In one of the most surprising moves of 2025, Oleksandr "s1mple" Kostyliev has officially parted ways with NAVI, ending a legendary nine-year run that redefined the world of Counter-Strike. Considered by many as the greatest player in the history of CS, s1mple is now the newest addition to BC.GAME, a team still climbing the ranks but now armed with one of the deadliest AWPers of all time.

NAVI confirmed s1mple’s exit on July 28, closing a chapter that included historic tournament victories such as the PGL Stockholm Major and the Intel Grand Slam. Although he had been benched since 2023, the announcement still sent shockwaves through the Counter-Strike community. Multiple teams had reportedly pursued him, but it was BC.GAME who pulled off the signing that no one saw coming.

Instead of finishing out his NAVI contract, which ran until the end of this year, s1mple chose to make his return on a fresh path. He steps in as BC.GAME’s new primary AWPer, replacing Tim "nawwk" Jonasson, who was benched in June. This move comes right after Cai "Cypher" Watson left BC.GAME for Fnatic, setting the stage for what could be a complete overhaul of the roster’s trajectory.

The esports world is already buzzing with opinions. Is this the right move for s1mple? BC.GAME currently ranks sixty-sixth in the Valve Regional Standings, a far cry from the top-tier events that s1mple is used to dominating. This means his next chapter begins not on the main stage, but in the trenches of Challenger League qualifiers. His debut match for the squad is scheduled for August 11 during the ESL Challenger League Season 50.

While some see this as a bold reset, others wonder whether a legend of his caliber belongs on a team outside the top thirty-two. Still, this is s1mple, a player who has rewritten expectations time and time again. If anyone can change the fate of a team from the bottom up, it is him.

Whether this move becomes a redemption arc or a risky misstep, one thing is clear. The world will be watching every flick, every clutch, and every play. S1mple is back. But not where you expected him to be.

For more on s1mple, BC.GAME, and all major esports transfers, follow Gaming Moves on Instagram and Facebook.