Oleksandr „s1mple“ Kostyliev hasn’t just returned — he’s once again making his opponents look helpless. In the Swiss stage of Exort The Proving Grounds Season 3 against Spirit Academy, he was the undisputed MVP, closing out two maps with a combined 1.56 rating and leading BC.Game to a 2-0 record in the group.
The legend returns in his own style
When BC.Game signed s1mple, many saw it as a publicity stunt, but for the third match in a row he’s proving it was, first and foremost, a competitive upgrade. His presence on the server is felt in every round: aggressive peeks, instant decision-making, and pinpoint accuracy force opponents into mistakes.
In the series against Spirit Academy, he finished with 38–19 (+19), 96.5 ADR, and an 87.2% KAST. Most importantly, he consistently opened up space for his team, won opening duels, and left the young opposition lineup with no room for a comeback.
Timeline of domination
Mirage (13:6) — BC.Game’s map pick turned into the perfect stage for a s1mple showcase. From the pistol round, where he scored three kills, to later rounds where he repeatedly shut down Spirit Academy’s attacks before they reached the sites, his impact was constant. The first half ended 9:3, and BC.Game quickly closed it out after the side switch.
Nuke (13:7) — Even Spirit Academy’s own pick couldn’t shield them from s1mple’s pressure. His aggressive defensive plays around the A site and quick rotations gave BC.Game full control in the second half. Several key multikills in retakes effectively sealed the series.
Why this match matters for s1mple
After a lengthy break in his career, s1mple returned to online tournament CS, and many doubted whether he could still deliver consistently at the highest level. This series is yet another piece of evidence that he remains the same player capable of single-handedly turning games around.
His performance against Spirit Academy is particularly impressive given that it’s his third consecutive match with a rating above 1.30. Since joining BC.Game, the team hasn’t lost a single series, and s1mple has been the driving force behind that success.
Community reaction
As always, s1mple’s performance sparked a wave of discussion on social media. Opinions were divided:
- Critics labeled him a “tier-2” or even “tier-3” player, implying his stats aren’t as impressive in today’s competitive environment.
- Others pointed out that he was posting similar numbers against top-2 teams in the world back in 2021 and dismissed such criticism as baseless.
- Some fans believe s1mple could return to the top only if he fully dedicates himself to the game and gives up bad habits, though they rate his chances of getting back into the top 10 as slim.
- Supporters remain convinced that even now he’s capable of winning matches almost single-handedly, especially in online tournament formats.
What’s next
BC.Game are just one Bo3 victory away from securing a playoff spot. If s1mple maintains his current form, the team won’t just reach the decisive stage — they could become one of the main favorites for the title.
