Redemption is as sweet as victory in the high-stakes world of The International 2025. What began as a devastating defeat in the Group Stage became a victorious comeback for Team Falcons. The Falcons secured a Top-6 finish and a spot in the Upper Bracket Semifinals today by defeating Team Tidebound 2-0 in the Upper Bracket Quarterfinals.
Setting the Stage: Group Stage & Momentum
Both teams entered TI 2025 with promise and under pressure. They were one of the eight squads that were invited directly. While Tidebound’s prior performance had been less impressive, placing seventh or eighth, Falcons had recently gained momentum and won FISSURE Universe: Episode 6 in August.
Both Falcons and Tidebound had 3-1 records after four rounds in the Swiss-format Group Stage. Tidebound defeated Natus Vincere, Team Liquid, and PARIVISION; Falcons defeated Team Nemesis, Tundra Esports, and Team Liquid. When the two faced off in a thrilling rematch in Round 5, their paths diverged: Tidebound achieved a reverse sweep,
after two games that lasted more than 70 minutes each, winning the series 2-1. The Falcons had to go through the Elimination Stage in order to qualify for the playoffs because of that outcome.
The Falcons did not let us down. In the Elimination Stage, they defeated Team Spirit, demonstrating their determination and earning a rematch with Tidebound in the Upper Bracket Quarterfinals, where they could exact revenge.
Rematch: Falcons’ Clean Sweep
Unlike their torturous Group Stage meeting, this time the Falcons came in with a sharper game plan and executed with precision.
Game 1
- Draft & Early Game: Falcons opened with a heavy teamfight composition. Key picks included Gyrocopter for Oliver “Skiter” Lepko providing damage and mobility, Beastmaster for Stanislav “Malr1ne” Potorak offering control and objective pressure, and Mars picked by Ammar “ATF” Assaf for his frontline tanking and initiation. Supporting this core were Snapfire (Cr1t-) for ranged burst and long-range disruption, and Pugna (Sneyking) for sustain and pushing potential. Tidebound countered with more burst-oriented picks: Marci (Shiro), Earthshaker (NothingToSay), Timbersaw (Bach), backed by Muerta (plAnet) and Disruptor (y`) for crowd control.
- Midgame Turning Point: The laning stage was fairly even, but Falcons began to edge out in lane trades. Midgame clashes became the story Falcons focused early bursts on Tidebound’s Marci (Shiro) in consecutive engagements, weakening their enemy’s carry early. Tidebound’s attempts to push or contest objectives were repeatedly thwarted. Falcons then pushed through Tidebound’s defenses with coordinated rotations and strong map control. After about 47 minutes, with Tidebound’s structures under pressure and their ability to respond diminishing, Falcons forced the GG.
Game 2
- Draft Shift & Early Aggression: Falcons opted for a faster tempo. They drafted Abaddon (Skiter) for survivability, Sand King (Malr1ne) for early roam pressure, Bristleback (ATF) for durable front-line, Hoodwink (Cr1t-) for pick-offs, and Naga Siren (Sneyking) for teamfight and control. Tidebound responded with Shadow Fiend (Shiro), Puck (NothingToSay), Centaur Warrunner (Bach), Nature’s Prophet as support (plAnet), and Disruptor (y`) again. The early game favored Falcons: Malr1ne & Cr1t racked up kills on Shiro, severely stunting Tidebound’s damage output.
- Control & Closing Out: Tidebound tried to split map and stall, but Falcons applied pressure everywhere. Map vision, hero rotations, and superior teamfight execution allowed Falcons to incrementally choke out Tidebound. Crucially, for the last 26 minutes of the match, Tidebound did not record a single kill. Falcons closed out the series after 44 minutes, with a dominant kill score of 22-5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0A3EAA0w0OU
What the Win Means
With their 2-0 sweep, Team Falcons secured at least a Top-6 finish at TI 2025 along with a guaranteed payout of just under US$130,000. More importantly, the victory served as psychological redemption, proving their ability to rebound from their earlier loss to Tidebound by addressing weaknesses and executing with sharper focus. The win also builds momentum in the Upper Bracket, where Falcons now await the winner of Nigma Galaxy vs. BetBoom Team in the Semifinals a step closer to Finals contention. Meanwhile, Tidebound drop to the Lower Bracket, where their earlier success shows they can beat top teams, but consistency and draft flexibility will be critical in the unforgiving do-or-die rounds ahead.
Final Thoughts
Team Falcons’ rematch win over Tidebound is exactly what tournament dreams are made of: redemption, strategy, and momentum. They’ve shown they can reflect, adapt, and dominate. As TI 2025 continues, the Falcons are no longer just contenders—they’re threats who’ve proven they can turn defeats into statements.
The road ahead won’t be easy, but if Falcons keep riding this wave, they might just fly all the way. Meanwhile, Tidebound must regroup fast if they’re to make a lower bracket run. In a tournament where every game matters, nothing is guaranteed—but everything is possible.
