A rare glimpse into the personal side of esports has moved the Dota 2 community, as a home video of Stanislav “Malr1ne” Potorak’s family celebrating his TI 2025 triumph with Team Falcons has surfaced online.
At 21 years old, Malr1ne lifted the Aegis of Champions in Hamburg after a grueling 3-2 victory over Xtreme Gaming. However, back home, his relatives were celebrating just as passionately, cheering for the world champion with remarks of “our Stas,” their affectionate nickname.
The video shows a family deeply connected to Malr1ne’s journey. They didn’t just cheer for his victory; they talked about his hero picks, analyzed his plays, and even discussed the intensity of the tournament’s format. Their familiarity with the details of professional Dota made it clear this wasn’t just a passing interest; they had been following his career every step of the way.
Malr1ne’s journey makes the moment even more powerful. Starting with Creepwave, grinding through minor tournaments with little recognition, he eventually found his breakthrough with Team Falcons in late 2023. His family’s support through those years of uncertainty, where twelve-hour practice days left little room for anything else, became the foundation that allowed him to thrive.
In the video, a proud declaration of him as a “divine champion” carried excitement and the weight of years spent believing in his dream. What struck many fans was how genuine the celebration felt. Even after the emotional cheers and embraces, someone playfully called out “now feed me,” reminding everyone that no matter how much global fame Malr1ne earns, to his family, he remains the same boy they raised.
This warmth stood in sharp contrast to the grandeur of prize ceremonies, sponsorships, and international headlines, grounding his accomplishment in something more meaningful: home and family.
While the broader community celebrates Malr1ne as the newest midlaner to etch his name alongside legends like Dendi and Miracle-, his family’s celebration told a different story. It was about witnessing the person they loved reach the pinnacle of his dream without losing the humility that defined him. While veteran pro Cr1t- described the win as “a long time in the making,” for Malr1ne’s family, it was the culmination of years of sacrifice and unwavering support.
This glimpse into their living room highlights an often-overlooked truth: behind every champion is a network of people who believed in them long before the world did. For Malr1ne, The International 2025 victory wasn’t just an esports milestone; it was a family triumph, celebrated in the most authentic way possible.
