The Esports World Cup 2025 is delivering high-intensity Counter-Strike 2 action, and one of the most talked-about stories so far is Team Falcons’ decisive victory against European powerhouse G2 Esports. After the match, Falcons rifler Maksim “kyousuke” Lukin shared his emotions with fans in a post on his personal Telegram channel. His short but powerful words summed up both his pride in the team and his own performance, which he described as playing “to the maximum.”
The result was a statement win for Falcons, defeating G2 by a confident 2:0 scoreline, with maps ending 13:9 on Ancient and 13:7 on Train. While Falcons move forward with momentum, G2 will have to regroup quickly as they prepare for their quarterfinals run, where Nikola “NiKo” Kovač and his teammates will look to bounce back.
In his post-match note, kyousuke didn’t hold back his emotions. Speaking openly in his channel, he wrote: “I played to the maximum. Out of the positives, I really liked how we played overall as a team.” These few words reflect not just personal satisfaction but also the collective spirit that Falcons displayed on stage. For a young talent like kyousuke, being able to stand toe-to-toe with one of the most experienced and feared teams in the world—and come out victorious—marks an important milestone in his career.
The tone of his message shows how much he values teamwork. Even though individual highlights and clutch plays often grab headlines, kyousuke’s emphasis was on the synergy and discipline that Falcons brought to the match. For a roster still building its legacy, this attitude could be key in shaping their path forward at the World Cup.The series began on Ancient, a map where G2 is usually considered a dangerous opponent due to their structured style and NiKo’s dominance in mid-round scenarios. However, Falcons came prepared with aggressive setups and sharp executions. Kyousuke played a crucial role in controlling the pace, helping his team secure a 13:9 victory.
The second map, Train, told a different but equally impressive story. Known as a map that rewards strong coordination, Falcons displayed composure beyond their years. Kyousuke once again delivered consistent impact, whether holding key choke points or setting up entries for his teammates. The 13:7 scoreline underscored not just Falcons’ mechanical skill but also their strategic preparation. For many observers, this was not just a win—it was a statement that Falcons can compete with the very best. Their ability to neutralize G2’s star players, including NiKo and m0NESY, was a sign of maturity and tactical growth.
For G2, the loss was a setback but not a disaster. Despite being one of the tournament favorites, the team has often been criticized for inconsistency at crucial stages. NiKo and his squad still have a path to redemption in the quarterfinals, but they will need to address issues that became evident against Falcons. On Ancient, their defensive halves lacked the usual sharpness, allowing Falcons to dictate momentum. On Train, communication breakdowns led to missed opportunities and poor retake setups. Analysts have noted that G2’s reliance on explosive individual plays can sometimes backfire when opponents remain disciplined and composed.
For Maksim “kyousuke” Lukin, this match further strengthens his reputation as one of the rising stars of CS2. While Falcons’ roster includes several established players, kyousuke’s consistency has made him stand out in recent months. Fans often praise his ability to remain calm under pressure, making intelligent plays while still delivering firepower.
What makes his story even more inspiring is how quickly he has adapted to the international stage. Facing a team like G2 can intimidate even experienced professionals, but kyousuke turned the challenge into an opportunity to showcase his skill and mindset. His confidence in declaring he “played to the maximum” shows not arrogance but determination—an acknowledgment that he gave everything for his team. If Falcons continue their deep run at the Esports World Cup, kyousuke could emerge as one of the breakout stars of the tournament.
