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This Friday, Team Falcons announced a blockbuster signing of Nikola “NiKo” Kovač, who joins the Saudi Counter-Strike 2 team in one of the biggest roster moves this offseason.
NiKo, who started his esports career in 2011, is mostly known for his stints at FaZe Clan and, more recently, G2 Esports, with whom the Bosnian made a name for himself as one of the world’s best Counter-Strike players.
Yet, despite his successful stay with G2 Esports, the eight-time MVP will continue his career with Team Falcons, who he joins amid a major roster overhaul.
It is time to set the World on Fire.
Welcome, @G2NiKo 🦅💚 pic.twitter.com/y873AIrgqg
— Falcons Esports (@FalconsEsport) January 3, 2025
NiKo was linked with the Saudi squad in 2023 and was reportedly close to finalising the move before he stepped away from the deal at the last minute and decided to stay with G2 Esports.
However, it seems like Falcons’ persistence paid off.
The 27-year-old is the first new addition to Team Falcons this offseason, who were left with just one active player, Emil “Magisk” Reif and coach Danny “zonic” Sørensen after the benching of Pavle “maden” Bošković, Peter “dupreeh” Rasmussen, Marco “Snappi” Pfeiffer and Alvaro “SunPayus” Garcia following a failed Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024: European RMR A campaign.
With the newest arrival, Falcons have a strong foundation to build on, but they have yet to confirm who will fill the missing gaps.
While yet to be officially announced, the offseason rumours have uncovered three potential candidates in Abdul “degster” Gasanov, René “TeSeS” Madsen, and in-game leader Damjan “kyxsan” Stoilkovski.
The trio are still with HEROIC but are expected to leave the squad in the coming weeks and link up with NiKo and Magisk in Falcons’ attempt to create another juggernaut roster.
Today, I start a new exciting chapter with @FalconsEsport . I’m here to give my best and do everything in my power to help the team achieve our goals – win trophies and make history together.
I’d also like to thank @G2Esports for these amazing 4+ years. It has been an…
— NiKo (@G2NiKo) January 3, 2025
On the other side, G2 are expected to replace NiKo with Cloud9 rifler Nikita “HeavyGod” Martynenko.
More information about the Falcons’ project should become available in the coming week—before the team’s next competitive endeavour at the BLAST Bounty Spring 2025: Closed Qualifier, set to begin on January 14.
