s1mple’s Comeback: Joining Falcons Ahead of Shanghai Major

In a surprising turn of events, Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev, one of the most iconic players in Counter-Strike history, is poised to make a comeback to professional play. After a year away from the competitive scene, s1mple is set to join Team Falcons on a loan deal, marking a significant shift in the team’s lineup and ambitions.

The Return of a Legend

s1mple, a three-time Player of the Year and a runner-up on two other occasions, has been absent from official matches since the transition to CS2. His return is highly anticipated, and fans worldwide are eager to see how he will perform after such a lengthy hiatus. Known for his unparalleled skill with the AWP and clutch plays, s1mple’s addition to Falcons could be the catalyst the team needs to ascend to new heights.

Falcons’ Quest for Revival

Team Falcons, under the guidance of esteemed coach Danny “zonic” Sørensen, has been seeking ways to revitalize their performance. Following a series of underwhelming results and early exits from major tournaments, zonic hinted at imminent changes to the roster. The arrival of s1mple is the first of these changes, indicating the organization’s commitment to restructuring and achieving better results.

A New Lineup

With s1mple’s inclusion, the Falcons’ roster is expected to be:

• 🇩🇰 Marco “Snappi” Pfeiffer

• 🇩🇰 Peter “dupreeh” Rasmussen

• 🇩🇰 Emil “Magisk” Reif

• 🇲🇪 Pavle “Maden” Bošković

• 🇺🇦 Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev (on loan)

Coach: 🇩🇰 Danny “zonic” Sørensen

Benched: 🇪🇸 Álvaro “SunPayus” García

Departures and Changes

As part of this roster shuffle, Álvaro “SunPayus” García will be moved to the bench. Despite showing promise with a 1.13 rating during his time with Falcons—nearly matching his performance in ENCE—SunPayus will step down to make way for s1mple. The team acknowledges his contributions but believes that this change is necessary for their strategic evolution.

Looking Ahead: The Shanghai Major RMR

s1mple’s debut with Falcons is anticipated to occur during the PW Shanghai Major Europe RMR. The team aims to leverage his experience and skill to secure a strong position in the tournament. While s1mple’s current form is uncertain due to his time away from professional play, his track record suggests he could quickly reacclimate to the competitive environment.

s1mple’s Perspective

A few days prior to the announcement, s1mple hinted at big news on social media:

“We’re practicing every day; big news is coming. As for the team, don’t even think about it. We’re waiting for the end of the Major. As much as I’d like to fly to Shanghai and play—it’s all too complicated.”

His statement reflects both his enthusiasm for returning to competition and the complexities involved in such a move.

The Impact on the CS2 Competitive Scene

s1mple’s return is more than just a roster change, it’s a significant moment for the entire CS2 community. His presence is expected to draw increased viewership and elevate the level of competition. For Falcons, this move represents a bold strategy to redefine their position in the esports landscape.

The upcoming tournaments will reveal whether this high-profile addition will pay off for Falcons. With a mix of seasoned veterans and new dynamics, the team has the potential to become a formidable force. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as s1mple embarks on this new chapter of his illustrious career.