentially the Best in the World?
Here’s why this iteration of Team Falcons could rise to the very top:
- Star Power: NiKo and m0NESY are both top-10 players in the world individually. Pairing them with a solid support structure could unleash their full potential.
- Championship Pedigree: With zonic—arguably the most successful coach in CS history—at the helm, the roster now has tactical discipline and championship experience.
- Financial Backing & Support: Falcons’ resources allow for cutting-edge bootcamps, analytics, and infrastructure that rival top-tier organizations like Vitality, NAVI, and FaZe.
- Stability & Vision: With long-term contracts and a vision toward Major titles and global dominance, the players are entering an environment that promotes both performance and longevity.
Looking Ahead: Can Falcons Deliver?
Team Falcons’ journey in CS2 is a testament to the organization’s commitment to excellence and their strategic approach to team building. With the arrival of NiKo and m0NESY, Team Falcons haven’t just upgraded, they’ve declared war on the status quo.
2025 could be the year a new dynasty begins. With a blend of experience, skill, and leadership, Team Falcons are poised to leave an indelible mark on the CS2 competitive scene.
