The recent FISSURE Universe: Episode 6 Dota 2 tournament concluded with Team Falcons clinching the title, triumphing over formidable rivals Team Spirit in the grand finals. While a victory is always sweet, Falcons` midlaner, Stanislav “Malr1ne” Potorak, offered a rather… unconventional explanation for their success, coupled with a candid look into his team`s journey.
The Grand Deception? Malr1ne`s Humorous Take
In a post-match interview, Malr1ne couldn`t resist a playful jab at their opponents, Team Spirit, suggesting their defeat was all part of a larger, more cunning strategy. “Spirit were throwing,” he quipped. “They deliberately boosted our morale, only to crush us at The International.” A bold claim, perhaps, but one delivered with a wink, characteristic of the friendly yet fierce rivalry between these two top-tier teams.
“Spirit were throwing. They deliberately boosted our morale, only to crush us at The International… Of course, it`s nice to win. It`s surprising that we`re starting to win. Everyone knows that the last year hasn`t been great for us, but here we are. I`m happy. We have progress, even since the start of EWC.”
This lighthearted accusation, however, quickly transitioned into a more serious reflection on Team Falcons` recent performance and their upward trajectory. Malr1ne expressed genuine pleasure in their victory, acknowledging the team`s struggles over the past year and the surprising nature of their recent success.
Falcons` Resurgence: From Slump to Triumph
For Team Falcons, this FISSURE Universe title marks a significant turning point. After a period where victories proved elusive, their recent showing suggests a potent return to form. Malr1ne attributes this to a simple, yet profound reason: “I think we just became better.”
He further elaborated on Team Spirit`s grand finals performance, noting a critical factor: the absence of their regular midlaner, Denis “Larl” Sigitov. Team Spirit played with Marat “Mirele” Gazetdinov as a stand-in, a detail Malr1ne believed significantly impacted the series.
“Spirit at EWC 2025 were a bit better; they made far fewer mistakes there. Plus, they were with a different midlaner. I actually think the guy performed normally, but he wasn`t there in the final [referring to Larl`s absence]. So it was very difficult for Spirit. Every move, every reaction — it wasn`t there, they didn`t make it in time. In general, it was hard for them. But the guy [Mirele] is still great, no negativity, so to speak. First tournament for him.”
While acknowledging Mirele`s commendable effort in his debut tournament, Malr1ne highlighted the intricate role of a midlaner in Dota 2, where split-second decisions and ingrained team synergy are paramount. The disruption, he suggests, made Team Spirit`s task considerably harder.
The Architect Behind the Ascendancy: ATF`s Influence
Malr1ne revealed that Team Falcons` current success isn`t a sudden stroke of luck but the culmination of dedicated effort initiated in late April. This period coincided with changes around the PGL Wallachia Season 4 event, where Ammar “ATF” Al-Assaf`s influence began to solidify.
“It started with PGL Wallachia Season 4. ATF was not against it, and we liked how Ammar drafts, his preparation, how much he dedicates himself to drafts, and his overall opinion. He, so to speak, doesn`t `slide` on drafts. He will always understand what to pick, even if opinions differ.”
The praise for ATF’s drafting prowess and strategic input is particularly insightful. In the complex world of Dota 2, intelligent drafting is often the bedrock of victory, providing a crucial early advantage. ATF`s meticulous preparation and ability to navigate differing opinions within the team have seemingly become a linchpin for Falcons` renewed strength.
Tournament Overview and The Road Ahead
FISSURE Universe: Episode 6, an online tournament held from August 19 to 24, featured ten teams battling for a share of a $250,000 prize pool. Team Falcons` victory over Team Spirit, even with the latter`s stand-in, stands as a testament to their improved cohesion and strategic depth.
This grand final was a highly anticipated rematch, following a decisive 3-0 defeat for Team Falcons against Team Spirit at the Riyadh Masters 2025, part of the Esports World Cup 2025. The FISSURE Universe win offers Team Falcons a measure of redemption and, perhaps, a psychological edge as both teams eye the pinnacle of Dota 2 esports: The International 2025.
As the competitive season progresses, the rivalry between Team Falcons and Team Spirit promises to be one of the most compelling narratives. With Malr1ne`s confident, albeit playfully ironic, outlook, and ATF`s strategic brilliance guiding them, Team Falcons appears poised for further success. Whether Team Spirit`s “master plan” for The International unfolds as Malr1ne jokingly predicted remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: future clashes between these titans will be must-watch events.
Jasper Hawthorne