TL;DR
- FalleN publicly contradicted President Bolsonaro’s dismissal of COVID-19 severity
- Brazil reported 2,201 cases and 40+ deaths as of March 24, 2020
- Team Liquid closed training facilities two weeks before FalleN’s statements
- FalleN implemented rent relief for tenants after receiving similar assistance
- Emphasized that young people can still spread virus to vulnerable populations

Professional CS:GO legend Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo issued a critical public health warning to his followers, directly challenging Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro’s characterization of the coronavirus as a “fantasy” and “trick.” This marked a significant moment where esports leadership intersected with national public health policy.
FalleN delivered an emotional appeal to Brazilian gaming enthusiasts, emphasizing their potential role as asymptomatic carriers who could unknowingly infect vulnerable community members. His messaging focused on collective responsibility rather than individual risk assessment.
President Bolsonaro’s March 24 national address contained controversial statements suggesting he “wouldn’t feel anything” if infected, directly contradicting World Health Organization pandemic declarations. FalleN immediately recognized the dangerous implications of this rhetoric.
“The situation appears far more severe than initial assessments indicated,” FalleN stated. “Today’s presidential commentary fundamentally opposed the containment strategies implemented globally. This represents a significant strategic misstep.”
By 4:00 PM on March 24, Brazilian health officials had documented 2,201 confirmed infections with fatalities exceeding forty individuals. The professional gamer stressed the importance of considering unintended consequences of individual actions.
“Remain indoors whenever feasible,” he advised. “While economic concerns about extended shutdowns are valid across international markets, current circumstances demand prioritizing human life preservation through ethical decision-making.” He referenced his Los Angeles residence where “complete societal paralysis has occurred with only essential retailers operating. The pandemic’s most challenging phase approaches rapidly.”
FalleN’s social media references to Los Angeles highlighted the city’s significance as home to MIBR and multiple elite esports organizations including Cloud9 and Team Liquid. Liquid demonstrated proactive leadership by shuttering their Alienware Training Facility on March 13—nearly two weeks before FalleN’s public statements.
Organization co-owners Steve Arhancet and Victor Goossens implemented these measures specifically to eliminate perceived conflicts between occupational requirements and health security for team members.
The professional gaming industry’s rapid adaptation to pandemic conditions established important precedents for traditional sports organizations subsequently facing similar challenges. This early response demonstrated how decentralized leadership could effectively address emerging crises.
Beyond his competitive gaming career, FalleN manages multiple United States rental properties. After his own landlords provided flexible payment options including installment plans covering 50% of obligations, the professional player committed to extending comparable accommodations to his tenants.
“Our property management company extended deferred payment arrangements with structured installment options,” FalleN explained. “Fortunately, I had previously constructed two residential properties that commenced leasing operations earlier this year. I will implement similar relief measures for my renters since immediate rental income isn’t essential for my short-term financial stability.”
He concluded his comprehensive public health communication by addressing the misconception that youth provides complete protection from coronavirus impacts.
“Assuming invulnerability due to age represents dangerous thinking,” he emphasized. “Infected individuals regardless of symptom severity can transmit the virus to family members and broader community contacts.”
Additional coronavirus outbreak information and prevention guidelines are available through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s dedicated COVID-19 resource portal.
Action Checklist
- Assess community leadership opportunities during public health emergencies
- Develop contingency plans for financial obligations during economic disruptions
- Create communication templates for public health messaging to your audience
- Establish protocols for business continuity that prioritize stakeholder welfare
No reproduction without permission:Games Guides Website » FalleN asks fans to stay home as president calls virus a “trick” Professional CS:GO player FalleN leads community response to COVID-19 with safety advocacy and financial relief initiatives
