The competitive Dota 2 scene is an ever-shifting landscape, where strategies evolve, heroes rise and fall, and fortunes turn in a single series. Amidst this dynamic environment, Team Falcons has recently asserted its dominance, culminating in a significant victory over long-standing rivals Team Liquid at the prestigious Riyadh Masters 2025 playoffs. Following this pivotal 2-0 sweep, Falcons` astute midlaner, Stanislav `Malr1ne` Potorak, offered candid insights into his team`s performance, unique strategic approach, and insatiable drive for victory.
The Enduring Rivalry with Team Liquid
For any esports enthusiast, the clash between Team Falcons and Team Liquid has become a spectacle in itself. Malr1ne underscored this intense, personal rivalry, admitting his surprise at Falcons` ability to overcome what he termed a “heavy threshold.”
“I am extremely surprised that we were able to pass through this heavy threshold, let`s call it that, and win against Liquid. I think we`ve met Liquid very often; because of this, we just have our own rivalry that doesn`t concern other teams. We have quite an even record: we`ve both lost and won against Liquid – it`s been varied. But overall, we`re just played out against each other, so, even considering the form of both teams, it`s semi-random – whoever has their day.”
This admission highlights the unique dynamic between two top-tier teams that have frequently locked horns, where familiarity can render even peak performance somewhat unpredictable. It`s less about raw power and more about who can adapt quicker to the other`s well-known tendencies.
The Anti-Meta Manifesto: Falcons` Unique Drafting Philosophy
Perhaps one of the most intriguing aspects of Team Falcons` recent success is their willingness to deviate from the prevailing “global meta” in their hero drafts. While the rest of the Dota 2 world meticulously dissects global win rates and hero tier lists, Falcons seem to be operating on a different wavelength, crafting strategies that prioritize comfort and internal vision over external trends.
“Of course, we won`t play heroes that… I would say, actually, in the meta there are some broken heroes, but for the last six months, even with new patches, some heroes just slightly fade or emerge, but overall, everyone plays what they are comfortable with. 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 simply build our game around that – how it`s comfortable for us and how it`s not.”
This statement offers a fascinating glimpse into competitive Dota 2 at its highest level. It`s not always about copying the best, but about innovating, understanding your team`s strengths, and exploiting unique synergies. Falcons` success with this approach suggests a profound understanding of the game and a confidence in their own analytical capabilities, rather than a mere defiance of established norms.
The Unquenchable Thirst for Victory
Beyond strategic ingenuity, Malr1ne attributes Team Falcons` ascending form to a far more fundamental drive: an overwhelming “thirst for victory.” After a period without major tournament wins, the timing of Riyadh Masters 2025—a premier event—has ignited a fiery resolve within the team.
“There`s no secret here – it`s just a normal 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 simply want to give our maximum percentage that exists in our bodies.”
This hunger, combined with the energy of the crowd, although ultimately not the decisive factor, creates a compelling narrative. When asked if the team has “risen from its knees,” Malr1ne`s response was both confident and forward-looking:
“We are already on our feet, and the next thing, I already said, will be ascending to the threshold.”
A statement that speaks volumes about their current mindset: not just standing, but reaching for greater heights. It`s the kind of determination that defines champions.
The Road Ahead: A Semifinal Showdown
With their decisive victory over Team Liquid secured, Team Falcons have advanced to the semifinals of Riyadh Masters 2025. Their next formidable opponent will be Tundra Esports. This high-stakes match, scheduled for July 18th, promises another thrilling display of top-tier Dota 2. Given Falcons` current momentum and their unique strategic approach, the community eagerly awaits to see if their “thirst for victory” will carry them further into the tournament`s upper echelons.
As Team Falcons continues its journey at Riyadh Masters 2025, one thing is clear: under Malr1ne`s insightful perspective, they are a team not just playing the game, but actively redefining their path to victory. Their strategic independence and burning desire for success make them a compelling force to watch.
