The Riyadh Masters 2025, part of the grand Esports World Cup, is a battleground where top Dota 2 teams clash for glory and a significant prize pool. As the Elimination Stage heats up, one particular matchup drew attention not just for the skills on display, but for a player`s rather… unique pre-game preparation.
Stanislav `Malr1ne` Potorak, the dynamic midlaner for Team Falcons, known for his aggressive playstyle, revealed a personal touch ahead of his team`s crucial match against Virtus.pro. Before stepping onto the stage for the best-of-3 series, Malr1ne was spotted with distinctive artwork gracing his cheek and neck: drawings of unicorns.
Potorak shared that this wasn`t a new whim, but a specific ritual he associates with success. He referenced past instances, stating, “I`ve never lost with stickers before.” While acknowledging the change from his previous “Hello Kitty” motif to the current unicorn, he emphasized the core belief remains: these symbols bring him luck. One could say it`s a form of performance-enhancing magic, albeit a rather whimsical one.
In the high-pressure environment of an elimination match – where one loss means exiting the $3 million tournament – players often seek any edge, be it psychological or superstitious. Malr1ne`s unicorn emblem serves as his personal totem in this high-stakes arena. It`s a stark contrast: fierce competition, tactical depth, and… mythical horned creatures.
As Team Falcons prepared to face Virtus.pro on July 12th, Malr1ne carried not only the hopes of his team but also the mystical power he attributes to his unicorn companions. Whether the mystical artwork influences gameplay is, of course, up for debate, but in the world of esports, sometimes a little bit of personal magic is all a player needs to feel ready.
