In a move that has stunned the Counter-Strike 2 community, FaZe Clan has officially benched longtime AWPer Helvijs “broky” Saukants and brought in Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev on loan ahead of the upcoming BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025, the organization confirmed on May 5.
The Ukrainian superstar joins FaZe on a temporary basis from Natus Vincere (Na’Vi), marking his return to top-tier competition after nearly half a year on the sidelines. s1mple’s last appearance in the professional scene dates back to November 2024, when he played for Falcons during a brief loan spell. That stint ended in disappointment after the team failed to qualify for the Perfect World Shanghai Major.
s1mple’s Surprise Arrival; A Game-Changer or a Gamble?
While broky’s removal from the active lineup doesn’t come as a huge shock, given his ongoing form struggles in recent months, the decision to bring in s1mple has sent shockwaves through the CS2 scene. Regarded by many as the greatest CS:GO player of all time, s1mple’s legacy is undisputed. However, his transition to CS2 remains unproven, with only a few appearances under his belt during his brief time with Falcons.
FaZe’s acquisition of s1mple could be a high-risk, high-reward scenario. The team has faced a turbulent 2025 season so far, particularly after the departure of Robin “ropz” Kool to Team Vitality. FaZe managed to reach the playoffs at both PGL Cluj-Napoca and PGL Bucharest, but overall results have fallen short of expectations for the international superteam.
s1mple to Debut at IEM Dallas 2025
Fans won’t have to wait long to see s1mple in FaZe colors. The AWPer is set to make his debut at IEM Dallas, which kicks off on May 19th. That gives him just under two weeks of practice with FaZe, enough time to familiarize himself with the team’s systems, although fully integrating into their tactical structure may take longer.
s1mple’s aggressive, playmaking style will present a stark contrast to broky’s more passive and supportive approach. Unlike broky, who often played from the backlines and used utility to enable his teammates, s1mple thrives in taking initiative and creating impact plays. This shift in dynamic could breathe new life into FaZe’s strategy, or create friction as players adjust.
Chemistry Concerns and Legacy Pressure
The addition of s1mple may also test the long-standing chemistry within FaZe. Finn “karrigan” Andersen, the team’s in-game leader, has played with broky since 2021. Håvard “rain” Nygaard, FaZe’s longest-standing player, has been alongside the Latvian AWPer since 2019, when broky was first picked up from the FACEIT Pro League (FPL) as a rising talent.
During his time with FaZe, broky evolved into one of the most reliable AWPers in the world. He played a pivotal role in helping FaZe claim major titles, including the PGL Antwerp Major 2022 and the Intel Grand Slam Season 4 title in 2023.
Despite his slump, broky’s history with the team and contributions to their success mean this may not be a permanent farewell. Much of what happens next will depend on how s1mple performs in CS2, especially since his loan currently covers just two events: IEM Dallas and the BLAST.tv Austin Major.
What’s Next for broky?
Although benched, broky hasn’t been released from FaZe, and his future with the team remains open-ended. If s1mple fails to deliver or struggles to adapt to FaZe’s system, the Latvian sniper could reclaim his spot after the Austin Major. On the other hand, if s1mple reignites his legendary form and lifts FaZe to new heights, the organization may explore longer-term solutions around the Ukrainian icon.
Either way, FaZe’s decision to sign s1mple signals a bold statement of intent heading into the heart of the CS2 competitive season. All eyes will be on his performance as he attempts to write a new chapter in his storied career, and potentially shape the next era of FaZe Clan.
