Falcons have officially revealed their roster for the 2025 Counter-Strike season. This marks the completion of an ambitious rebuild after the disastrous result last year. It wasn’t the lineup many expected, but it seems to be the best move they could make given the current circumstances.

1. A Well-Balanced Roster
2. Kyxsan: The Pillar of Leadership
3. The Role of NiKo and Magisk
4. Strengths and Potential Weaknesses
5. Why HEROIC’s Core Was the Best Option
6. Immediate Benefits: Tournament Invitations
7. Expectations for Falcons

A Well-Balanced Roster

The Falcons’ new roster includes three former HEROIC players—Damjan "⁠kyxsan⁠" Stoilkovski, René "⁠TeSeS⁠" Madsen, and Abdul "⁠degster⁠" Gasanov—alongside superstar Nikola "⁠NiKo⁠" Kovač and veteran Emil "⁠Magisk⁠" Reif. With this lineup, Falcons retain a strong mix of young ambitions and experience, setting the stage for a promising 2025 season.

Falcons’ key achievement in signing the HEROIC core is inheriting their eighth-place ranking in Valve’s Global Rankings. This ranking is critical, as it guarantees direct invitations to tier-one events, including BLAST Bounty, IEM Katowice, and PGL Cluj-Napoca. For a team looking to establish itself quickly, securing these invites is a massive boost.

Kyxsan: The Pillar of Leadership

One of the most exciting aspects of the new lineup is the inclusion of kyxsan, a rising IGL star. His leadership skills shone in 2023 when he guided Apeks to the semifinals of the BLAST Paris Major. After joining HEROIC, kyxsan proved he could work at the higher level with already established players and deliver results. HEROIC reached three playoffs stages in 2024, including the quarterfinal of Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024.

For Falcons, kyxsan’s leadership will be crucial. He’s known for his ability to adapt and build team cohesion, which is especially important when working with a high-profile player like NiKo. The Balkan connection between kyxsan and NiKo could be the key to unlocking the roster’s full potential.

READ MORE: Why does MOUZ keep choking in the playoffs?

The Role of NiKo and Magisk

NiKo remains one of the best riflers in Counter-Strike history. His ability to carry games and perform consistently under pressure makes him the focal point of this roster. Also he can be that man that doesn't let the team fall apart, the one the previous roster lacked at the first sight. NiKo just hates to lose and makes everyone hate losses as well. 

Meanwhile, Magisk brings invaluable experience and stability to the team. As one of the best anchor players to ever touch the game, he will likely continue to play a pivotal role on the defensive side, ensuring the team remains solid in high-stakes matches.

Strengths and Potential Weaknesses

While the new roster has undeniable potential, there are still some concerns. degster, the team’s AWPer, has struggled to adapt to CS2, and his performances have been inconsistent. His role is vital, and he will need to step up if Falcons hope to compete at the highest level.

TeSeS, on the other hand, may face challenges adjusting to his new environment. In HEROIC, he had a well-defined role, but playing alongside NiKo and Magisk could limit his space and impact. However, TeSeS has proven his versatility before, and with time, he could find his place in the new lineup.

Why HEROIC’s Core Was the Best Option

Falcons reportedly explored several roster options during the off-season but couldn’t secure cores from any bigger teams. The main candidate is most likely MOUZ, but the organization and players refused the deal.

Given this, acquiring HEROIC’s trio was arguably the best move they could make. HEROIC’s core is still in the top 8 of the ranking. Also it brings the needed level of experience and ensures fast evolution.

Immediate Benefits: Tournament Invitations

Thanks to the HEROIC core, Falcons are now guaranteed invitations to some of the biggest events in early 2025. Their debut will be in BLAST Bounty, which begins online on January 14. If they reach the top eight, they’ll make their LAN debut in Copenhagen from January 23.

They are also expected to receive a direct invite to IEM Katowice main stage, one of the most prestigious events on the calendar, starting January 29. These early opportunities will allow the roster to gel and prove themselves against the world’s best teams.

READ MORE: What awaits for FaZe Clan in 2025?

Expectations for Falcons

Despite the excitement surrounding the new roster, fans should temper their expectations. Falcons have assembled a solid team, but it will take time for the players to build synergy and fully adapt to their new roles. Early results might not be spectacular, but they have the potential to break into the top six or eight at several events.

However, roster changes are not out of the question. If rumors about m0NESY joining Falcons later in the year prove true, degster could be replaced to further strengthen the lineup. Such a move would make Falcons even more formidable. Other players are in the safer position, but it’s clear that if Falcons can make a big move, they will do it.

Falcons have done an excellent job securing a competitive roster for 2025. By bringing in HEROIC’s core, they’ve guaranteed a strong start to the season and positioned themselves as serious contenders. While the journey won’t be without challenges, this roster has the tools to succeed and build a legacy in Counter-Strike 2.