s1mple hints at long-awaited CS2 return

Counter-Strike

July 15, 2024

Daniel Morris

In Collaboration with Thunderpick

NAVI’s legendary AWPer, s1mple, has finally hinted at a long-awaited return to competitive CS2. It has been nine months since s1mple benched himself on NAVI due to personal issues and a general dislike of CS2 as a game, and it seems he’s almost ready to return to the server.

s1mple’s CS2 return

Credit: Adam Lakomy | © ESL

In a tweet exchange with Thorin on X, s1mple was asked about a potential return to competitive CS2. Although the Ukrainian described it as a “hard question,” he also claimed that his return will come “hopefully soon.” Given his long absence, that’s as positive an answer as any s1mple fans could possibly hope for.

It’s easy to forget that s1mple hasn’t been totally absent from the scene. Back in March, s1mple played for Falcons at the BLAST Premier Spring Showdown 2024. This loan deal was intended to span the duration of the tournament, although Falcons were unceremoniously eliminated from the event after just one best-of-three against Metizport, leaving s1mple back in the dark about his future. He’ll be hoping his full return is more fruitful than his Falcons dalliance.

Which team will s1mple play for?

When s1mple does eventually return to competitive Counter-Strike, it will be interesting to see which team he lands on. NAVI now have w0nderful in his place, and it would be incredibly harsh to drop the youngster after his admirable performances. He has hinted that a transition from the AWP to the rifle may be in his future, which would definitely give him a path back to NAVI’s active roster.

Although s1mple’s debut in Falcons did very little to inspire confidence in his transition to CS2, the Ukrainian will not be short of suitors if he can’t return to NAVI. He’s still arguably the best CS:GO player ever, and you’d definitely expect him to return to form given more dedicated practice time. After all, s1mple’s average is anyone else’s exceptional.