kyousuke to miss BLAST Bounty Finals due to visa issues as Falcons call up academy stand-in

kyousuke to miss BLAST Bounty Finals due to visa issues as Falcons call up academy stand-in

Team Falcons will compete at the BLAST Bounty Season 1 Finals without Maxim “kyousuke” Lukin, as the Russian rifler has been ruled out of the Malta LAN because of ongoing visa issues, the organization confirmed.

The event, scheduled for January 22–25 in Malta, was set to be kyousuke’s first LAN appearance of 2026 with Falcons, but unresolved travel documentation has forced the team into a last-minute roster change.

Falcons confirm stand-in for BLAST Bounty Finals

In kyousuke’s absence, Falcons have promoted Matej “NucleonZ” Trajkoski from their academy roster, Falcons Force, to fill the fifth spot for the tournament.

NucleonZ joined the academy lineup in September 2025 and gained his first HLTV-listed maps later that year. While inexperienced at the top tier, the stand-in has already featured in international competition and is familiar with the organization’s structure.

Falcons lineup for BLAST Bounty Finals:

• NiKo

• m0NESY

• TeSeS

• kyxsan

• NucleonZ (stand-in)

kyousuke’s impact before the setback

The 17-year-old was instrumental during Falcons’ online qualification run, posting a 1.28 rating across matches against ECSTATIC and Monte. His absence is a significant blow for a roster that has recently been restructured to accommodate his role.

In a recent interview, NiKo highlighted kyousuke’s importance to the team dynamic, stating that he was willing to adjust his own positions to make the young rifler more comfortable, underlining the long-term faith Falcons have placed in him.

Visa issues continue to disrupt Falcons’ plans

Visa complications have been a recurring challenge for Falcons. Head coach Danny “zonic” Sørensen previously acknowledged that travel restrictions have influenced the team’s tournament planning, forcing them to be selective with LAN appearances.

Kyousuke himself had earlier mentioned that he was dealing with visa-related paperwork, making this setback part of a broader, ongoing issue rather than an isolated incident.

BLAST Bounty Finals context

The BLAST Bounty Season 1 Finals will feature eight teams in Malta, with several high-profile squads failing to qualify through the online stage. Falcons enter the event as one of the most closely watched teams, especially given the presence of a stand-in and the continued evolution of their star-heavy roster.

Visa-related absences have affected BLAST Bounty events in the past, reinforcing how logistical issues can still shape competitive Counter-Strike at the highest level.

What’s next for kyousuke and Falcons

Falcons have not provided a timeline for when kyousuke’s visa situation will be fully resolved. The organization has indicated that the rifler is expected to return once the paperwork is completed, with the BLAST Bounty Finals representing only a temporary setback rather than a long-term absence.

For now, all eyes will be on how Falcons adapt in Malta and whether NucleonZ can help stabilize the lineup against elite LAN opposition.