Oleksandr 's1mple' Kostyliev, a member of the BCGame roster in Counter-Strike 2, said he heard rumors that Gabriel 'FalleN' Toledo, the captain of FURIA Esports, had considered retiring from professional play if his team had won the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025. s1mple relayed the information during a conversation with fellow player Vadim 'Evelone' Kozakov, describing it as insider information he had received from Brazilian sources.
s1mple summarized the tip succinctly: 'Insider info that FalleN was going to finish his career after winning this Major. Some Brazilians told me that it was his idea.' According to s1mple, the plan to step away was discussed privately and presented to him as something FalleN himself had contemplated.
Gabriel 'FalleN' Toledo is one of the most experienced figures in competitive Counter-Strike, having competed professionally since 2003. Over his long career he has lifted numerous tier‑one trophies, including two Major championships, and has earned more than $1.4 million in prize money. Despite the rumors relayed by s1mple, FalleN had not publicly announced any intention to retire at the time this report was produced.
FURIA Esports did not reach the later stages of the tournament: the team was eliminated in the quarterfinals after a 1:2 loss to Natus Vincere, and thus finished the Major in the 5–8 placement range. After the match, FalleN commented on the result, saying that 'the day didn't go as we hoped,' expressing disappointment at the premature exit.
The claim reported by s1mple highlights ongoing speculation about the future of veteran players following high‑stakes events, but it remains unconfirmed. As of publication, there was no official statement from Toledo or FURIA regarding any retirement plans, leaving the matter unresolved pending further comment.