At 32 years old, Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo remains one of the most influential figures in the world of Counter-Strike. But this time, it’s not due to his sharpshooting with the AWP or his exceptional leadership—it’s because of a bold transition to an entirely new role within FURIA. In an in-depth interview with HLTV, the “Professor” opened up about his emotions, doubts, and ambitions—and his words shed light not only on the team’s internal dynamics but also on the broader challenges of the CS2 scene.
Letting Go of the AWP: A Painful but Necessary Decision
FalleN openly admitted that the current level of AWP gameplay among top teams has reached incredible heights. And this realization pushed him toward change:
“I made this move because I felt that the teams who are winning right now have AWPers playing at an insane level—ZywOo, m0NESY, sh1ro. I haven’t been able to reach that level in recent years.”
This isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s strategic self-awareness. FalleN realized that clinging to the AWP for status’ sake would only harm the team’s goals. Instead, he handed over the sniper role to young talent molodoy and took on one of the most thankless positions on the map himself.
The Anchor Role—Not for the Faint of Heart
In his new role, FalleN acts as the team’s “anchor”—the defender holding down one bombsite, often alone. This means he’s the first to face pressure during an enemy execute. And as the Brazilian veteran admits, it’s not as easy as it sounds:
“I have ideas of what I should do… but when the real action starts, when the s**t starts coming in, everything feels very different.”
It’s not just about mechanics. The role demands mental toughness, precise timing, and sharp focus—especially during slow rounds. FalleN specifically mentioned his struggles holding B site on Mirage, a position where a single mistake can cost the round:
“I’m still getting used to this role. I lack experience in high-pressure moments, when 3–4 players push you at once and everything happens in seconds.”
FURIA Goes International: Farewell to the Brazilian Dream?
One of FURIA’s most controversial decisions was to bring in international players. YEKINDAR from Latvia and molodoy from Ukraine marked the org’s first serious step away from an all-Brazilian roster. FalleN clarified that this shift wasn’t due to a loss of national identity, but out of necessity:
“It’s really hard to build a strong team in Brazil. Young players in academy teams have extremely high buyouts. Sometimes they’re not playing at a level that justifies those buyouts, but bureaucracy keeps them stuck in the system.”
This creates a toxic environment where young talent can’t progress and orgs can’t form true “superteams.” That’s why going international and switching to English comms became a step toward flexibility and long-term success.
Molodoy – FURIA’s New AWP Star
FalleN also took time to highlight the team’s new sniper. Though just 18 and lacking Tier-1 experience, molodoy impressed everyone with his performance and mentality:
“He’s very smart. He sees the big picture of a round, not just his own position. That’s a rare trait.”
Team cohesion and English communication were big hurdles for the new lineup—but thanks to molodoy’s game sense, the adaptation was surprisingly quick. FalleN even compared him to a younger version of himself—with better mechanical skills.
Community Reaction: Support and Skepticism
Following the HLTV interview, community reaction was mixed. On HLTV forums and Reddit, some praised FalleN for showing adaptability and dedication to the team:
“Honestly, it’s great to see FalleN putting up decent numbers as a CT anchor and space-taking IGL. It was sad to see him as a shadow of his AWPing self, but if he can perform in more supportive roles, I hope he stays in the scene for a while.”
Others acknowledged the difficulty of the transition but saw it as a positive move:
“This is just the beginning of his story.”
Some even compared his role shift to other greats:
“Funny to think Karrigan used to be an AWPer too.”
What’s Next for FURIA and FalleN?
FURIA reached the playoffs of PGL Major Astana 2025 despite having only 7–10 days to prepare. That alone proves the potential of this reformed roster. But what lies ahead?
For FalleN, this isn’t just a role swap—it’s the start of a new phase: mentor, anchor, full-spectrum team leader. His challenges are far from over. In fact, they’re only beginning. But if anyone can adapt to the CS2 meta, it’s the man who helped shape it for over a decade.
Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo has once again shown he doesn’t fear change. He doesn’t cling to the past—he evolves. His move to anchoring, his decision to give up the AWP, and his role in transforming FURIA reflect not just personal growth, but a new chapter for the entire Brazilian scene. FURIA hasn’t reached its peak yet—but with this captain at the helm, the ceiling is high. Very high.
