Saudi organization Falcons came close to securing the highly skilled and popular CS:GO player NiKo for their CS2 lineup in 2024. However, the deal fell through, and Falcons now need to quickly recover and set their sights on other potential signings. While finding a player as talented as NiKo is no easy task, there are several CS2 stars who could make a significant impact for Falcons: ropz, frozen, KSCERATO, Spinx, and s1mple. Here’s why they are good options, despite not being exactly like NiKo.
The Players’ Stats in 2023
To understand why NiKo was such a great pickup for Falcons, let’s compare his stats from 2023 with the other players:
| Player Name | CS:GO Numbers in 2023 | CS2 Numbers in 2023 (Until Nov. 16) |
|---|---|---|
| NiKo | 1.22 rating, 1.23 K/D, 85 ADR, 54.7 HS percentage in 121 maps played. | 1.07 rating, 1.0 K/D, 72 ADR, 60.8 HS percentage in seven maps played |
| ropz | 1.15 rating, 1.23 K/D, 79.7 ADR, 56.4 HS percentage in 120 maps played. | 1.23 rating, 1.33 K/D, 81.5 ADR, 54.8 HS percentage in 38 maps played. |
| Spinx | 1.17 rating, 1.22 K/D, 79.3 ADR, 53.4 HS percentage in 115 maps played. | 1.18 rating, 1.17 K/D, 79.1 ADR, 60.2 HS percentage in four maps played. |
| frozen | 1.22 rating, 1.33 K/D, 84.2 ADR, 50 HS percentage in 99 maps played. | 1.19 rating, 1.19 K/D, 80.6 ADR, 57.6 HS percentage in 30 maps played. |
| KSCERATO | 1.20 rating, 1.25 K/D, 81.5 ADR, 48.3 HS percentage in 93 maps played. | 1.08 rating, 1.10 K/D, 71 ADR, 61.5 HS percentage in 18 maps played. |
| s1mple | 1.18 rating, 1.24 K/D, 77.4 ADR, 39.8 HS percentage in 106 maps played. | S1mple never played an official CS2 match. |
While stats don’t tell the whole story, they can be helpful in evaluating player performance. Looking at the numbers, frozen and KSCERATO have stats in CS:GO that are most similar to NiKo’s. Now, let’s discuss why these players, along with ropz, Spinx, and s1mple, would be good options for Falcons.
Why Ropz is a Good Pickup for Falcons
Ropz has been actively playing CS2 since its beta stage and has been instrumental in FaZe’s success in the new game. He is widely regarded as the best CS2 player currently and has a large following on social media. Ropz’s skills and popularity could attract fans to support Falcons, just as they did for MOUZ and FaZe.
Why Frozen is a Good Pickup for Falcons
Frozen has consistently performed well for MOUZ since 2019, even when the team wasn’t as competitive. His individual skill and resilience make him a valuable asset. With the opportunity to play alongside other star players and be coached by zonic, Frozen could reach new heights in his career.
Why Spinx is a Good Pickup for Falcons
Spinx has proven himself as a rifling star during his time with ENCE and Vitality. He played a crucial role in Vitality’s victory at the BLAST Paris Major. Not only does Spinx have impressive stats, but he also has existing chemistry with three potential teammates, having played with them on Vitality and ENCE. This familiarity could greatly benefit the team’s cohesion.
Why KSCERATO is a Good Pickup for Falcons
KSCERATO is a talented lurker who has been loyal to FURIA. While FURIA hasn’t achieved significant success recently, joining Falcons could provide KSCERATO with the opportunity to win championships and showcase his skills on a larger stage. Additionally, KSCERATO’s following in Brazil would bring a substantial fanbase to Falcons.
Why s1mple is a Good Pickup for Falcons
S1mple is widely regarded as the greatest CS:GO player of all time. He has been named the best player in the world multiple times and has a massive fanbase. Currently on NAVI’s bench, s1mple has expressed his willingness to transition into a primary rifler in CS2. Falcons, with their financial resources, could potentially acquire s1mple and create a powerhouse team. The combination of s1mple’s skill and popularity would undoubtedly make Falcons a force to be reckoned with.
Source: DOTESPORTS
