Team Falcons, a Saudi Arabian esports organization, has swiftly established itself as a significant presence in the world of Counter-Strike 2 (CS2). With a roster bolstered by highly skilled players and a coaching staff of seasoned veterans, the Falcons are making waves in the competitive CS2 scene. This article delves into the team’s history, notable roster changes, standout achievements, and their bright future. As one of the rising stars in the Counter-Strike esports scene, the Falcons are a team worth keeping a close eye on moving forward.
History of Team Falcons in Counter-Strike
Team Falcons was launched as part of the growing Saudi Arabian esports ecosystem, which is fueled by substantial investments in the global esports industry. While the Falcons organization is involved in multiple game titles, their Counter-Strike roster has been pivotal in marking their competitive ambitions on the international stage.
Initially, their CS roster consisted of capable, yet mid-tier, players, enabling the team to compete in regional tournaments. However, with an influx of resources and a desire to compete at the highest level, the Falcons adopted an aggressive recruitment approach in 2023. This marked a major turning point for the team as the organization eyed a transition toward becoming one of CS2’s elite teams.
Current Roster – A Blend of Champions and Emerging Stars
Team Falcons’ current roster, finalized in January 2025, showcases an elite mix of seasoned veterans and rising talents. With world-class additions from legendary teams like G2, Astralis, and Heroic, the Falcons have reinforced their ambitions to compete at the highest level. The current roster stands as follows:
Emil “Magisk” Reif: A former Major champion, Magisk is known for his consistency, adaptability, and invaluable leadership on the server.
Nikola “NiKo” Kovač: One of the most decorated riflers in CS history, NiKo’s mechanical skill and playmaking ability make him a core component of the team.- René “TeSeS” Madsen: A former Heroic standout, TeSeS is known for his aggressive playstyle and ability to turn the tide of crucial rounds.
Damjan “kyxsan” Stoilkovski: The in-game leader, kyxsan has earned a reputation for his tactical acumen and structured approach to mid-round calling.
Abdulhalik “degster” Gasanov: An exceptional AWPer, degster’s raw talent and clutch potential make him a dangerous weapon in high-pressure situations.
Coach: The legendary Danny “zonic” Sørensen, one of the most accomplished coaches in Counter-Strike history, now leads the Falcons with his strategic mastery and Major-winning experience.
Previous Players – Evolution Toward a Super team
Before assembling their current star-studded roster, Team Falcons went through various iterations in pursuit of the perfect lineup. Key figures such as Marco “Snappi” Pfeiffer, Pavle “Maden” Bošković, Álvaro “SunPayus” García, and Mohammad “BOROS” Malhas were part of the team but later transitioned out as the organization sought to build a superteam with championship potential. While these players made significant contributions, the Falcons’ latest acquisitions position them as a true contender on the global stage.
Notable Rosters Changes – December 2023 Overhaul
The most significant reshuffle in the Falcons’ Counter-Strike history came in December 2023. Capitalizing on the opportunity to sign top-tier players, the Falcons secured the ENCE trio of Maden, SunPayus, and Snappi. This move granted them direct qualification to the European RMR for the 2024 Copenhagen Major due to the trio’s prior achievements. Moreover, the addition of Emil “Magisk” Reif from Team Vitality was a blockbuster acquisition that further signaled the organization’s lofty ambitions in CS2 esports.
Complementing this impressive player lineup was the appointment of Danny “zonic” Sørensen as head coach, alongside Vitality’s Head of Performance, Lars Robl. Together, the duo is spearheading the organization’s “three-year project” with the ultimate goal of competing at the highest tiers of CS2.
Achievements and Tournament Highlights
Strong Presence at the European RMR for the 2024 Copenhagen Major
While Falcons are relatively new with their current roster, their qualification for the European RMR due to ENCE’s ranking is a vital milestone. This achievement positions the team for a chance to compete in one of the most prestigious tournaments in CS2—the Copenhagen Major. It also highlights the prospects of the current lineup, whose experience and skill make them formidable competitors in significant competitions.
Future Appearances in IEM Katowice 2024
Thanks to their solid performance and ranking, the Falcons are expected to participate in high-tier tournaments such as IEM Katowice in 2024. While they hadn’t yet achieved notable success in events such as IEM Cologne or BLAST Finals in earlier iterations, their revamped roster is poised to change that trajectory dramatically.
As a new force in the CS2 ecosystem, the focus is on consistent improvement and establishing themselves as a serious contender in premier tournaments globally.
Coaching and Management – A Recipe for Success
Behind every great team lies excellent leadership, and Falcons are no exception. Under the guidance of Danny “zonic” Sørensen, the team benefits from one of the most decorated coaches in Counter-Strike history. Known for his five Major victories with Astralis, Zonic’s strategic prowess and leadership are instrumental to the Falcons’ ambitions.
Additionally, the organization’s support system, including Vitality’s Head of Performance Lars Robl, enhances the level of professionalism and structure within the team. These appointments are part of Falcons’ multi-year plan to become a top-tier competitive organization, leveraging world-class expertise both on and off the server.
Trivia – Key Facts About Team Falcons
- Team Falcons is a Saudi Arabian team, reflecting the region’s growing investment in esports.
- Magisk is one of the few players in the world who holds a Major-winning title, making him an invaluable asset in high-pressure situations.
- The Falcons organization also boasts competitive teams in other esports titles besides CS2.
- The team is currently based in Europe to ensure access to top-tier practice and competition environments.
Falcons – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Team Falcons?
Team Falcons is a Saudi Arabian esports organization competing in various games, including Counter-Strike 2 (CS2).
Who are the current players in Team Falcons’ roster?
The current players include Snappi, BOROS, Maden, SunPayus, and Magisk, coached by Zonic.
Who is Zonic, and why is he important for Falcons?
Zonic is a legendary Counter-Strike coach with multiple Major victories. His experience and leadership elevate the team’s strategic and tactical play.
What was the significance of the December 2023 roster overhaul?
The December 2023 overhaul marked a shift to a world-class roster, attracting players from ENCE and Vitality, signaling the organization’s competitive ambitions.
Which player on the Falcons roster has won a Major?
Emil “Magisk” Reif is a Major champion, having previously won with Team Vitality and Astralis in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO).
Are Falcons based in Saudi Arabia?
While founded in Saudi Arabia, the team maintains a European base for access to practice and competitive scenes of the highest caliber.
What is the ‘three-year project’ mentioned by Falcons management?
The ‘three-year project’ aims to establish the Falcons as one of the most dominant teams in CS2 by investing heavily in coaching, management, and player development.
