s1mple has joined FaZe on a loan deal
Oleksandr “ s1mple ” Kostyliev returns to the big CS and joins FaZe on loan. The Ukrainian sniper will temporarily replace Helvijs “broky” Saukants, who was transferred to the bench after a series of unsuccessful performances of the team at the start of 2025.
Lease until the end of the major
FaZe officially announced the signing of s1mple on a short-term loan from Natus Vincere until the end of the Austin Major. For the three-time world's best player, this is another attempt to get back into the tournament rhythm after a long break - the last time s1mple played for Falcons at the European RMR before the Shanghai Major, but the team failed to qualify and the loan was ended early.
This is the second time s1mple has played on loan. He previously played for the Falcons at the BLAST Premier Spring Showdown.
The story of the legend's return
s1mple hasn't played for the NAVI main roster since October 2023, when he announced a career break. The contract with the Ukrainian organization is valid until the end of 2025, but since the beginning of this year, the player has hinted that he is open to new offers. In April, he stated that “there are some offers” and that “the price is going down” as his deal with NAVI is coming to an end.
Reunion with EliGE and mission to Austin Major
At FaZe, s1mple will be reunited with Jonathan “ EliGE ” Jablonowski, his former Liquid teammate from 2016. Together they reached the semifinals at MLG Columbus and finished second at ESL One Cologne. Today's FaZe roster expected a lot from EliGE 's addition after the loss of ropz, but the team failed to find a stable form: elimination from IEM Melbourne, 5-6th place at BLAST Rivals, and defeats by Falcons and Mouz .
s1mple 's debut in a new team
s1mple will play its first official match for FaZe at IEM Dallas, which will begin on May 19. And after that, the team will have its main goal - Austin Major 2025, where FaZe will start from Stage 2.
The current FaZe roster:
Finn “karrigan” Andersen
Håvard “rain” Nygaard
Jonathan “ EliGE ” Jablonowski
David “frozen” Čerňanský
Oleksandr “ s1mple ” Kostyliev (on loan from NAVI until the end of Austin Major)
Coach: Filip “NEO” Kubski
Reserve: Helvijs “broky” Saukants
