In a devastating blow to their ambitions, Team Falcons failed to qualify for the Shanghai Major, falling 1-2 to Gamer Legion in today’s elimination game.
Despite the addition of Counter-Strike superstar Oleksandr "s1mple" Kostyliev earlier this year, the team’s struggles culminated in a bitter end to their 2024 campaign. This marks the second time the Falcons have missed out on a Major this year, casting further doubt on the viability of their current roster.
Falcons are out of the RMR!
S1mple, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in CS history, delivered consistent performances throughout the Regional Major Rankings (RMR) event. He maintained a positive kill-to-death ratio in the elimination match as well, showcasing his individual brilliance. However, even his firepower couldn’t offset the team’s structural and strategic shortcomings, leaving Falcons just short of a Major berth yet again.
CS:GO will miss another CS2 Major pic.twitter.com/rnRQRn1Jm0
— HLTV.org (@HLTVorg) November 19, 2024
On the opening map of Vertigo, it was clear why Falcons usually avoid said map. They looked out of ideas on their T-site. After then fighting back on Nuke, guided by an impressive 21 kill performance by Emil "Magisk" Reif, they fell flat on the final map of Mirage.
21/1/9 on Nuke. pic.twitter.com/gwimrI7nDi
— Falcons Esports (@FalconsEsport) November 19, 2024
This failure is the latest chapter in what has been a disastrous project for the Falcons. Initially heralded as a potential superteam, the roster was built around the former ENCE core, led by Marco "Snappi" Pfeiffer, alongside veteran champions Magisk and Peter "dupreeh" Rasmussen—two legendary names who had previously won Majors with Astralis and Team Vitality. Adding renowned coach Danny "zonic" Sørensen further amplified expectations. However, the team has struggled to find synergy or consistent success, missing both the Shanghai and Copenhagen Majors earlier this year.
Big changes are looming
The Shanghai setback is likely the final nail in the coffin for this iteration of the roster. Insiders suggest that a significant rebuild is on the horizon, with an overhaul expected in 2025. One of the most anticipated moves is the rumored signing of Nikola "NiKo" Kovač, another superstar who could form a formidable duo with s1mple, should he be kept. NiKo’s arrival would mark a fresh start for the Falcons as they aim to finally live up to the lofty expectations set when the team was first assembled.
A disappointing end to a disappointing season pic.twitter.com/qC4n5sYV7i
— HLTV.org (@HLTVorg) November 19, 2024
Despite today’s heartbreak, the Falcons remain a compelling organization with the resources and ambition to stay competitive. Whether the addition of NiKo and a revamped roster can reignite their Major hopes in 2025 remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: this year’s experiment has been a resounding failure.