In the often intense and high-pressure world of professional Dota 2, players develop various routines and superstitions to find an edge or simply maintain composure. For Stanislav “Malr1ne” Potorak, the accomplished midlaner for Team Falcons, this involves a rather unique form of personal `rebranding` ahead of critical matches: facial art.
Before his team`s pivotal Elimination Stage clash against fellow competitors Virtus.pro at the Riyadh Masters 2025 tournament, Malr1ne was seen sporting whimsical unicorn drawings adorning his cheek and neck. This wasn`t merely a spontaneous artistic endeavor; according to Potorak himself, it`s a calculated move rooted in a potent belief in good fortune.
Sharing his thoughts ahead of the best-of-3 series, which carries significant weight as a win-or-go-home scenario, Malr1ne expressed confidence in his chosen pre-match aesthetic. “How do you like my rebranding?” he queried rhetorically, before revealing the rationale. He stated that with `stickers` or similar decorative elements, he has “never lost yet.” While acknowledging the current motif is a unicorn rather than his previous `Hello Kitty` iteration, he firmly asserted, “the fact remains a fact.” Apparently, the magical power of cartoon imagery translates directly to in-game success for the Falcons star.
This best-of-3 showdown between Team Falcons and Virtus.pro is more than just a regular match; it`s a fight for survival in the Riyadh Masters 2025 bracket. The losing team will be immediately eliminated from the prestigious tournament. Held from July 8th to 19th in Saudi Arabia as part of the larger Esports World Cup 2025, the event brings together 16 elite Dota 2 teams competing for a substantial $3 million prize pool.
Malr1ne`s adoption of the unicorn charm adds a layer of personal narrative to the high-stakes competitive environment. It serves as a curious blend of professional dedication and individual quirk, leaving observers to ponder whether strategic prowess, mechanical skill, or perhaps a bit of mystical unicorn energy will ultimately decide the outcome against Virtus.pro.
Gilbert Pendleton