The intensity of the Riyadh Masters 2025 continues to build as teams battle through the Elimination Stage. In a highly anticipated best-of-3 series, Team Falcons are set to face off against Virtus.pro. This match carries significant weight, as the losing team will be immediately knocked out of the prestigious tournament.
Adding a splash of unexpected color to the pre-game tension, Team Falcons` midlane player, Stanislav “Malr1ne” Potorak, revealed a rather unique personal preparation. Before stepping onto the stage for this critical encounter, Malr1ne was seen with drawings of unicorns on his cheek and neck.
Speaking on his personal Telegram channel about this distinctive look, Malr1ne framed it with a touch of dry observation:
How do you like my rebranding? With stickers, I`ve never lost. Of course, it`s not Hello Kitty now, but a unicorn, but the fact remains a fact.
Malr1ne`s comment suggests this is more than just random artwork; it`s a personal ritual he believes brings him luck. He implies a history of similar pre-match decorations, previously perhaps involving Hello Kitty, now transitioning to the mythical unicorn. The “fact remains a fact” phrasing indicates a personal superstition or a psychological strategy to maintain a winning mindset.
The match itself is scheduled for July 12th and is a do-or-die situation. The Riyadh Masters 2025, taking place in Saudi Arabia as part of the larger Esports World Cup 2025 event, features 16 elite teams competing for a substantial $3 million prize pool from July 8th to 19th. The Elimination Stage represents a significant hurdle, pushing teams closer to the grand finals or sending them home.
In the high-pressure environment of top-tier esports, players often develop unique habits or superstitions. Malr1ne`s decision to adorn himself with unicorns before a match with million-dollar stakes adds a fascinating, somewhat whimsical layer to the otherwise technical and strategic battle. Whether the power of the unicorn proves effective remains to be seen as Team Falcons take on Virtus.pro, but it certainly makes for a memorable visual.
Finley Holt