After a lengthy hiatus from competitive Counter-Strike lasting over a year, fans have been anticipating s1mple’s return with great enthusiasm. Now, he has made his comeback, this time representing FaZe Clan on one of the biggest platforms in elite esports.
The acclaimed CS GOAT attempted to make a return last year when NAVI loaned him to Team Falcons, but unfortunately, it didn’t unfold as hoped. Falcons failed to qualify for the Shanghai Major, effectively stalling s1mple’s comeback.
Fast forward to the present, and the scenario has shifted. Currently on loan to FaZe, the Ukrainian icon is demonstrating that he remains capable of competing at the highest levels at the Austin Major 2025.
In a recent conversation with retired pro Dosia, s1mple discussed how he managed to turn his life around, both physically and mentally, to facilitate his return.
«I have friends in Poland who are dedicated to working out. They encouraged me, saying, ‘You need to hit the gym.’ So, we started going together,» s1mple shared, translated from Russian.
At this point, the 27-year-old AWPer was already beginning his transformation. He revealed that it involved not just physical changes but a comprehensive shift in his habits and mindset.
«I already took steps to change my life. I stopped consuming alcohol and other unhealthy things. I started working out, and then this opportunity arose,» he added.
Shortly after, FaZe Clan’s player rain reached out, leading to s1mple training with the prestigious team. On May 5, 2025, FaZe officially announced that s1mple would be substituting for broky at IEM Dallas and Austin Major.
Sasha’s return didn’t kick off spectacularly, as FaZe was in the early stages of integrating him into the team. Their performance at IEM Dallas was lackluster, finishing in 9th-12th place without making the playoffs.
S1mple himself was aware that immediate success was unrealistic. He anticipated a period of adjustment to regain his rhythm, which he felt began during the team’s bootcamp.
«From the start, I told the team that I would perform better as soon as we began our bootcamp. Once it started, I noticed my improvement,» s1mple recounted.
By the time Stage 2 of the Austin Major commenced, he had returned to the AWP role and was making significant contributions, although he admitted nerves remained. FaZe began strong with a 2-0 record, but they faced setbacks in consecutive matches against Legacy and 3DMAX. They had to claw their way through a deciding match against MIBR, eventually securing their Stage 3 spot with a 3-2 record.
Once Stage 3 began, the GOAT reemerged. S1mple delivered an impressive 37-18 KD and a 1.47 rating in a 2-0 win over The MongolZ, showcasing remarkable flicks, solid clutches, and his signature swagger.
FaZe surged into the playoffs with a 3-1 record, and s1mple found himself back in a Major playoff for the first time since the BLAST.tv Paris event in 2023. They are preparing for a rematch against MongolZ in the quarterfinals on Friday, June 20, carrying significant momentum.
With s1mple regaining his form and likely backed by a home crowd at the Moody Center, a deep playoff run seems feasible. In fact, advancing to the grand final and contending for the Major title appears within reach. Regardless of the outcome, s1mple’s resurgence in CS2 serves as a powerful testimonial to the impact of personal growth on performance both in and out of the game.
