Team Falcons unveils CS2 academy roster

Team Falcons has unveiled the lineup that will form its Counter-Strike 2 academy roster.

Named Falcons Force, the roster was formed through an open application process launched by the Saudi Arabian esports organisation.

In addition to revealing the players, the organisation has also announced that former NIP Impact coach Niels Christian ‘NaToSaphiX’ Sillassen will lead the academy, after getting signing with Team Falcons in July.

The team features several unknown entities looking to pursue a professional career in Counter-Strike esports. Romanian AWPer Andrei ‘grecu‘ Grecu previously competed under the INFINITE banner during the open qualifiers of DraculaN Season 1.

Elsewhere, Vladimir ‘VENO‘ Stankovic joins with some Tier 2 experience under his belt, having played for Volt during a European Pro League match. Notably, the debut match of Falcons Force has yet to be determined.

Team Falcons becomes the latest organisation to expand its Counter-Strike operations with the launch of an academy roster. In recent months, the likes of BIG and Imperial Esports have also unveiled teams to develop the next generation of talent.

The Saudi Arabian organisation first entered Counter-Strike esports in 2020. Over the past five years, it has grown into one of the best teams in the world, with its main roster currently ranked fifth in September’s Valve Regional Standings (VRS).

For Team Falcons, the creation of an academy roster is part of the continued expansion of the organisation. Outside of Counter-Strike, it has expanded into Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, joining MPL Philippines for its 15th season.

Academy rosters in Counter-Strike esports have become an important part of developing new talent and giving organisations greater flexibility when considering a roster change.

In September, Norwegian organisation HEROIC benched its academy roster with the aim of restructuring how it develops aspiring professional players and establishing a pipeline between its academy and main rosters.