The GOAT Of CS:GO – Will We Ever See s1mple Return?

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In the annals of Counter-Strike competition, only a select few have attained legendary stature, and one such player is Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev. Often hailed as the best player ever in CS:GO, s1mple’s prowess during the Global Offensive era has been unparalleled. Yet, with the competitive landscape shifting towards CS2, doubts about his future have arisen.

A Legendary Career

The accolades that s1mple has amassed are nothing short of breathtaking. He’s been named HLTV Player of the Year an impressive three times (in 2018, 2021, and 2022), which speaks volumes about his extraordinary talent. His mechanical prowess, adaptability, and strategic intellect make him a one-of-a-kind player. The pinnacle of his achievements occurred in 2021 when NAVI won the prestigious PGL Stockholm Major without losing a single map. This victory was the culmination of years filled with brilliance and determination, as s1mple guided NAVI to victory.

During this time frame, s1mple’s exceptional rule solidified his position as the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) for numerous fans. However, even outstanding figures like him can experience a wane, and the initial signs of that diminishment can be linked to a sequence of significant changes in NAVI’s team composition after the eruption of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022.

The Fall of NAVI’s Golden Era

The conflict caused significant fractures within NAVI, beginning when their key figure, Kirill “Boombl4” Mikhailov, left the team in 2022. Boombl4’s leadership played a crucial role in NAVI’s victories, and his departure, due to political issues he faced personally and with his spouse, coincided with their disappointing defeat against FaZe Clan at the PGL Antwerp Major final. This game, where many believe NAVI could have triumphed under different conditions, exposed weaknesses within the squad that were already starting to emerge.

Over the course of the following year, team NAVI managed to reach several finals, but they struggled to maintain their previous level of success. This trend reached its peak during the BLAST.tv Paris Major 2023, where they delivered a less-than-satisfactory performance and missed out on the playoffs. In the aftermath of this setback, two key players under s1mple, Denis “electroNic” Sharipov and Ilya “Perfecto” Zalutskiy, decided to join Cloud9. This departure left only s1mple and Valeriy “b1t” Vakhovskiy from the squad that had previously won championships with NAVI. In an effort to adapt, NAVI transformed into an international team, which initially brought about a blend of outcomes.

As s1mple maintained impressive performance figures, his previous prowess in single-handedly securing wins started to diminish. This decline peaked when NAVI reached the grand final of ESL Pro League Season 18, the last major CS:GO tournament before transitioning to CS2. However, they were defeated by MOUZ in a 3-0 loss. Shortly after this defeat, s1mple chose to step away from NAVI’s active roster.

Interestingly, during s1mple’s absence, NAVI’s international squad achieved remarkable success in 2024. Under their revamped lineup, NAVI clinched the first CS2 Major, the PGL Copenhagen Major, along with other esteemed tournaments including ESL Pro League Season 20, IEM Rio 2024, and the Esports World Cup. This turn of events was both exciting and tinged with a hint of sadness, as the team that s1mple helped build into a powerhouse continued to excel without him, fueling speculation about his future at the pinnacle.

Struggles in CS2: A New Game, a Different s1mple

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but share my perspective on CS2’s launch and s1mple’s experience. Initially, he openly expressed his discontent with the game’s current state. Moreover, he faced challenges related to motivation and visa/documentation matters that left him inactive for extended periods. His return to action was marked by joining Falcons on a temporary basis in March 2024. However, despite the excitement around his return, his performances during competition were less than stellar.

2024 September, Falcons took a gamble on me, offering me a contract for the rest of the year with the hope of making it to the PerfectWorld Shanghai Major. However, despite moments where I shone brightly, I didn’t meet the expectations set, struggling to lead the team as I once did with NAVI at my peak. Unfortunately, we missed our mark and Falcons decided not to keep me long-term.

As the new year 2025 commences, s1mple finds himself on NAVI’s bench, still searching for a team. Once regarded as the world’s top player, his future in the gaming world seems unclear, with the landscape of the game seemingly advancing past him.

Occasionally a Difficult Teammate

Although S1mple’s talent is indisputable, his image as a teammate is somewhat intricate. Famous for his high expectations and fiery demeanor, he has frequently butted heads with colleagues, even publicly criticizing some of his long-time partners. Footage of S1mple’s heated outbursts has gone viral, portraying a perfectionist whose pursuit of excellence could occasionally strain relationships.

Beyond that, the cost to acquire s1mple continues to be an unaffordable hurdle for other teams, adding complexity to potential transfers. However, the greatest uncertainty revolves around his determination. Similar to Kenny “kennyS” Schrub, another renowned AWPer who faced challenges in reclaiming his form following his departure from G2, it appears that s1mple has lost the relentless drive that once fueled his pursuit of greatness. A prolonged absence from the game seems to have blunted his edge, and with each passing moment, the likelihood of a victorious comeback becomes increasingly remote.

Can s1mple Find His Mojo Again?

It’s unfortunate for enthusiasts of Counter-Strike that the extraordinary skills and groundbreaking performances by the player s1mple, who symbolized excellence in the game, are not currently at their peak. His exceptional play has consistently pushed the boundaries of what can be achieved in CS:GO, captivating countless players and propelling the competitive scene to unprecedented levels.

As CS2 progresses, there’s uncertainty surrounding s1mple’s future. Although there’s still a glimmer of hope for a return, the obstacles he encounters – age, waning motivation, and the relentless evolution of the game – are significant. If he fails to reignite his passion and adapt to CS2, his narrative might become a warning, illustrating a legend whose reign at the pinnacle was fleeting.

Despite all that’s happened, there’s still faith that s1mple will rise again. Fans and experts alike are holding out hope, believing in the resilience of Oleksandr Kostyliev. It may seem unlikely, but greatness seldom disappears without a trace, and if anyone can defy the odds, it’s him. Whether he manages to do so or not, one truth remains unchanged: s1mple’s status as the greatest of all time in CS:GO is unshakable, and his extraordinary impact will be remembered for years to come. Indeed, he has left a lasting legacy.

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2025-01-21 20:39