As Team Falcons` midlaner, Stanislav “Malr1ne” Potorak, prepared for a high-stakes confrontation against Virtus.pro at the Riyadh Masters 2025, he displayed a rather unconventional pre-game look: small, vibrant unicorn drawings adorning his cheek and neck. This wasn`t just a spontaneous artistic whim, but a calculated move rooted in a deeply personal superstition.
Potorak shared his thoughts on this unique pre-match appearance, framing it as a strategic “rebranding” aimed squarely at securing victory. His confidence stems from a seemingly unbreakable personal rule: he claims he has never lost a match when sporting stickers or similar facial embellishments. While noting that this time it`s a unicorn rather than his previous choice, Hello Kitty, the core principle remains consistent – the presence of the sticker signals an impending win in his mind.
This visual declaration of confidence comes at a critical juncture in the tournament. The match against Virtus.pro is part of the Elimination Stage at Riyadh Masters 2025. For both teams, this best-of-3 series is a do-or-die scenario; the loser is immediately knocked out of the competition, while the winner advances to keep their hopes alive in the chase for the substantial $3 million prize pool.
The Riyadh Masters 2025, held in Saudi Arabia from July 8th to 19th as part of the grand Esports World Cup 2025, is one of the most prestigious events in the Dota 2 calendar. With 16 top-tier teams battling it out, every match carries immense weight, making personal rituals and psychological edges potentially significant factors.
While the efficacy of mythical creatures or adhesive decorations in influencing the outcome of professional esports matches remains scientifically unproven, the mental game is undeniable. For Malr1ne, this unicorn motif serves as more than just an adornment; it`s a personal totem, a source of perceived luck, and perhaps a psychological anchor as he faces off against a formidable opponent in a battle for tournament survival. Whether the power of the unicorn will indeed guide Team Falcons to victory remains the key question as the series unfolds.
Jasper Hawthorne