NiKo on playing against karrigan: “I missed his energy on the server.”

Team Falcons rifler Nikola “NiKo” Kovač shared the team’s mindset heading into the tournament in an interview at IEM Cologne Major 2026, discussed his impressions of playing with Finn “karrigan” Andersen, and gave his thoughts on G2 Esports.
On the team’s mindset at the tournament
It’s a Major, so of course everyone is excited. I’m glad to be here and get another chance to win.
On karrigan
I had to remind myself what it was like since I last played with him. But the biggest change I see is that he now works much better with the players. In my opinion, he’s become more sociable and tries to help everyone on the team grow. He tries to promote his ideas, and that’s what I like most about him. I missed his energy on the server. He brings something special when we play in a big arena. So it’s really great to play with him again.
On the match against G2 Esports
This is a completely different team than the one I was on. I don’t feel like I’m playing against my former team, since there have been too many changes.
Right now, Team Falcons is playing against G2 Esports in the first round of IEM Cologne Major 2026 Stage 3. G2 Esports took the first map, Inferno (13-10), but on Dust2, Finn “karrigan” Andersen’s team pulled ahead with a score of 13-8, sending the match to the decisive Ancient.


