FalleN Out? FURIA's Coach sidde to Step In at EPL 23 Playoffs

FURIA's spot in the ESL Pro League Season 23 playoffs is not locked in yet, but an unusual scenario is already making fans nervous: Gabriel "FalleN" Toledo might not be available to play the playoffs in Stockholm. If that happens, the one stepping into his spot would be their team's own head coach, Sidnei "sidde" Macedo.

The reason for the potential absence is straightforward: FalleN already has a personal commitment scheduled in Brazil that falls right on the same window as the playoffs, which will happen from March 13 to 15. Without the Professor able to fly out to Sweden, FURIA would have to improvise. The solution would be putting sidde inside the server.

"In 23 years playing CS, there have been very few times, I think only once, that I went through something similar, where I put a personal commitment above my work commitment with the team."

"Unfortunately, if we make it to the playoffs, I will have to do it again. I have a very important personal commitment in Brazil on the same date. I had already warned the team at the beginning of the year that this could happen."

Coach? Nope. Now a he's a player

If it plays out that way, the situation would be a bit unusual. sidde has built his entire career as a coach and assistant since 2019, with zero experience as a professional player. In July 2024, he was promoted to FURIA's head coach, a position he earned through sheer hard work, never having competed at a high level as a player.

Even so, FURIA seems to have full faith in him. "He plays with us and watches us every single day. He knows our callouts, our tactics, everything he needs. He knows he might have to step up for this and he's been preparing for it too," FalleN said during the announcement.

Is there still a way to avoid this?

For now, everything hinges on FURIA actually qualifying. The ESL Pro League Season 23 Stage 2 Swiss Round 1 kicks off tomorrow, March 6, and FURIA needs to secure their spot before any backup plan comes into play.

Brazilian fans are already hoping the stars align, or that FalleN's commitment allows some flexibility, so that the IGL can be there for the most important stretch of the tournament.

Watching FURIA compete in an ESL Pro League playoff with their coach standing in for the IGL would be, at the very least, a historic image. But it is exactly the kind of history no fan wants to see written.

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Featured Image Credits: ESL

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