In the high-stakes arena of the Riyadh Masters 2025, Team Falcons has once again asserted their formidable presence, securing a convincing 2-0 victory over long-time rivals Team Liquid in the playoffs. Following this pivotal win, Falcons` celebrated midlaner, Stanislav “Malr1ne” Potorak, offered a candid glimpse into the team`s mindset, their unique strategic approach, and the driving force behind their current surge in performance.
A Rivalry Forged in Fire: The Liquid Encounter
Malr1ne, never one to shy away from honest assessment, expressed genuine surprise at overcoming Liquid. “I am extremely surprised that we were able to cross this difficult threshold, let`s call it that, and defeat Liquid,” he stated. This isn`t merely another match for Falcons; it`s a chapter in a long-standing saga.
“I think we have met Liquid very often; because of this, we just have our own rivalry that does not apply to other teams. We have fairly equal statistics: we have both lost and won against Liquid – it`s been different. But overall, we are just played against each other, so, even considering the form of both teams, it`s semi-random – whoever performs better on the day.”
This admission of a “semi-random” outcome speaks volumes about the parity and intensity of their encounters. For Falcons, every clash with Liquid is a battle of wills, a testament to their mutual understanding and adaptation. Looking ahead to their next challenge, Malr1ne’s determination remains unwavering: “I will pray that we win tomorrow too. I will make every effort. I think there are always chances, so we will try.”
Defying the Meta: Falcons` Unique Drafting Philosophy
One of the most intriguing aspects of Team Falcons` recent success lies in their unconventional drafting strategy. While many teams adhere strictly to the prevailing “meta” – the most dominant heroes and strategies in a given patch – Falcons often deviate, favoring comfort and ingenuity over rigid adherence.
“Of course, we will not play heroes that… I would say, in fact, in the meta there are some broken heroes in this case, but for the last six months, even with the release of patches, some heroes just leave or come, but overall everyone plays what is comfortable. Someone picks Lycan, Enigma, summoners, even BetBoom Team against us picked Earthshaker `offlane` – and it worked for them. That is, everyone just invents in their own way, and we, so to speak, have our own vision of the game, and we just build the game around that – how it is comfortable for us and how it is not.”
This pragmatic yet creative approach allows Falcons to exploit unique hero synergies and keep opponents guessing, preventing them from being easily countered. It’s a bold strategy in an era often defined by statistical optimization, but one that clearly yields results for a team confident in its own understanding of the game`s evolving landscape.
The “Thirst for Victory” and a Resurgent Falcons
Beyond strategic nuances, Malr1ne attributes Falcons` escalating performance to a more fundamental, almost primal, drive: a profound “thirst for victory.” After a period without significant tournament wins, the team recognizes the gravity of the Riyadh Masters – one of Dota 2`s premier events.
“There is no secret here – it`s just a common thirst for victory. We haven`t won for a very long time, and now are the times when the main tournaments are taking place. And when to win, if not now to win? All of us just want to give our maximum percentage, which exists in our body.”
This intense desire to succeed, coupled with the realization that “now is the time,” fuels their collective effort. While acknowledging the invigorating support from the crowd, Malr1ne firmly believes the ultimate outcome rests squarely on the team`s shoulders. When asked if they have “risen from their knees,” Malr1ne’s reply was definitive and inspiring: “We are already standing on our feet, and the next thing, I have already said, will be an ascent to the threshold.” This speaks to a team that has not only regained its footing but is now poised to conquer new heights.
Looking Ahead: The Path to Glory
Team Falcons’ decisive victory over Team Liquid propels them into the semi-finals of the Riyadh Masters 2025. Their next challenge awaits on July 18, when they will face Tundra Esports. With Malr1ne and the rest of the Falcons roster demonstrating a potent mix of strategic innovation, unwavering determination, and a fierce hunger for championship glory, the Dota 2 community will be keenly watching to see if their ascent to the “threshold” culminates in lifting the Riyadh Masters trophy.
