Brace yourselves — the CS2 landscape just shook. BC.Game, currently ranked 66th in the VRS global standings, have landed a move few saw coming: they’ve officially signed Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev on a permanent deal from Natus Vincere. Yes, the GOAT is heading to tier-two.
The three-time HLTV Player of the Year steps into the AWPing role, replacing Tim “nawwk” Jonasson, who was benched in June. This move marks a dramatic career pivot for s1mple, who just months ago lit up the Austin Major playoffs as a stand-in for FaZe, fueling one of the event’s most talked-about storylines.
Austin Major 2025United States, Austin, Moody Center
Vitality
The MongolZ
MOUZA Shocking Step Down — Or a New Beginning?
Following FaZe’s quarter-final exit at the hands of The MongolZ, speculation buzzed: would FaZe make a long-term play for s1mple? That dream fizzled fast. Finn “karrigan” Andersen later confirmed that talks were already underway to bring Helvijs “broky” Saukants back — suggesting s1mple was only ever a temporary patch, not a long-term vision.
Now, with his NAVI contract still months from expiry, s1mple has chosen to embrace an unexpected challenge. No more top-tier comfort — this is about rediscovery, rebuilding, and maybe even redemption. BC.Game’s current VRS rank may be low, but s1mple’s ambition is anything but.
The End of an Era at NAVI
Let’s be real: this is historic. s1mple’s nearly nine-year journey with NAVI is the stuff of legend. Since his arrival in August 2016 from Liquid, he’s racked up 17 elite trophies, including the 2021 Stockholm Major and an Intel Grand Slam. He featured in every HLTV Top 20 between 2016 and 2023 and claimed 21 MVP medals. That resume doesn’t just scream greatness — it defines it.
PGL Stockholm 2021Sweden, Stockholm, Avicii Arena
Natus Vincere
G2 Esports
GambitBut time moves on. s1mple stepped down in October 2023, citing personal responsibilities. A pair of short stints with Falcons followed in 2024, and in 2025 he briefly joined FaZe for IEM Dallas and the Austin Major. Now, he’s betting on himself again — at a club few would have ever associated with the CS2 legend.
BC.Game’s New Lineup: Enter the King
With s1mple’s arrival, BC.Game now fields:
- Nemanja “nexa” Isaković
- Luca “pr1metapz” Voigt
- Aleksandar “CacaNito” Kjulukoski
- Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev
- Joakim “jkaem” Myrbostad (benched)
- Tim “nawwk” Jonasson (benched)
Meanwhile, Joakim “jkaem” Myrbostad and Tim “nawwk” Jonasson remain benched. What BC.Game may lack in ranking, they now make up for in star power and storyline.
What’s Next?
Can the world’s greatest carry a tier-two team to unthinkable heights? Will s1mple’s firepower reignite on unfamiliar soil? Whatever happens, this signing isn’t just a gamble — it’s the boldest move of 2025. And it’s only just begun.