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s1mpleUkrainian eSportsman, best CS:GO player
Date of Birth: 02.10.1997
Country:  Ukraine |
Content:
- Early Career and Controversies
- International Success and Breaking Records
- Joining Natus Vincere
- Global Dominance
- Break from Competitive Play
- Legacy and Awards
- RedBull Gaming's Player of the Year 2016
Early Career and Controversies
Aleksandr "s1mple" Kostyliev began his Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) career in 2013, joining teams such as LAN DODGERS, A-Gaming, and Courage Gaming. In 2014, he received a two-year ban from ESL for cheating. This ban prevented him from competing in official Valve-sponsored tournaments until 2016.
International Success and Breaking Records
In September 2014, s1mple joined HellRaisers and achieved his first international victory against Fnatic. In 2016, he played for Team Liquid, finishing second at ESL One: Cologne.
Joining Natus Vincere
On August 4, 2016, s1mple returned to his home country and signed with Natus Vincere (NAVI). With NAVI, he won ESL One: New York 2016 and placed highly in several major tournaments.
In 2018, s1mple led NAVI to a bronze medal at ELEAGUE Major 2018 and was named HLTV's top player for the year. He also broke the record for the highest kill-to-death ratio (+1000) in a single year, surpassing the previous record held by Marcelo "coldzera" David.
Global Dominance
In 2021, NAVI won the PGL Major Stockholm 2021, with s1mple being named MVP. He was also recognized as HLTV's top player for the second time.
Break from Competitive Play
On October 26, 2023, s1mple announced his departure from NAVI and a temporary break from professional play.
Legacy and Awards
S1mple is widely regarded as one of the greatest CS:GO players of all time. He has been ranked in HLTV's top 20 players list every year since 2016, and has won numerous MVP medals and awards, including:
RedBull Gaming's Player of the Year 2016
FACEIT Pro League's Player of the Year 2017Stockholm International Esports Awards' Player of the Year 2018
Esports Awards' PC Player of the Year 2018
HLTV's Top Sniper of the Year 2022
