s1mple's CS2 comeback ends for now - but the GOAT isn't done yet

Speaking in FaZe Clan's post-Austin Major vlog, the Ukrainian icon reflected on his brief but memorable month-long stint with the team, during which time he competed in two major events - IEM Dallas and the Austin Major.

"I enjoyed it. From Dallas, even when we played with Filipo (skullz) and the bootcamp after, I enjoyed it," s1mple said with a smile. "Actually I like all of those guys. We had fun."

Widely regarded as the CS:GO GOAT, s1mple joined FaZe on loan from NAVI after a brief competitive hiatus that followed his three-month stint with Team Falcons, which ended in December 2024.

His return began at IEM Dallas, where the team - missing several stars - exited early, managing just one win in the group stage. While s1mple wasn't in peak form, fans still witnessed glimpses of his signature brilliance.

Momentum began to build ahead of the Austin Major as the full FaZe lineup, including rain, reunited for bootcamp. By Stage 2, s1mple had found his rhythm, delivering clutch plays and deadly AWP flicks. His vintage performance in Stage 3 against The MongolZ - dropping a 37-18 KD and a 1.47 rating in a dominant 2-0 win - secured FaZe a playoff spot.

However, their run ended in the quarterfinals, where a rematch against The MongolZ saw FaZe fall 0-2.

With the first CS2 Major of 2025 concluded, so too ended s1mple's run with FaZe. The organization reportedly has no plans to buy out his NAVI contract, which still has several months remaining. Meanwhile, there's been no sign that NAVI intends to reintegrate him into their main roster.

Still, s1mple remains unfazed.

"We will see what's gonna happen," he said. "But I'm pretty sure I will find a new home until end of this year," he said. "Even if FaZe is not going to buy me (or) if NAVI don't want to let me go back, I'll still find a home because I want to play."