View source for News/"s1mple" Joins FaZe

{{News
|seo_title="s1mple" Joins FaZe
|seo_keywords=FaZe
|image=FaZe_Clan11.PNG
|tags=FaZe Clan
|date=2025-05-05T12:43:16.000Z
|sources={{NewsSource
|source=Hltv
|url=https://www.hltv.org/news/41615/s1mple-joins-faze-on-loan-ahead-of-austin-major
|article=News/&#34;s1mple&#34; Joins FaZe
}}
|author=Andura
|category=Transfer Market
|game=Counter Strike
|content=[[Companies/FaZe Clan|FaZe Clan]] have announced the signing of Oleksandr "⁠[[People/s1mple|s1mple]]⁠" Kostyliev on a loan deal from Natus Vincere. The three-time HLTV Player of the Year will join the roster through the end of the Austin Major, replacing Helvijs "⁠broky⁠" Saukants, who has been moved to the bench following a poor start to the year for the international squad.

s1mple returns to competition after a brief and turbulent stint with Team Falcons. The Ukrainian AWPer last played during the Europe RMR for the Shanghai Major, where Falcons failed to secure a spot at the event. That short-term deal, originally set to last through the end of 2024, marked his second loan spell with the Saudi-backed organization, following his appearance at the BLAST Premier Spring Showdown earlier this year.

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He has not played for Natus Vincere since October 2023, when he stepped down from the active lineup to take a break from professional play. The 27-year-old still has just over six months remaining on the three-year contract he signed with NAVI at the end of 2022.

s1mple’s next move has been the subject of intense speculation throughout 2025. In early April, he hinted at ongoing negotiations during a conversation with streamer Evelone, saying he had "some offers, kind of, something," and noted that his market value was declining as the end of his NAVI contract approached. Later that month, he posted an Instagram story saying he was "grinding CS and grinding [the] gym every day."

The loan to FaZe could mark a turning point for both parties. FaZe have struggled to find consistency this season, and the addition of one of Counter-Strike’s most decorated players could provide the spark they need heading into the Austin Major.
}}