NiKo Leaves G2, Joins Falcons

During his tenure with G2, NiKo cemented his reputation as one of the greatest players in Counter-Strike history. Starting his S-Tier debut with G2 by securing second place in PGL Major Stockholm 2021, he would go on to win the BLAST Premier: World Final in 2022 and 2024, the IEM Katowice and IEM Cologne in 2023, and the BLAST Premier: Fall Final 2024. Despite his personal accolades, however, a Major trophy eluded him, keeping him as the most accomplished player to have never won one. His final event with G2 was in the Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024, where the team fell to FaZe in the semi-finals.

Speculation about NiKo’s departure first surfaced in October when G2’s CEO, Alban Dechelotte, revealed that the organization had chosen not to retain him despite having the option. 

NiKo’s replacement in G2’s roster is expected to be Nikita “HeavyGod" Martynenko, although Mario "malbsMd" Samayoa will act as the in-game replacement for him. The updated G2 roster now includes Janusz "Snax" Pogorzelski from Poland, Nemanja "huNter-" Kovač from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mario "malbsMd" Samayoa from Guatemala, and Ilya "m0NESY" Osipov from Russia.

In contrast, the Falcons roster now consists of only Emil “Magisk” Reif and NiKo, with the rest of the team currently benched. Ilya "m0NESY" Osipov is set to remain with G2 despite reported interest from the Saudi Arabian team.

What did G2 and Falcons say?

“I only got to spend 6 months next to you, but it really felt like it was years, wish it was more time next to you, but thanks for being a leader and a teacher, now it’s the time for me to fill those 60-sized shoes, thanks for everything and good luck, see you at Conn in Mirage,” wrote Mario "malbsMd" Samayoa on X, reflecting on NiKo’s departure from his team.

Meanwhile, Falcons coach Danny "zonic" Sørensen expressed his excitement about NiKo joining the roster, tweeting: “Really happy to get the best rifler on board this team and hopefully one day I am right behind him when he lifts that Major trophy.”