Team Falcons entered the summer break on the highest note possible after securing the IEM Cologne Major trophy. However, the subsequent weeks tested the roster’s momentum. Opening their post-break campaign with an immediate exit at BLAST Bounty Season 2 against 100 Thieves, followed by a quarter-final elimination against Legacy at the Esports World Cup 2026, Falcons arrive at BLAST Open Porto with a clear need to steady their form.
Speaking ahead of the event in Porto, 18-year-old rifler Maksim “kyousuke” Lukin made it clear that the Major championship has not dampened the squad’s competitive drive despite the results at EWC and BLAST Bounty.
I was hungry to win, and all of my teammates were hungry as well because we want to create something more than just a single Major win,” kyousuke said. “We want to win more tournaments.
Early exits at BLAST Bounty and Esports World Cup
The transition from off-season rest to intense tournament play proved unforgiving for Falcons. The single-elimination structure of BLAST Bounty left zero margin for error, resulting in an early upset loss to 100 Thieves. Shortly after, the team suffered another setback in Paris, falling to Legacy in the quarter-finals of the Esports World Cup.
Reflecting on the early stumble at BLAST Bounty, kyousuke identified a lack of match tempo rather than systemic tactical breakdown as the primary issue.
BLAST Bounty was not about consistency,” kyousuke explained. “It was about getting into the rhythm, and we did not manage to do that. The first game being an elimination match is hard for everyone. 100 Thieves had been grinding more than us before the tournament, and any team can surprise you in that format.
Finding his voice alongside karrigan and NiKo
Operating in a roster packed with seasoned veterans can be challenging for an emerging player, yet kyousuke points to an inclusive environment inside the team. With Finn “karrigan” Andersen directing the squad and Nikola “NiKo” Kovač providing firepower, the young Russian is encouraged to take an active role in strategic conversations.
Everyone on the team has a voice,” kyousuke said. “If someone has an opinion during theory sessions or practice about what we can improve, they speak up. I am not always very talkative, so NiKo and karrigan ask for my thoughts. They push me to talk more.
kyousuke also highlighted the cultural shift brought by karrigan’s leadership, which balances intense focus with levity. Alongside head coach Danny “zonic” Sørensen, the Danish contingent forms a strong core within the team.
He brings a lot of jokes, atmosphere, and energy,” kyousuke said of karrigan. “He gives us freedom on the server. He is just a very good teammate to play with.
Chasing redemption in Porto
Falcons open their BLAST Open Porto campaign against Lynn Vision, with a potential rematch against Legacy waiting in the next stage. For kyousuke and his teammates, the tournament serves as an opportunity to demonstrate immediate tactical adjustments.
Our goal for this tournament is to show that we have fixed our mistakes and that we are a better team than before,” kyousuke stated.
While personal progression remains a priority, kyousuke is focused entirely on team silverware. Having already secured a Major title in Cologne, his focus remains on building an era rather than settling for a solitary championship.
I am not setting specific personal targets right now, like having to be a top three player in the world,” kyousuke said. “My goal is to win the most prestigious tournaments out there, like Katowice, Cologne, and the Esports World Cup.
Falcons face Lynn Vision tonight at 18.30 CEST in Copenhagen, where they will try to take the first step towards qualifying for the playoffs in Porto.
