Team Falcons had an impressive start at the Esports World Cup 2025 CS2 event, with standout players m0NESY and NiKo delivering exceptional performances against their previous team, G2 Esports, in front of a lively home audience.
The Falcons achieved a decisive 2-0 victory over the prominent European squad, with NiKo leading the team with an impressive rating of 1.47, recording 40 kills and 31 deaths. m0NESY followed closely with a rating of 1.29, contributing 33 kills and 25 deaths over the two maps.
Despite not being the top scorer, m0NESY shared his relief at performing well after struggling in the two previous major CS2 tournaments.
«In the last two tournaments in Cologne and Major, my individual performance wasn’t great. I went through a slump, but I believe it’s a phase I need to overcome,» m0NESY told an interviewer.
During Falcons’ disappointing 20th place finish at the Austin Major 2025, m0NESY had a 1.05 rating across eight maps in Stage 2. He had hoped to improve at IEM Cologne, but only managed a 1.06 rating, resulting in the team’s exit in the group stage.
Now at EWC 2025, the 20-year-old Russian professional player expressed his determination to return to form. «In this tournament and the ones to follow, I will be more prepared. I might not be at my best right now, but I’m committed to improving,» he declared.
As of now, Falcons have played just two maps at EWC, but m0NESY has already showcased his potential, particularly against his former team.
When asked about any unexpected challenges faced against G2, he remarked: «They performed well, individually. I believe they played strongly, especially on Train.» On the second map Train, G2 initially led by six rounds, but Team Falcons quickly turned the tide, ultimately winning 13-7.
«We had a chance to bounce back, and they gave us that chance. They were interpreting our strategy well and returning fire effectively,» m0NESY noted. The pivotal Round 11 on Train saw m0NESY and NiKo secure a critical clutch for Falcons.
m0NESY’s solid performance hints at a return to form after a series of lackluster showings in recent competitions. Next up, the home team will take on strong title contenders, MOUZ, in the quarterfinals.
