After an intense grand final at IEM Melbourne 2025, where Falcons narrowly lost to Vitality in a 2-3 thriller, Danish player René “TeSeS” Madsen reflected on the experience, his evolving role within the team, and the influence of rising star Ilya “m0NESY” Osipov on the team’s internal dynamics. His HLTV interview and the accompanying video offer sincere insights into the deeper changes taking place within the Falcons roster.
A Loss That Brought the Team Closer
TeSeS candidly admitted that the IEM Melbourne final loss left a mark — the team had real chances to win but ultimately fell to a dominant Vitality squad:
“It was one of the best matches I’ve ever played. We could have won, but we didn’t. It hurts, but it also motivates. We talked about it, laughed, had a few beers, and decided — it’s time to move forward.”
Instead of falling apart or blaming one another, Falcons showed maturity. They discussed their mistakes without losing their team spirit. This emotional resilience and cohesion point to a healthy team environment — a key ingredient for long-term success.
m0NESY’s Role in Transforming Falcons
m0NESY’s arrival at Falcons, following a break and transition away from G2, wasn’t just a high-profile signing — it reshaped the entire team dynamic. As TeSeS notes, his own role changed significantly:
“With him, I don’t need to be the top fragger all the time. I can just play my game, create space, support my teammates, and not obsess over stats.”
This reduction in pressure has allowed TeSeS to adapt more effectively to what the team needs. No longer burdened by the expectation to carry, he now thrives as a flexible, stabilizing force that enables stars like m0NESY to shine.
m0NESY, for his part, has quickly adapted to his new environment. His aggressive style, bold decision-making, and growing ability to balance solo brilliance with team structure make him not just a frag machine, but a “magnet” that draws pressure away from his teammates.
Falcons After m0NESY’s Arrival
Since m0NESY’s transfer in April 2025, Falcons have experienced a noticeable rise. The team didn’t just stabilize — they made a breakthrough on the international stage. Within just a month, Falcons:
- Reached the grand final of IEM Melbourne, narrowly losing to Vitality in a five-map thriller;
- Climbed into the top 8 of the HLTV world rankings.
This surge is a direct result of a strengthened team structure, where every player understands their role clearly. m0NESY takes initiative in high-pressure moments, while players like TeSeS provide consistency and map control.
TeSeS and the Value of “Invisible” Work
One of the more compelling moments of the interview came when TeSeS discussed a different kind of responsibility within Falcons. Despite no longer chasing high stat lines, his role remains crucial:
“My game now is more about creativity in small moments, communication, holding space, and enabling big plays from m0NESY or NiKo. It’s invisible work, but it’s critical.”
This marks a transformation from “star fragger” to “space architect,” someone who sets the stage for others to shine. In CS2, such roles are immensely valuable — and often what separates good teams from great ones.
Staying Grounded: Humility as a Strategy
TeSeS repeatedly emphasizes that the team must not lose their footing after a few strong results. Falcons are just beginning their new journey, and inflated expectations could easily derail their progress:
“As soon as you start believing you should be in the finals of every tournament, you’re in trouble. You’ve got to stay hungry, or you lose everything.”
This mindset shows the mental growth within the team. Falcons aren’t letting the hype or public expectations distract them from the internal focus required for consistent development.
TeSeS’s Statistics in 2025 After m0NESY’s Arrival
What’s Next for Falcons?
Falcons leave IEM Melbourne with a painful but valuable experience. They stood toe-to-toe with one of the best teams in the world and proved they are already capable of fighting for titles. m0NESY reaffirmed his form, TeSeS showed adaptability and maturity, and the team as a whole revealed their potential for long-term dominance.
Challenges lie ahead. But if Falcons can maintain the balance between talent, discipline, and mental flexibility that they demonstrated in Melbourne, they may well become the next defining force in CS2.
