Fake advertisements featuring members of the Team Falcons CS2 roster began surfacing on YouTube. These videos, generated with artificial intelligence, were displayed during relevant content and prominently during live streams of the BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025, appearing on both official and community caster broadcasts. The issue was brought to public attention by internet users and Team Falcons players alike.
The scam advertisements were initially highlighted by the esports players themselves. As early as June 6, Nikola `NiKo` Kovač posted on X (formerly Twitter), showing an advertising banner featuring his likeness, which scammers used to try and draw Team Falcons fans to a fake CS2 case opening site. Subsequently, AI-generated ad videos featuring NiKo surfaced on YouTube. These videos were promoted by a fraudulent channel impersonating Team Falcons, boasting 66,000 subscribers but lacking any legitimate public content. The AI-generated NiKo urged viewers to quickly register on the scam site for a chance to `win exclusive skins`.
Streamer and esports player Eric `fl0m` Flom also raised the issue on X on June 9, after a scam ad appeared during his live stream. In response to comments, YouTube representatives indicated that their moderation team was addressing the fake advertising. However, on the very next day, June 10, YouTube unexpectedly banned the official Team Falcons Esports channel, the legitimate source for the team`s CS2 content. According to user reports, the deceptive scam advertisements continued to be shown on the Major streams even after the official channel`s ban. Neither Team Falcons nor YouTube representatives have provided a comment regarding the official channel`s suspension.
In tournament news, Team Falcons concluded their participation in the BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 after a 1:2 loss to MIBR in the fourth round of the second group stage. Across four rounds, their only victory was against OG. NiKo`s squad finished the tournament in 20th-22nd place, securing $10,000 in prize money.
Finley Holt