S1mple Takes a Break as NAVI Removes Him From Active CS2 Roster

Oleksandr "s1mple" Kostyliev, a name that had become synonymous with NAVI has been officially moved from the team's active lineup after more than seven years, dealing a massive shock to fans from around the world.

Even the player himself had never prepared for this moment, made evident through his public statement where he also mentioned taking a break from competitive Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) and checking on offers that come his way during his time away.

However, the biggest reveal made by s1mple was his desire to make a possible role switch, dropping his main weapon from an AWP to a Rifle.

Seven-Year Partnership Comes to End: NAVI Removes S1mple From Active CS2 Lineup

It was in August 2016 that NAVI had signed s1mple from Team Liquid and the rest was history. The player went on to become a legend of the game, one of the best in the business, taking the organization to the moon alongside his success.

He enjoyed an illustrious seven-year career with the Ukrainian esports organization during which he contributed to NAVI winning multiple prestigious tournaments including the coveted PGL Major Stockholm 2021 and the elusive Intel Grand Slam.

On a personal front, s1mple became the 'Player of the Year' a total of three times and earned a total of 21 MVP medals across various CS:GO tournaments.

However, just a month after the release of CS2, s1mple has been benched by NAVI and even a statement has been released by him outlining things about his immediate future and what he plans on doing next.

In addition to this, s1mple remarked that during his break he would also be working on his own CS2-related project, but refrained from sharing too much information.

As for NAVI, the organization seems to be in the final stages of signing a new player to complete its CS2 roster. Information about this will be released in a few days.

Rumors and speculations across the community point towards Ihor "⁠w0nderful⁠" Zhdanov to be the replacement for s1mple. The 18-year-old also hails from Ukraine and has been competing with Sprout since July 2023.

Following s1mple's removal from the active roster, NAVI's CS2 lineup is as follows,

• Valerij "b1t" Vakhovsjkyj

• Aleksi "Aleksib" Virolainen - IGL

• Justinas "jL" Lekavicius

• Ivan "iM" Mihai

• Andrij "B1ad3" Ghorodensjkyj - Coach