July 26, 2025 — Cologne, Germany. In one of the most anticipated debuts of the year, Maksim “kyousuke” Lukin made his first appearance for Falcons at IEM Cologne. The 16-year-old talent, signed from Spirit Academy for a reported $2 million, entered the Tier-1 scene with high expectations and immediate pressure. But on the big stage, against seasoned opponents, kyousuke delivered exactly what fans had hoped for — and maybe more.
Calm Under Fire: kyousuke on His Debut
The pressure of replacing a Major-winning veteran like Magisk, stepping into a roster with stars like NiKo and m0NESY, and debuting at one of the biggest events of the year would rattle almost any rookie. But kyousuke played like someone who had nothing to prove — and everything under control.
He communicated actively, played with composure, and consistently made the right decisions. Most importantly, he didn’t shy away from fights — he took space, created openings, and punished overextensions like a veteran.
Speaking before the match, kyousuke reflected on his performance and mentality:
I think I’m best at aiming and crosshair placement, and I’m working to improve it. I don’t really feel the pressure people talk about — honestly, I don’t feel it at all. Of course I’m ready. That’s exactly why I’m here in Falcons.
That mindset was clear from round one — confident peeks, crisp mechanics, and a calm presence. For a debut, it was everything Falcons could’ve hoped for.
KYOUSUKE
CEMEN BAKIN
MAXIM LUKIN#IEM pic.twitter.com/oK83bvE0oJ— Falcons Esports (@FalconsEsport) July 26, 2025
Match Breakdown: Stats and Impact
Falcons 2–0 win over GamerLegion (13–11 on Nuke, 13–6 on Mirage) was as clean as it was convincing — and kyousuke played a major role in the outcome. Across both maps, he posted 35 kills and only 15 deaths, ending the series with an overall 1.28 rating. His average damage per round was 90.1, with a standout 105.9 ADR on Mirage, where he also recorded a server-best 1.60 rating. He led the team in opening kills with eight and maintained a 79.1% KAST, matching the squad’s most consistent performers.
ONE TAPPED @FLCkyousuke #IEM pic.twitter.com/rHTxvZFqBr
— Falcons Esports (@FalconsEsport) July 26, 2025
On Nuke, kyousuke was solid — 17 kills, 78 ADR, and timely assists. But on Mirage, he was a star. He led in frags, out-aimed experienced players like REZ and PR, and helped shut down GamerLegion’s T-side with multi-kills and crosshair discipline.
He may not have won any flashy clutches in this match, but his fundamentals — trading, positioning, early-round duels — were top-tier from the start.
NiKo Reactions After Match
After the game, team leader Nikola “NiKo” Kovač had nothing but praise for Falcons newest addition. Known for his high standards and fierce competitiveness, NiKo sounded both impressed and personally invested in kyousuke’s growth:
He’s confident. He feels comfortable. His communication is good. I’m trying to give him space. Maxim reminds me of Ilya — when m0NESY joined, he already understood everything. Rotations, timings, positions. kyousuke is the same. If he spoke Russian, maybe it would be even easier, but he’s already doing incredibly well.
NiKo also revealed that the team has shifted roles to allow kyousuke more freedom:
He’s a rising star. We believe he can become one of the best players in the world. I’ve stepped back a bit — playing lurk more, giving him the space to shine.
It’s a rare moment when a superstar willingly sacrifices positions — but that’s how much trust Falcons are placing in their new recruit.
Final Thoughts: A Statement Made
There was no overthinking, no hesitation, and certainly no collapse — kyousuke’s debut was poised, impactful, and promising. He proved he could handle Tier-1 pace, contribute against experienced lineups, and still bring his natural firepower to the table.
Falcons looked more structured than they had in recent months — better roles, more synergy, and new energy around the team. And while it’s only one series, it’s the kind of debut that builds hype not just for the player, but for the team’s entire campaign at IEM Cologne.
Next up for Falcons is a crucial match against The MongolZ — and if kyousuke continues on this trajectory, he might not just be a rising star… he might already be a real problem for anyone on the other side of the server.
