Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev, one of Counter-Strike’s greatest players, returned to competitive CS2 in 2025 with FaZe Clan on loan from NAVI. After over a year away from pro play, he helped FaZe reach the playoffs at BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 – an incredible feat for both him and the team. But is s1mple truly back to his legendary form? His two recent tournaments had some great moments but also raised questions. This article looks at how he played at IEM Dallas and the Austin Major, what he brought to FaZe, and if he can get back to his top form. We’ll also look at what’s next for him and how hard it is to stay at the highest level.
S1mple’s return: IEM Dallas 2025
S1mple’s first tournament with FaZe was IEM Dallas 2025, where he replaced Helvijs "broky" Saukants in May. The team struggled, winning only one match against a weak BC.Game squad. S1mple didn’t dominate but brought aggression and confidence, a clear upgrade over broky’s recent form. He posted a 6.2 rating, showing he could still compete. FaZe, however, lacked teamwork. While s1mple added spark, the team’s poor result showed he couldn’t carry them alone.
Austin Major 2025: A step forward
S1mple’s second event was the BLAST Austin Major 2025. FaZe looked better this time. In Stage 2, they finished with a 3-2 record. That placed them 6th–8th and moved them into Stage 3. S1mple had a 6.1 rating. It was a bit lower than before, but he still won some big rounds. His impact grew in Stage 3, where FaZe went 3-1, crushing MOUZ 13-10 on Ancient and The MongolZ 2-0. S1mple was FaZe’s best player, earning a 6.4 rating with standout play. However, in the playoff quarterfinal against The MongolZ, he slumped to a 5.3 rating, and FaZe fell 0-2. Despite the loss, s1mple’s Stage 3 heroics proved he could still shine on the big stage.
Is this the old s1mple?
S1mple’s return exceeded many expectations. His 6.2 rating at Dallas and 6.4 at Austin Major show he hasn’t lost his skill, even after 18 months away. His AWP flicked with precision, and his aggression lifted FaZe’s confidence. But this isn’t the s1mple who dominated CS:GO from 2018 to 2021. He’s not outshining stars like Danil "donk" Kryshkovets, Mathieu "ZywOo" Herbaut, or Ilya "m0NESY" Osipov, who set the Tier-1 pace in 2025.
At Austin Major, he carried FaZe in Stage 3 but vanished in the playoffs, showing inconsistency. FaZe adjusted their game around him, with Finn "karrigan" Andersen calling plays to maximize s1mple’s strengths. This worked short-term but wasn’t a full team effort – s1mple wasn’t fully integrated, acting more like a star guest than a core member.
Can he sustain this level long-term? His two tournaments were in the U.S., with no major travel or jet lag, offering comfortable conditions. The Tier-1 grind – constant flights, tough opponents, and high pressure – might expose limits. S1mple’s still elite, but he’s not the unstoppable force fans remember.
Where could s1mple go next?
S1mple’s contract with NAVI runs until December 2025, giving him options. Here are possible destinations:
- FaZe: If FaZe are happy with his impact, they might pursue a permanent deal. S1mple seemed comfortable with karrigan’s leadership, but broky’s return could complicate things.
- NAVI: NAVI’s AWPer, Ihor "w0nderful" Zhdanov, struggled in 2025 with a 0.95 rating, and roster changes loom. S1mple could return, especially since he’s still contracted. However, rejoining NAVI’s system under Aleksi "Aleksib" Virolainen and Andrii “B1ad3” Horodenskyi might limit his freedom.
- Liquid: Liquid need a new sniper after Roland "ultimate" Tomkowiak’s poor year. S1mple could fit, but they may prefer an American AWPer to secure their regional slot, making this a long shot.
A new version of s1mple
Is s1mple really back? No, not the s1mple who ruled CS:GO as the world’s best. This is a new s1mple – still skilled, aggressive, and capable of big moments, but not at donk or ZywOo’s level. His result at Dallas and playoff push at Austin Major show he’s a top player, but inconsistency holds him back. S1mple’s future hinges on finding the right team. NAVI or FaZe are his best bets, but neither guarantees a return to his peak. Fans and s1mple himself must adjust to this new version – a star AWPer, but not the game’s undisputed king. The old s1mple, who carried NAVI to Major glory, may never return.
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