NiKo Returns to Form as Falcons Shock G2 in EWC Round of 16

NiKo Returns to Form as Falcons Shock G2 in EWC Round of 16

Riyadh, August 21, 2025 – In a thrilling Round of 16 clash at the Esports World Cup 2025, Team Falcons, powered by resurgent form from NiKo and m0NESY, upset G2 Esports 2–0 to advance deeper in the tournament.

A Gritty, Unorthodox Battleground

The showdown took place on Ancient and Train, where Falcons overcame their inherent instability with sheer star power. NiKo led the charge with a commanding 1.47 Rating 3.0, and m0NESY followed closely at 1.29. Their overlapping impact dismantled G2’s defenses and helped seal the win despite numerous close-call scenarios. 

Falcons’ performance was far from flawless, with force buys, chaotic engagements, and momentum swings defining the series. Still, the two superstars showed why Falcons have been building around them—delivering when it truly mattered. 

NiKo Finds His Rhythm

Following a frustrating 9–12th place exit at IEM Cologne, NiKo appeared revitalized. He posted 96 average damage per round (ADR), and in his words:

“It was a very hard game mentally, and I'm really proud of the boys that we dictate the tempo of the game even though we lost some stupid rounds... I'm just happy how we handled everything.” 

The pressure of playing in front of a home crowd—Falcons compete in 22 events across Riyadh—was evident, but their composure prevailed. 

m0NESY Reunited and Recharged

m0NESY’s return to form mirrored NiKo’s resurgence. Clocking an impressive 92 ADR, he demonstrated why merging the two talents has been so effective for Falcons. 

This season, both players joined Falcons in succession—NiKo in January and m0NESY shortly thereafter—forming a high-impact core that immediately delivered results, including the PGL Bucharest win in April. 

G2 Falters Amid Rising Chaos

On the flip side, G2 looked disjointed. A major concern was their AWP slot: SunPayus delivered a subdued performance with a 0.41 rating on Ancient and a bleak 0.82 rating across his first 10 LAN maps. 

Though HeavyGod and malbsMd showed glimpses of brilliance in duels, G2 lacked cohesion and consistency at key moments. 

Falcons’ Trajectory: Championship Aspirations

Falcons are no strangers to elite results. Earlier in 2025, they claimed the PGL Bucharest title by sweeping G2 in the final, and took strong finishes in Cluj-Napoca, IEM Melbourne, and BLAST Rivals. They’ve established themselves as a premier “superteam” under coach zonic and funded by the PIF-backed organization. 

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Summary

Falcons' dominant display against G2 marks a confident return to form for NiKo and m0NESY. Their performances—steering a chaotic series to victory—reinforce their credentials as a championship-caliber roster. As the tournament progresses, fans will watch with anticipation: can Falcons turn their star-laced power into consistent dominance?