Can s1mple save FaZe Clan

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

5 May

Kaustavmani Choudhury

FaZe Clan have made a blockbuster move ahead of the Austin Major, benching long-time AWPer Helvijs "⁠broky⁠" Saukants and bringing in Oleksandr "⁠s1mple⁠" Kostyliev on a short-term loan from Natus Vincere.

It’s a decision that sends shockwaves through the Counter-Strike community, and perhaps just in time for a roster that has struggled to live up to expectations in 2025.

Broky Benched After Six Years

Broky's removal marks the end of an era. The Latvian sniper had been a permanent fixture in FaZe's lineup since 2019, helping the team reach some of its highest peaks including winning the PGL Antwerp Major and securing an Intel Grand Slam. Despite the legacy, recent results have painted a troubling picture.

FaZe have failed to reach the playoffs at major events in 2025 like IEM Katowice and IEM Melbourne. broky’s form has mirrored the team’s slump. His stats - 0.93 impact, and 69.0 ADR over the last three months - place him barely above IGL karrigan and veteran rain.

Stretching to a six-month view, he even falls below rain, raising questions about his long-term viability on a star-studded roster. For the first time in his FaZe career, broky became the weak link, and the organization responded accordingly.

Is s1mple the Answer?

To replace him, FaZe turned to the most recognizable name in Counter-Strike: s1mple. The Ukrainian superstar is joining the squad on a loan deal from Natus Vincere, which will run until the end of the Austin Major.

There’s no denying s1mple’s legacy — Major winner, a three-time Player of the Year, and arguably the most dominant AWPer in Counter-Strike history. But that legacy doesn’t answer the most pressing question: is he still in top form?

s1mple hasn’t played a professional CS2 match since the Perfect World Shanghai Major’s Europe RMR A, where he briefly stood in for Falcons. That loan spell was cut short after the team failed to qualify for the Major, his second underwhelming stint with the Saudi organization in 2024.

He’s also been out of Natus Vincere’s starting roster since taking a break in October 2023. While he’s been vocal about staying in shape and grinding CS, his actual competitive readiness remains uncertain.

The Tier-1 scene has only grown more competitive in his absence. To match the likes of Vitality, Spirit, Falcons and MOUZ, FaZe will need more than just s1mple’s reputation; they need his performance to match the hype.

A Reunion with EliGE

s1mple's arrival in FaZe also reunites him with Jonathan "⁠EliGE⁠" Jablonowski, a former teammate from their Team Liquid days back in 2016. That duo reached the semifinals of the MLG Major Columbus 2016 and finished as runners-up at ESL One Cologne 2016, showing what they’re capable of when in sync.

s1mple with EliGE at Team Liquid (Image Source: DreamHack)

Their individual brilliance was undeniable, but the partnership was short-lived and at times turbulent. Nearly a decade later, the question is whether they can rediscover that chemistry in a very different environment.

EliGE’s arrival at FaZe earlier this year was meant to rejuvenate the roster after the departure of Robin "⁠ropz⁠" Kool. Yet, results have been underwhelming. Meanwhile, ropz is flourishing with Team Vitality, who just picked up their fifth straight Big Event win.

FaZe’s gamble on EliGE hasn’t paid off yet. But pairing him with s1mple may unlock the ceiling this team has been chasing all year. For now, we just have to wait and watch!

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Featured Image Credit: FaZe Clan