GoCore Logo

In professional Counter-Strike, every player shares one ultimate dream: winning a Major. It’s more than just a trophy; it’s the embodiment of commitment, talent, and legacy.

In the world of professional Counter-Strike, all players share at least one goal: winning a Major. It’s not their only goal, but it’s the one that solidifies their dedication, talent, and hard work—not just in their own eyes, but in the eyes of their peers and fans.

Think of Leonardo DiCaprio. Whatever you might think of him, there’s no denying he’s one of the best actors of his generation. Sure, you might not like him personally, but his peers, directors, and producers have recognized his talent time and again. He’s starred in countless blockbusters, most of which did well at the box office. Yet for years, despite six Oscar nominations, he couldn’t win. It wasn’t until The Revenant that he finally got his golden statue. Would his legacy feel the same without that win?

Now think about Samuel L. Jackson, Willem Dafoe, or Sir Ian McKellen. None of them have won an Oscar, despite their incredible contributions to cinema. Will future generations remember them as greats, or will those with Oscars—perhaps for just one standout performance—overshadow their legacies?

This brings us to Nikola “NiKo” Kovač.

A Talent Beyond Compare

NiKo is undeniably one of the greatest talents Counter-Strike has ever seen. The community agrees without hesitation. His brilliance is something you can’t teach or grind your way into—it’s raw, extraordinary talent. Sure, hard work and dedication can take you far, but NiKo’s moments of genius set him apart.

Nikola NiKo Kovač g2 esports

When you’re one of the greats, expectations grow. With every transfer in his career, NiKo has elevated the teams he joined. Yet, the Major has always eluded him. His individual stats are nothing short of legendary. Since 2016, he’s been one of the top 20 players in the world every single year. Seven times, he’s been in the top five. Twice, he was ranked second-best. Twice, he took third. That level of consistency is almost unheard of—not just in esports, but in any competitive discipline. Even with the transition from CS:GO to CS2, he remains a top-tier player.

But Counter-Strike is a team game. You can’t win alone. While NiKo has had teammates and support that seemed Major-worthy on paper, it’s never come together. Twice, he was just one step away—from FaZe in Boston and G2 in Stockholm. It wasn’t meant to be.

More Than Just Trophies

NiKo’s trophy cabinet is impressive: over 20 S-tier tournament wins, including the prestigious IEM Katowice, IEM Cologne, and BLAST Premier World Finals. Some of these tournaments were arguably more competitive than certain Majors. But it’s not the same. The Major is the pinnacle.

NiKo’s journey is one many can relate to. A Bosnian kid starting out in his parents’ gaming café, competing in local LANs, and earning a spot on Serbian powerhouse iNation. His move to MOUZ (then mousesports) marked the start of his impact at the highest level. From there, it was FaZe, G2, and now Falcons. His story inspires an entire region of countries striving to keep up with Europe’s esports giants.

The Next Chapter

From 2015 to 2024, NiKo played for just four teams. Most of his career was spent as G2’s star player, alongside his cousin Nemanja “huNter-” Kovač. Leaving G2 couldn’t have been easy, especially with their shared dream of winning a Major. But joining Falcons, alongside legends like Magisk and zonic, shows he’s still chasing that dream.

The new Falcons lineup (Magisk, TeSeS, degster, kyxsan) has the potential to contend for a Major. They have financial backing, a mix of proven legends and rising stars, and a renewed sense of purpose. But their debut at BLAST Bounty (1-1) didn’t reveal much. They’re still finding their footing.

A Legacy in the Making

For many fans, NiKo deserves a Major. He’s earned it through years of brilliance and dedication. It’s like DiCaprio’s Oscar—no one complained when he finally won, even if it wasn’t his best role. It just felt right.

NiKo’s place in Counter-Strike history is secure, Major or not. True fans know his greatness can’t be diminished. But for the history books and future generations, a Major win would cement his legacy in a way nothing else can.