The streets of Riyadh erupted in celebration as Team Falcons pulled off one of the most unforgettable turnarounds in Overwatch 2 history. After falling short in earlier qualifiers, the reigning world champions clawed their way back through the Last Chance Qualifier and then stormed all the way to the top, lifting the OWCS Midseason Championship trophy at the 2025 Esports World Cup.
This victory was not just about the trophy. It marked a dramatic shift in the team’s 2025 narrative, making them the first ever recipients of the Jafonso award. Named in honor of João "jafonso" Vasconcelos, who once stunned the world with a win from the Last Chance Qualifier, this award is given only to those rare teams who arrive with no guaranteed spot and leave as champions. And Team Falcons made sure they earned every bit of it.
The journey began with heartbreak. Falcons had failed to secure a direct entry into the main event through both the Champions Clash and OWCS Korea Stage 2. With heavyweights like ZETA DIVISION and Cold Metal also battling it out in the Last Chance Qualifier, nothing was certain. But Falcons reminded everyone why they are the reigning world champions. They dominated the LCQ and booked their ticket to the main event.
Once they arrived, they refused to slow down. The Korean roster breezed through the group stage, then dismantled Geekay Esports and T1 in the playoffs. In the grand final, they faced off against fellow MENA juggernauts Al Qadsiah. What many expected to be a tense battle turned into a one-sided showcase. Falcons closed out the final with a clean 4-0 victory, leaving no room for doubt about who deserved the crown.
Kim "Proper" Dong-hyun emerged as the star of the tournament, earning the SONY MVP award for his consistent brilliance throughout the championship run. Speaking after the win, Proper shared an emotional moment with fans and teammates alike. “Before this tournament, I had to remind myself I will bring this team back to the top,” he said. “I think I proved myself. I am really grateful for it.”
This win brings more than just a trophy and a million-dollar moment of glory. It has a direct impact on the Esports World Cup Club Championship race. With 1000 Club Championship points earned, Falcons now sit atop the leaderboard with 3500 points. After weeks of speculation, this win finally makes them eligible to win the Club Championship at the end of the season. For a team that won it all last year, returning to the top is not just validation it is redemption.
What makes this story so compelling is not just the comeback, but the pressure that came with it. As the defending world and club champions, expectations were sky-high. And yet, despite the early stumbles, Team Falcons showed poise, fire, and championship DNA when it mattered the most.
With more events still left at EWC 2025, the battle for the Club Championship is far from over. But Falcons have sent a message loud and clear they are not just back, they are ready to reign again.
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