FISSURE PLAYGROUND 2, a prominent tournament in the Dota 2 competitive scene, promises one of the most anticipated matchups of the playoffs: Team Falcons against MOUZ. The match will be played on October 28th at 3:30 PM (Moscow time), and will be up for grabs in the next stage of the upper bracket. BetBoom analysts consider Falcons the clear favorite. Bookmakers place the odds of victory for the team led by Stanislav “Malr1ne” Potorak at 1.22, while a bet on MOUZ’s victory could yield 4.4 times the stake—a difference that highlights the imbalance in pre-match expectations.
Even so, Dota 2 fans know that the competitive scene is unpredictable, and surprises are not uncommon. MOUZ, even entering with a stand-in, intends to defy the odds and prove they can compete on equal terms with one of the most consistent teams currently playing. The duel has a recent history: in the group stage, the two teams already faced each other, and Team Falcons won 2-1 in a tight series full of twists and turns. This result raises expectations for the rematch, which now takes place at a much more decisive moment.
Team Falcons has been solidifying its position as one of the main emerging powers in Dota 2. With a young and highly coordinated roster, the team combines strategic discipline with creative plays that maximize each player’s individual potential. Captain Malr1ne, who has assumed the role of in-game leader, is the team’s tactical heart. Known for his aggressive style and precise map reading, he has been instrumental in recent victories. His ability to anticipate enemy moves and create advantageous situations has placed the Falcons at a high competitive level.
Besides Malr1ne, other players have been standing out, such as positional support Sneyking, whose international experience has brought balance to the group. The team has shown great adaptability to different opponent styles, alternating between offensive compositions and setups focused on control and safe farming. The Falcons also demonstrate impressive mental preparedness. During Fissure Playground 2, even when under pressure, the players remained calm and managed to turn around unlikely matches. This emotional control could be the difference in an elimination match.
The team is seeking more than just a win—its goal is to cement its place among the biggest names in global Dota and secure a direct spot in elite tournaments like DreamLeague and The International 2026. Fissure Playground 2 is a crucial step on this path. MOUZ comes into the match against Falcons as the underdog, but with good reason to believe in a possible comeback. The team has tradition and talent, and despite recent struggles, it’s still capable of surprising.
MOUZ’s biggest obstacle in this match is the absence of veteran Zheng “MidOne” Yek Nai, who was temporarily replaced by Artem “Lorenof” Melnik. This change directly impacts the team’s synergy and playstyle, as MidOne is known for his playmaking role and leadership in critical moments. Even so, Lorenof has shown a quick adaptation. The Russian player has excelled with mobility and high-impact heroes like Storm Spirit, Ember Spirit, and Puck. His ability to create space for carries and dictate the pace of the game has been crucial to MOUZ’s competitiveness.
The clash between Team Falcons and MOUZ promises to be one of the most exciting series of the first round of the playoffs. On one side, a rising team, confident and with excellent synergy; on the other, a traditional team determined to prove they can still compete among the greats. Experts believe Team Falcons will try to impose their rhythm early on in each map, exploiting their strength in teamfights and quick rotations. MOUZ, on the other hand, will likely rely on resistance drafts and counterattacks, trying to prolong matches to exploit the Falcons’ execution flaws. The draft phase will be a crucial point. Lorenof’s performance and hero selection could determine the course of the series.
If he can escape the pressure in lane and find space to farm, he could be the surprise factor that can tip the balance. For Team Falcons, maintaining consistency and avoiding overconfidence will be crucial. A convincing victory will solidify the team’s status as a major favorite for the Fissure Playground 2 title, while an unexpected loss could shake the confidence of a still-young squad. The outcome of the match will also have a direct impact on the playoff bracket. The winner will face Team Yandex, who are riding high after eliminating Tundra Esports. Therefore, the Falcons vs. MOUZ matchup could determine not only who advances, but also who will emerge as the main contender for the title.
