FalleN’s departure and FURIA’s future—highlights from the Feed The Trolls podcast with Thorin and Tech Girl

A new episode of the Feed The Trolls podcast featuring analysts Duncan “Thorin” Shields and Sam “Tech Girl” Wright has been released. Here’s a quick rundown of the key points in our article.

Thorin and Tech Girl discussed the uncertainty surrounding FURIA’s roster following FalleN’s announcement that he was retiring. According to Thorin, the team hasn’t yet decided on a new captain, and the IGL role might go to YEKINDAR. The analyst noted that further decisions regarding the roster will likely be made after FalleN’s departure. Tech Girl also assessed FURIA’s performance following FalleN’s announcement. She pointed out that the team didn’t immediately start showing poor results: the team took second place at the IEM Cologne Major 2026 and performed well at IEM Rio 2026 and the Esports World Cup 2026 in CS2, but their results began to decline after Cologne.

Thorin also commented specifically on fans’ expectations of molodoy. According to the analyst, FURIA fans set the bar too high for the player after several major tournaments in which he posted stats comparable to those of m0NESY and ZywOo. Thorin noted that such results cannot be expected from molodoy at every tournament, as he remains a young and inexperienced player on an international roster.

Tech Girl noted that the team’s current slump cannot be directly linked to FalleN’s decision to retire. According to the analyst, instability and mental health issues have plagued the roster’s players for several years, so the situation is a long-term one.

Tech Girl also commented on the rumors surrounding molodoy’s possible departure. The analyst noted that after several successful tournaments, the player began to be linked with a move to other teams; however, FURIA could have signed a long-term contract with him. Tech Girl assessed the relationship between molodoy and FalleN. The analyst recalled that the players had referred to each other as close friends. In her opinion, this is why molodoy is unlikely to suddenly leave FURIA after FalleN retires.

Thorin assessed FURIA’s potential return to an all-Brazilian roster and noted that the club risks losing its status as the country’s top team soon. According to the analyst, MIBR and Legacy have already assembled strong rosters, and most of FURIA’s potential new recruits are currently under contract. Thorin named arT, who currently plays for Legacy, as a possible replacement for FalleN in the IGL role. The analyst noted that the player has significantly improved in the captain’s role, but his transfer could prove costly for FURIA.

Thorin also commented on YEKINDAR, noting that after a rough patch with Team Liquid, the player lost his reputation as a sought-after rifler, and his attempt to become an IGL proved unsuccessful. According to the analyst, FURIA unexpectedly gave him a chance to continue his career at the highest level.

Separately, Thorin criticized FalleN’s decision to retire regardless of the outcome at the PGL Singapore Major 2026. The analyst believes the player should continue competing if they win the Major. 

Tech Girl assessed the options for replacing FalleN and noted that it’s important for FURIA to maintain its Brazilian flair. At the same time, transitioning to a Brazilian IGL could prove challenging due to the need to communicate in English. The analyst also suggested that YEKINDAR could take over as captain with the signing of a promising Brazilian rifler. However, Tech Girl believes that such a roster is unlikely to be able to compete for titles.

That said, the analyst did not rule out FURIA as a contender for victory at the PGL Singapore Major 2026. In her opinion, the team is still capable of competing for the Major trophy.

Earlier, FURIA lost to G2 Esports 0–2 in the quarterfinals of FISSURE PLAYGROUND 3 — CS and was eliminated from the tournament. Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo’s team finished in 5th–6th place and earned $65,000 in prize money.

Photo by Petri Leppävuori.