The Esports World Cup 2025 in Riyadh has not yet started, but it has already sparked heated discussions in the Counter-Strike 2 community. French star Mathieu “ ZywOo ” Herbaut from Team Vitality unexpectedly singled out Team Falcons as one of the main contenders for the tournament victory.

“I put them in the top,” the sniper said briefly, commenting on his predictions for the upcoming championship.

This choice seems particularly intriguing, as Falcons has only recently assembled an ambitious roster of world-class players. For CS2 fans, this means new intrigue: will NiKo , m0NESY , and company be able to prove their status as a super team in matches against recognized giants?

The road to the main tournament of the summer
The Esports World Cup in Saudi Arabia is the key event of the year for the discipline. The tournament, with a prize pool of $1.25 million, will bring together 16 of the world's strongest teams. The format is simple and leaves no room for error: single-elimination playoffs and Bo3 matches. That is why the predictions of experts and players carry so much weight: one unsuccessful series can cost a team its championship ambitions.

The favorites are determined not only by their ratings but also by the form the teams are in in 2025. Mouz had an impressive season, Team Spirit is consistently among the world's best, and The MongolZ confirmed their competitiveness at international events. But it is the Falcons who are in the spotlight.

Team lineups and predictions
ZywOo has compiled his own top 6:

Vitality
Mouz
Falcons
Team Spirit
The MongolZ
NAVI

followed by aurora and several other strong lineups.

The Falcons really look formidable: with NiKo , m0NESY , TeSeS , kyxsan , and kyousuke in the lineup, and legendary coach zonic in charge of strategy. This roster combines youth and experience, aggression and discipline — the very formula that can lead them to victory.

Their rivals will be the true giants of the scene: Natus Vincere , FaZe Clan , Vitality, G2 Esports , Team Liquid , and others. Each team has its own stars, but Falcons are already considered a dark horse that could overshadow the classic favorites.

Expert assessments and context
The Falcons have not only the roster but also the motivation on their side: the team was created specifically to win major tournaments. Analysts note the synergy between NiKo and m0NESY as one of the strongest connections in the world of CS2 . At the same time, Mouz , whom ZywOo ranked second, proved that youth can defeat experience — their performance in June was an example of stability.

Team Spirit with donk and sh1ro remain unpredictable, and The MongolZ are the main hope of the Asian scene, which has repeatedly broken predictions.

The first matches will start on August 20 at Boulevard Riyadh City, and by the end of the week, we will know whether ZywOo 's words have come true. One thing is clear: not only is $500,000 at stake for first place, but also a chance to make CS2 history.