📍 Pley.gg at BLAST Rivals Season 1 in Copenhagen.
Team Falcons have booked their second consecutive Grand Final appearance, this time after a commanding 2-0 victory over MOUZ in the Semi-Finals of BLAST Rivals Season 1. The Saudi-backed organization looked sharp and confident as they outmaneuvered one of Europe’s strongest lineups.
Awaiting them in the Grand Final is either Vitality or Team Spirit – but the Falcons’ head coach Danny “zonic” Sørensen already sees a major victory in the team’s recent development: the addition of Ilya “m0NESY” Osipov.
In a post-match interview with Pley.gg, zonic spoke candidly about what it’s been like working with the 20-year-old Russian prodigy, who joined the team just last month after leaving G2. Despite the short time together, m0NESY has already played a pivotal role in Falcons’ resurgence – including two back-to-back Grand Final appearances.
– Not only is he a wonderful guy, but he’s also a phenomenal player, zonic said. I think in my coaching career I’ve always been blessed with having good AWPers, and this time is no different. Super happy to have him.
Zonic emphasized that while the team is still ironing out internal kinks – citing missed rotations and occasional misunderstandings – m0NESY’s ability to adapt and retain tactical information has accelerated the team’s cohesion.
– I’m really impressed that you can be 20 years old and still be so versatile and adapting to our playbook. You tell him one thing, and he just remembers it – and also remembers it for the next game. It’s been incredibly easy to integrate him.
“Extremely selfless”
More than just a highlight reel AWPer, m0NESY has brought a unique blend of technical skill, communication, and humility to a roster already headlined by Nikola “NiKo” Kovač.
According to zonic, that selflessness has sometimes even required reigning in.
– Obviously, he brings a lot of fear to our opponents with his AWPing,” zonic said, smiling. “But he also brings in a lot of communication. He and NiKo are phenomenal when it comes to assisting and offering help for their teammates.
– He’s extremely selfless – to a point where I’m like, ‘You probably shouldn’t be the one going first here.’ We’re kind of setting our playbook up around him and NiKo, but it shows his character.
Team Falcons’ sudden rise into elite contention has raised eyebrows across the CS2 scene, and while much of the spotlight has rightfully fallen on star performances, zonic credits the smooth integration of m0NESY and the team’s growing synergy for their success.
– It’s been a very big joy for me and for the guys to have him on.
With one more win standing between Team Falcons and the BLAST Rivals Season 1 title, all eyes will be on m0NESY and company to see if their dream run can continue. Whether it’s Vitality or Team Spirit in the Grand Final, zonic’s squad will enter with momentum, and one of the most exciting young talents in CS2 leading the charge.
You can see the interview with zonic about m0NESY in the video below.
