s1mple 's Transfer to FaZe Clan May Not Happen

Alexander “ s1mple ” Kostylev, one of the most decorated players in CS history, hinted to fans that his full transition to FaZe Clan might not happen. Under a recent photo on X , he wrote that “sometimes it’s hard to get out of prison” — a metaphorical description of his situation with NAVI.

How s1mple Ended Up in FaZe
After taking a career break in the fall of 2023 and leaving NAVI's active roster, s1mple was later loaned to Falcons for 3 months, where results were lacking. He joined FaZe as a stand-in in May when the team needed a fifth player for IEM Dallas and later for the BLAST.tv Austin Major. The team only performed well at the major — making it to the playoffs and finishing in the top 8.

The impressions of the s1mple and FaZe combination were positive, and expectations were clear: many fans believed FaZe was simply finalizing details for the signing. s1mple was active, in shape, and seemed to enjoy playing.

Open Hints at Internal Restrictions
A fan asked about his joining FaZe under the post, to which s1mple replied:

Will it be your boost when you join FaZe?

s1mple : Seems like I’m not joining, keep it a secret.

We need you, bro!

s1mple : Sometimes it’s hard to get out of prison.

The phrase about “prison” sounded like a subtle jab at his current commitments. Although legally he is still listed as part of NAVI, it’s clear s1mple would like more freedom — possibly to move somewhere more comfortable and interesting. But for some reason, this is difficult to achieve.

The CS2 transfer market is extremely active right now. FaZe needs reinforcement, and s1mple is still capable of shaking up any meta. However, his contract with NAVI might be both costly and legally complicated to break. Additionally, the organization itself may not be ready to let go of a legend without guaranteed benefits.

s1mple ’s potential move to FaZe could be the biggest transfer of the year and reignite interest in FaZe, whose recent results have been lackluster. But it seems s1mple ’s comeback to the tier-1 scene is once again postponed — and ironically enough, he himself cannot yet “get out of prison.”