In a stunning turn of events on July 28, 2025, Counter‑Strike 2 icon Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev has officially left Natus Vincere after nearly nine years and signed permanently with BC.Game, a team ranked among the lower tiers of the competitive CS2 scene.
🔄 From NaVi Legend to BC.Game Underdog
s1mple began his professional CS journey in 2014 and joined NAVI in 2016. Over nearly a decade, he rose to legendary status—winning multiple Major titles, being named HLTV’s Player of the Year three times, and earning over 20 MVP medals.
Rather than wait for his NAVI contract to expire later in the year, s1mple made a bold decision to join BC.Game—a team previously not considered a serious contender at the top level.
🗣️ The Comment That Sparked Controversy
Only three months ago, during a live stream, s1mple mocked BC.Game amid rumors of his former teammate Perfecto possibly joining the same organization. His exact words:
“You left me and went to play for some garbage… I played in a trash team too.”
Now, he’s changed course completely, praising BC.Game’s direction and claiming: “I just want to play.”
🤔 Why the Sudden Shift?
Several factors could be behind this surprise move:
- Contract complications: NAVI reportedly had a high buyout clause—possibly in the $650,000 range—but an early mutual agreement may have cleared the path.
- Desire for a fresh start: After short stints with Team Falcons and FaZe Clan, s1mple may be looking for more stability and control over his future.
- Leadership role: At BC.Game, he’s likely to serve as the central figure in rebuilding the roster and setting the tone.
🔜 What’s Next: ESL Challenger League Season 50
s1mple is expected to debut with BC.Game during ESL Challenger League Season 50, which kicks off on August 11. His teammates include nexa and pr1metapz, with others still under evaluation.
The team’s performance in this event could determine whether this risky move pays off or becomes one of esports’ biggest head-scratchers.
🧠Community Reaction: Mixed Feelings
The signing has ignited intense discussion across the CS2 community. While some believe this is a major shake-up that could boost BC.Game’s relevance, others see it as a financial play by a lesser-known org using s1mple’s star power to gain visibility.
Given s1mple’s previous comments about the team, fans are watching closely to see how he performs and whether his presence can elevate BC.Game from obscurity to the big leagues.
âś… TL;DR: Key Takeaways
| Topic | Summary |
|---|---|
| Transfer | s1mple leaves NAVI to join BC.Game full-time, shocking the community. |
| Roster | Will compete in ESL Challenger League Season 50 with nexa and pr1metapz. |
| Controversy | Previously called BC.Game “garbage” in a stream just 3 months ago. |
| Motivation | Seeking control, fresh start, and long-term leadership. |
| Reaction | Fans divided—some call it bold, others think it’s a PR gamble. |
Whether s1mple can take BC.Game from underdogs to serious contenders remains to be seen—but one thing is certain: this move has shaken up the CS2 landscape in a way no one saw coming.
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