s1mple is planning a CS2 return, here’s how we know

Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyljev is the most wanted man in Counter-Strike 2, and he just dropped a serious hint that he will finally return to the game.

The Counter-Strike 2 esports scene remains quite healthy, and s1mple remains one of the most dominant players in the franchise’s history. The Ukrainian player is widely considered the greatest player in Global Offensive history, but the switch to Source 2 drove him off. He publicly announced he would take a break from the game shortly after its official release. However, there’s no reason to believe that the CSGOAT is planning a comeback.

Between renewed interest in FACEIT pubs and multiple top-level roster changes, we think s1mple is planning a triumphant return to CS2.

Is s1mple staging a return to Counter-Strike 2?

s1mple is once again grinding FACEIT after a series of high-profile kicks, hinting at a potential return.

Social media users spotted s1mple playing games in June 2024 after a nearly month-long hiatus. s1mple was on a longer break from October 2023 to February 2024 when he eventually returned as the newest member of the Falcons. However, that loan period ended after only a single match at BLAST Spring Showdown 2024.

The pubs may not signify a return per se, but the timing lines up with multiple roster changes on top-tier organizations. Team Liquid, an organization s1mple previously played for, just dropped Casper “cadiaN” Møller and is reportedly moving Russel “Twistzz” Van Dulken to in-game leader. If so, that could open up a spot for s1mple as a rifler. Alternatively, playoffs mainstay G2 Esports benched support rifler Nemanja “nexa” Isaković with no clear replacement. s1mple could slot into either team with effort, assuming he still wishes to use an AK-47.

Other fans theorize that the pro player is actually recording lessons for his new esports training program. Critics of s1mple claim he’s not a good coach because he’s too good to know what mistakes newbies are making. Regardless, the school did attract fans of the pro player. If nothing else, their presence should at least solidify s1mple’s plans to stay in the CS2 meta for the foreseeable future.

s1mple’s plans for a CS2 return are now unfolding as he joins Falcons—find out if it’s permanent in s1mple returns to CS2 with Falcons, is it permanent?.