On May 5, 2025, FaZe Clan announced a move that sent ripples through the Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) community: Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev, often hailed as the greatest player in CS history, joined the team on loan from Natus Vincere (NAVI). This strategic decision positions s1mple to compete in two pivotal tournaments. One is the IEM Dallas, starting May 19, and the BLAST.tv Austin Major, running from June 3 to 22, 2025.
Replacing Helvijs “broky” Saukants, s1mple’s arrival is a calculated gamble. Essentially, they want to restore FaZe’s competitive edge after a lackluster 2025 season. The move has sparked both excitement and skepticism, setting the stage for a dramatic chapter in CS2.
The Legacy of s1mple and His Recent Journey
Widely regarded as the GOAT, the tenure s1mple had with NAVI since August 2016 yielded 13 S-Tier tournament victories, including the PGL Major Stockholm 2021. However, his trajectory shifted when NAVI benched him in October 2023, shortly after CS2’s release.
A brief loan to Team Falcons from September to November 2024 ended in disappointment, as the team failed to qualify for the Perfect World Shanghai Major.
Now, after a five-month hiatus, s1mple steps into FaZe’s lineup, bringing his aggressive playstyle and vast experience to the Austin Major tournament. His return is a high-stakes moment, with fans eager to see if he can reclaim his former dominance.
FaZe Clan’s Roster Evolution
FaZe Clan has navigated turbulent waters in 2025. The departure of Robin “ropz” Kool to Team Vitality in January, followed by Jonathan “EliGE” Jablonowski’s arrival, marked significant changes. With the loan of s1mple, the current roster includes:
- Finn “karrigan” Andersen, In-Game Leader from Denmark, Active
- Håvard “rain” Nygaard, Rifler from Norway, Active
- Jonathan “EliGE” Jablonowski, Rifler from the United States, Active
- David “frozen” Čerňanský, Rifler from Slovakia, Active
- Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev, AWPer from Ukraine, Loan
- Filip “NEO” Kubski, Coach from Poland, Active
- Helvijs “broky” Saukants, AWPer from Latvia, Benched
Broky’s benching stems from a dip in form, with a 1.07 rating and 0.79 K/D ratio over the past three months, per Skin.Club Community.
karrigan’s High-Stakes Vision
As FaZe’s in-game leader, Finn “karrigan” Andersen views the arrival of s1mple as a game-changer.
In an X post, he stated, “Unique opportunity and I’m looking forward to playing with this GOAT at the Major. This is an all-in move, we are going for the trophy at the Major even if [s1mple] is only a stand-in”.
Describing the move as a “Hail Mary” for the Austin Major’s $1.25 million prize pool, karrigan’s confidence underscores the team’s ambition to overcome recent setbacks.
Community Pulse – Hype and Hesitation
The CS2 community has responded with a spectrum of emotions. Enthusiastic fans celebrate the return of s1mple, with one X post proclaiming, “s1mple, donk, zywoo, m0nesy, what a time to be alive”.
Conversely, skepticism abounds, with comments like, “if he plays like shit i don’t think anyone will take him even for free unless its some tier2-3 team.”
These mixed sentiments reflect the high expectations and uncertainty surrounding the comeback of s1mple.
FaZe’s 2025 Challenges
FaZe Clan’s 2025 season has been marked by inconsistency. An early exit to Eternal Fire at IEM Katowice and a quarterfinal loss to MOUZ at BLAST Rivals highlight their struggles.
With only two top-four finishes, the team has struggled to maintain its former dominance. s1mple’s loan is a strategic response to these challenges, aiming to harness his star power.
The Bigger Picture in CS2 Beyond the s1mple Loan
Beyond FaZe and NAVI, this s1mple loan signals a shift in CS2’s competitive landscape. For NAVI, loaning s1mple keeps him active while they strategize future rosters, with his contract set to expire by year-end.
This move exemplifies the growing flexibility of player transfers in esports. Likely boosting viewership for IEM Dallas and the Austin Major.
What Lies Ahead for s1mple and the Team
s1mple’s debut with FaZe at IEM Dallas on May 19, 2025, will be a litmus test for this bold strategy. The BLAST.tv Austin Major looms as the ultimate proving ground.
s1mple’s aggressive style could be the catalyst FaZe needs to reclaim its place among CS2’s elite. However, his long absence raises questions about his form.
FaZe Clan’s decision to bring s1mple on board is a calculated risk with far-reaching implications. By uniting s1mple with karrigan’s leadership, FaZe is betting big on a resurgence. Whether this move delivers a triumphant return or falls short, it underscores the dynamic nature of CS2 esports, with fans eagerly awaiting the outcome.