Interview with Pro Player Jakub 'Falcon' Kowalski

Jakub "Falcon" Kowalski (FK): I've been gaming since I was about 6 years old, starting with my older brother's PlayStation. I got into PC gaming around 12, playing mostly CS:GO. When Valorant was released in 2020, I was immediately drawn to it because it combined the tactical shooter elements I loved from CS with unique character abilities. I was 15 then, and something just clicked with Valorant – I felt like it was a game where I could really express myself as a player.

FK: Joining SKIRN was honestly the turning point in my journey. Before that, I was just a kid with good aim playing from my bedroom. At SKIRN, I was exposed to structured training for the first time. Coach Marcin ["Tactician" Zieliński] completely transformed my understanding of the game.

The biggest change was learning to think about Valorant as a team game, not just an aim duel. Understanding map control, economy management, utility usage, and most importantly, communication – these were all skills I developed at SKIRN. Having access to proper equipment and a dedicated practice environment was also huge.

FK: That tournament was my first taste of what high-pressure competitive play feels like. We had practiced so much for it, and standing on that stage with all the lights and audience watching – it was terrifying and exhilarating at the same time.

The final match went to three maps against a really strong team. I remember being so nervous that my hands were shaking during the first map, which we lost. Coach Marcin pulled us together between maps and said something I'll never forget: "You've already done all the hard work in practice. Now just play your game and enjoy the moment." That completely reset my mindset, and I played some of my best Valorant in the next two maps.

Winning that trophy with my teammates – guys I had trained with every day for months – is still one of my favorite memories. It also gave me the confidence to believe I could make it at a higher level.

FK: After the Youth Championship, I started getting noticed more in the Polish scene. I joined a semi-pro team called Velocity Gaming while still training at SKIRN, and we competed in several national tournaments. We did well enough that I started getting offers from professional organizations.

I signed with Rapid Esports, a tier 2 European team, when I turned 18. That was my first paid contract as a player. We had a strong season and qualified for a major international tournament where we faced some top-tier teams. Even though we didn't win, I performed well individually, especially in our match against Nova, who were ranked in the top 10 globally.

After that tournament, my agent told me Horizon was interested. They're a top-tier organization competing in the international league, so it was a huge opportunity. I did a two-week trial with them, and it went well enough that they offered me a spot on their main roster. I signed with them three months ago.

FK: I'm playing the initiator role, mainly on Sova, KAY/O, and occasionally Skye. It's actually similar to what I played at SKIRN, which helped with the transition.

The biggest adjustment has been the pace and precision at this level. There's zero room for error. A slight misplay that might go unpunished in lower-tier play gets immediately exploited by these teams. The strategic depth is also on another level – teams have specific counters prepared for almost every scenario.

Living in a team house has been another adjustment. We're all from different countries with different cultures, so learning to live together while maintaining a healthy team environment takes work. But my teammates have been great, and our coach has created a really positive culture.

FK: Sure. We operate on a pretty structured schedule:

• 9:00 AM: Wake up, breakfast, and physical exercise (usually a gym session or morning run)
• 11:00 AM: Individual practice – aim training, VOD review of my own gameplay, or working on specific mechanics
• 1:00 PM: Team lunch and brief meeting
• 2:00 PM: VOD review as a team – studying our previous matches or analyzing opponents
• 3:00 PM: First scrim block (practice matches against other professional teams)
• 6:00 PM: Dinner break
• 7:00 PM: Second scrim block
• 10:00 PM: Team debrief and strategy discussion
• 11:00 PM: Free time – some players continue to play ranked, others relax

This is our schedule five days a week. We have more relaxed schedules on our days off, though most of us still play some Valorant to keep sharp. Before major tournaments, the schedule gets even more intensive.

FK: It's definitely something you have to actively manage. Horizon has a sports psychologist who works with us weekly, which has been incredibly helpful. I've learned techniques for managing performance anxiety and staying focused during high-pressure situations.

I also make sure to completely disconnect from Valorant on our days off. I go for walks, watch movies, read books – anything that gives my brain a break from the game. Staying in touch with friends and family back home is important too. My parents and my old friends from SKIRN help keep me grounded.

Physical exercise is also crucial. It's easy to neglect your body when you're sitting at a computer all day, but I've found that regular exercise improves not just my physical health but my in-game focus as well.

FK: First, master the fundamentals before worrying about the flashy plays. Consistent aim, good positioning, proper utility usage, and clear communication will take you further than highlight-reel moments.

Second, be coachable. The players who improve the fastest are those who can take criticism without getting defensive. I was fortunate to have Coach Marcin at SKIRN who wasn't afraid to point out my mistakes, and I made it a point to never make the same mistake twice.

Third, record and review your own gameplay. You'll spot mistakes you didn't even realize you were making. This habit alone put me ahead of many players with similar mechanical skills.

Fourth, understand that becoming a pro requires sacrifice. While your friends are out partying, you might be practicing. It's not for everyone, and that's okay. Make sure it's really what you want before going all-in.

Finally, don't neglect your education. I finished high school while training, and I'm still taking online university courses. Esports careers can be short, so having a backup plan is essential.

FK: I think I would have focused on building my communication skills earlier. When I first joined SKIRN, I was very quiet during matches, even when I had important information. I was afraid of making bad calls. It took me almost a year to become comfortable with shot-calling and properly communicating during high-pressure situations.

I also wish I'd understood the importance of mental health and balance sooner. There was a period where I was playing 14+ hours a day, and my performance actually declined because I wasn't taking care of myself. Quality practice is much more important than quantity.

FK: Short-term, I want to establish myself as one of the top initiator players in the international league and help Horizon qualify for Champions [Valorant's world championship].

Long-term, I want to win a major international title and represent Poland at the highest level of competition. I'd also like to eventually give back to the community by mentoring young players, perhaps even returning to SKIRN someday as a coach or advisor after my playing career.

Beyond competitive play, I'm interested in content creation and possibly broadcasting. I've started streaming more regularly, and I enjoy analyzing matches and teaching concepts to viewers.

FK: I just want to say thank you to everyone at SKIRN who supported me. Coach Marcin, Adam [SKIRN's founder], all my former teammates, and even the staff who made sure we always had everything we needed – you all played a part in getting me here.

SKIRN will always be where it all started for me, and I carry the lessons I learned there with me every day. The club's emphasis on not just creating skilled players but good teammates and people has shaped who I am both in and out of the game.

To the current SKIRN players: you're in the right place. Take advantage of every resource the club offers, listen to your coaches, support your teammates, and who knows – maybe I'll be playing alongside or against you on the international stage someday!