Team Falcons’ participation in the PGL Wallachia Season 2 is in jeopardy following a serious altercation involving their star offlaner ATF and AVULUS team captain SoNNeikO.
The incident, which began with in-game trash talk and escalated to physical threats, has left Falcons considering a withdrawal from the tournament, citing concerns for player safety.
The Backstory
The tension between ATF and SoNNeikO originated three months ago during a public match, where ATF, fresh off securing 14,000 MMR, called SoNNeikO “braindead” after a win.
While the comment was initially taken as typical trash talk, SoNNeikO’s response escalated when he allegedly sent threatening messages to ATF on X (formerly Twitter). ATF shrugged off the messages as banter until the players met face-to-face at the PGL Wallachia event.
The Altercation
During the tournament’s Swiss stage, just before their match, ATF and SoNNeikO encountered each other at the hotel lobby. According to ATF and multiple witnesses, SoNNeikO threatened to “punch him and put him to the ground,” adding fuel to their ongoing dispute.
ATF, in response, reportedly said, “Please punch me.” Though no physical contact occurred, the confrontation was tense, and AVULUS staff had to intervene.
PGL’s Response
PGL responded by issuing a level three draft penalty to SoNNeikO and AVULUS for his unprofessional behavior. In their statement, the organizer emphasized their expectation of professionalism both on and off the stage, but Team Falcons and many in the Dota 2 community felt the punishment was too lenient.
Falcons’ coach, Aui_2000, and other notable players, like Gaimin Gladiators’ Quinn, voiced their concerns about the severity of the incident.
Potential Withdrawal
Though Falcons triumphed over AVULUS in a decisive 2-0 victory after the altercation, the team remains unsatisfied with the punishment handed down by PGL.
Falcons released a public statement expressing concerns for ATF’s safety, calling for SoNNeikO’s complete removal from the tournament. They added that unless further action is taken, Falcons may withdraw from the tournament entirely.
What’s Next?
As of now, PGL has not made any additional statements regarding Falcons’ demands or the potential withdrawal. With the tournament’s playoffs looming, there is still a chance the two teams could face each other again—further heightening tensions.
The loss of Team Falcons, one of the tournament’s top contenders, would be a significant blow to PGL Wallachia Season 2. Fans and players alike are awaiting the organizer’s next steps.
Conclusion
The altercation between ATF and SoNNeikO has escalated into a much larger issue, casting a shadow over PGL Wallachia Season 2.
With Team Falcons threatening to withdraw unless more severe actions are taken, the tournament’s outcome remains uncertain. Fans and analysts are keeping a close watch on PGL’s next move as tensions rise.
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