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Who's s1mple and why is everyone glad he's back?
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Jack Willa
Gamer
03 Feb 2026
Posted On
The competitive scene is ever-expanding and new players are constantly joining the spotlight. Thanks to this, few players are able to stay relevant enough to go mainstream and build a lasting audience. This is even more crucial when you consider the fact that few games stay relevant for long, which means if a creator built their reputation through one game then they might lose it if that said game loses its relevance.
None of these aforementioned factors affect s1mple though. Known for his excellent skills in Counter-Strike, s1mple is considered one of the best CS players around, even if he temporarily took a break back in 2023. Now that he has announced his return, the entire CS community is jumping with joy, but who exactly is this player, and what sets him apart from the countless other professional Counter-Strike players?
Today, we’re here to go through everything you need to know about the professional CS player s1mple. This includes who he is, what sets him apart from the others, and why the entire community is glad he’s back.
Who is s1mple?
Those who know about the professional scene of Counter-Strike know who the Ukrainian legend Oleksandr "s1mple" Kostyljev is. s1mple is known as one of the best Counter-Strike players of all time in the game’s community, thanks to him being an all-rounder who has exceptional aim and game sense. On 26 October 2023, the professional player revealed that he was temporarily taking a break from competitive gaming, but now he’s returning.
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Why is everyone happy for s1mple’s return?
s1mple returning to competitive Counter-Strike is a big deal because no one could replicate or take over his place during his absence, and now fans can expect new strategies and play from him. The way s1mple plays allows him to consistently outplay his opponents, whether by outaiming or outsmarting them, so he can always get out of seemingly impossible clutch situations, keeping fans excited.
Like most professional players, s1mple inspires up-and-coming Counter-Strike players who want to start playing competitively. The way he had humble beginnings and then went on to become one of the most famous players ever is something to look at. Many players mimic his style to improve their skills, so his presence can influence the strategies used in matchmaking servers.
s1mple makes professional matches more interesting to watch due to the strategies he employs in matches. When he’s up against a team, they have to start bringing their A-game, which forces them to make interesting plays that not many would think of, keeping matches exciting.
What did other professionals say about s1mple returning?
Multiple professionals commented about the Ukrainian star’s return to professional Counter-Strike. Here is what they said, according to Pley:
Nikola “NiKo” Kovac – G2 player
“The Counter-Strike community need s1mple. He’s the biggest name in the game. I think we’re all happy to see him back and see how he will do and develop his game in CS2. The scene has missed him a lot, so I just wish him the best of luck.”
Andrij "B1ad3" Ghorodensjkyj – NAVI’s head coach
“Everyone is excited about his comeback. His comeback means a lot for the Counter-Strike scene. It’s super significant. Because the more competitive the scene, the greater it is. Now let’s see what he brings to us.”
Janusz "Snax" Pogorzelski – G2 player
“It’s nice. It’s nice that he’s coming back. I always like to see him play, he’s a nice guy as well. I’ve known him for quite some time now, so yeah, I’m happy that he’s coming back.”
Justin “jks” Savage – Liquid player
“He’s been part of the scene in the entire time I’ve been playing and has been probably the best player to ever play the game. So it’s really awesome to have him back. I don’t think the game is the same without s1mple.”
s1mple's impact on the community beyond Counter-Strike 2
Besides his in-game impact, s1mple has actively contributed to the community outside. For example, s1mple has used his platform to give back to the community, where he’s participated in various charities like how he donated $100,000 to UNITED24, a charity to aid the people of Ukraine during the Russian invasion of the country in 2022.
He’s also promoted healthy competition between opposing sides multiple times and showed the importance of sportsmanship. Due to his example, Counter-Strike 2’s community has tried to follow in his footsteps to ensure the competitive experience isn’t as toxic.
What are some of s1mple’s greatest achievements?
Like other greats in professional Counter-Strike, s1mple has many achievements and accolades that set him apart from other players. He has appeared in the HLTV top 20 players list from 2016 to 2023, securing 1st place in 2018, 2021, and 2022.
He’s also earned one of the most MVPs in Counter-Strike history, with over 20 of them throughout his career. Here’s a small list of tournaments where s1mple has received the MVP award:
s1mple is known for his exceptional aim, game sense, and ability to consistently outplay opponents. His skills allow him to clutch difficult situations, making him a fan favorite.
His return is a big deal because no one could truly replace him during his break. Fans anticipate new strategies and exciting plays that only s1mple can deliver.
s1mple inspires aspiring players with his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a top player. Many mimic his style to improve, influencing strategies in matchmaking and pro matches.
He actively contributes to the community through charity work, like donating to UNITED24. He also promotes sportsmanship, setting a positive example for the Counter-Strike community.
s1mple has consistently ranked in HLTV's top 20 players from 2016-2023, securing the #1 spot in 2018, 2021, and 2022. He also earned numerous MVP awards.
What’s next?
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