Alexander "s1mple" Kostyliev is back in the playoffs of a major, and it's not just an event—it's the return of a legend. It has been 622 days since his last performance in the arena, and now he's stepping onto the stage of the BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 with FaZe to compete for the top trophy. According to him, the support of the crowd could play a crucial role.

After leaving NAVI and taking a career break, s1mple joined FaZe as a temporary player. His participation in this major was unexpected, but the team has already shown in the group stage that they are ready to fight for the title. Now FaZe has advanced to the playoffs, and Alexander is back on the big stage—for the first time since 2022, with his last playoff appearance being at the IEM Rio Major 2022.

Expectations from the Arena and Pressure

When asked about his feelings before the matches on stage after such a break, s1mple responded honestly and to the point:

The emotions are very good, we'll see what happens, especially interesting is that we will play and the audience will support us because FaZe is an American organization. I'm sure there will be excitement, as always. I always feel nervous before a match, but once the match starts, it gets much easier.

Alexander “s1mple” Kostyliev

This playoff could be special: the audience, despite FaZe's origins, is obviously going to support s1mple—his status and charisma do their job.

FaZe's Chances of Winning

When s1mple was asked if he believes FaZe can reach the grand final, he gave a straightforward and confident answer:

Yes, I believe we can win this tournament. I think all our main rivals are in the other bracket. We don't underestimate the teams in our bracket, but we understand that we can beat them confidently. Moreover, FaZe magic happens in the arena, and everyone will be cheering for us.

Alexander “s1mple” Kostyliev

Thus, in his opinion, the tournament bracket favors FaZe, and if the team shows their game, they are capable of reaching the title.

Competition with Young Players and Chances for Top 1

Kostyliev also spoke about the current level of the scene and the young generation of players:

Yes, of course, every year they get stronger and gain more experience on stage.

Alexander “s1mple” Kostyliev

As for his chances of claiming the title of the best player of the year once again, he responded with characteristic humor and realism:

No, I think the chance to take top 1 this year is small because ZywOo already has 6 MVPs, and other teams are very good. I'd just like to join a team this year [laughs].

Alexander “s1mple” Kostyliev

Possible Future in FaZe

The final question concerned his potential contract with FaZe. The possibility of staying on the roster is one of the most discussed topics on the scene. Here's how s1mple reacted:

We'll see, we'll see, if they offer [a contract], then why not, if I show myself well in the playoffs, then I think anything is possible.

Alexander “s1mple” Kostyliev

If FaZe indeed makes it to the finals and s1mple shows form close to his best years, it could change his career trajectory and strengthen FaZe in the long term. The return of one of the strongest players in history in form is a moment that could go down in CS history. And it all starts on June 21 at Moody Center in Austin in a match against The Mongolz at 00:30 CEST.