In a major roster shift, Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev, often regarded as the greatest CS player in history, has officially joined Team Falcons on a three-month loan. This move comes as a direct replacement for the Spanish AWPer Álvaro “SunPayus” García.
The announcement was made on Friday, September 27, stirring excitement across the esports community as s1mple prepares to make his return to LAN events.
S1mple’s Journey Back to Competitive Play
S1mple’s last professional CS2 appearance was in October 2023, and since then, the legendary Ukrainian AWPer has been mostly inactive in the competitive scene. He initially joined Falcons on a short-term loan earlier in March 2024, but his brief tenure ended in disappointment with a loss to Metizport during the BLAST Premier Spring Showdown.
However, despite the time away, s1mple’s reputation remains unmatched. Having been named the world’s top CS player three times, his return to competitive play, especially as the primary AWPer for Falcons, marks an important comeback.
Falcons’ Recent Struggles and Roster Changes
Team Falcons has struggled to maintain a strong foothold in the CS2 scene throughout 2024, with their most notable achievement being a semifinal finish at IEM Katowice. SunPayus, who took the primary AWPer role, faced difficulties adapting to the transition from CS to CS2, delivering inconsistent performances during crucial events.
Falcons’ head coach, Danny “zonic” Sørensen, admitted during an interview after the team’s early exit from BLAST Premier Fall Final that the squad needed roster adjustments. This sparked speculation about upcoming changes, which led to s1mple’s recruitment.
Key Reasons for S1mple’s Signing
- Performance Issues: SunPayus struggled to adapt to CS2, especially under the high expectations following his successful CS run.
- Urgent Roster Needs: After a tough season, Falcons needed a proven player to fill the primary AWPer role and elevate team performance.
- Upcoming Competitions: With major events like the Perfect World Shanghai Major on the horizon, Falcons needed a reliable, experienced player to solidify their lineup.
S1mple’s Preparation for CS2
In the weeks leading up to his signing, s1mple hinted at his return, sharing updates with fans about his rigorous training regimen. Reports indicated that s1mple had played 20 FACEIT matches in just one day, signaling his dedication to regaining his competitive edge. His focus is now on the Perfect World Shanghai Major, where he aims to lead Falcons to success.
“Time to be back at LAN, that was my goal from the very beginning—to play the Shanghai Major,” s1mple stated on X (formerly Twitter). He expressed excitement about playing official games again and preparing for what he considers the most important tournament of the year.
What This Move Means for Team Falcons
S1mple’s return to the scene, particularly as Falcons’ primary sniper, is expected to bring a much-needed boost to the team’s morale and firepower. His experience and skillset could provide the spark Falcons need to compete at the highest level in CS2.
While there may be some questions about his performance in the new game, fans and analysts alike believe that s1mple’s legendary status in CS will carry over, making him a pivotal figure for Falcons as they head into the 2025 season.
Conclusion
S1mple’s arrival at Team Falcons is a game-changer for the organization and the upcoming CS2 season. His return to the professional stage, especially after months of absence, is highly anticipated, and all eyes will be on him as he prepares to lead Falcons through major tournaments.
With s1mple’s expertise, Falcons hope to turn their season around and achieve significant results on the global stage.