Nikola “NiKo” Kovač has officially joined Falcons, marking the beginning of their 2025 roster rebuild and bringing an end to the organization’s prolonged efforts to sign him.
After turning down a move to Falcons in 2023 in a dramatic reversal, NiKo has now agreed to join the Saudi organization. This achievement reflects the persistence of Danny “zonic” Sørensen, Falcons’ coach, who played a pivotal role in securing the star player.
“I’m thrilled to have the best rifler in the world on our team,” zonic shared on X. “One day, I hope to stand behind him as he lifts that elusive Major trophy.”
NiKo expressed his determination in his own post: “I’m committed to giving my all and doing whatever it takes to help the team achieve our goals—winning championships and making history together.”
Having been ranked among the top five players globally six times, with 8 MVPs and 49 EVPs to his name, NiKo has established himself as one of the game’s all-time greats. Yet, a Major title has continued to elude him, even after joining forces with Ilya “m0NESY” Osipov in previous campaigns.
Now, he will team up with five-time Major winner zonic and four-time champion Emil “Magisk” Reif, forming a trio of unparalleled experience featuring the top Opener, Anchor, and Coach of 2023.
Falcons endured a dismal 2024, missing both Majors, but the addition of NiKo is expected to revitalize the team’s struggling project and restore their competitive edge.
The remaining pieces of the roster are likely to include HEROIC trio Damjan “kyxsan” Stoilkovski as the in-game leader, Abdul “degster” Gasanov as the AWPer, and René “TeSeS” Madsen as a rifler.
This acquisition is expected to elevate Falcons to eighth in the Valve Global Standings, guaranteeing them invitations to all the premier tournaments in early 2025.
NiKo is scheduled to make his first appearance for Falcons at the BLAST Bounty event on January 12.
