A new team a new path but same mindset

After nearly a decade with Natus Vincere, Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev has officially turned the page, signing with BC.Game Esports on July 28. This surprising move ends an era that saw s1mple rise as one of Counter-Strike’s most dominant players, but also begins a bold new project with one of the scene’s newest organizations. 

Rather than join an established Tier 1 team, s1mple opted for a fresh challenge. BC.Game originally known for its crypto gambling platform only recently entered esports, forming its CS2 roster in 2024. The team, which includes players like jkaem, nexa, and former NAVI teammate GuardiaN, has yet to make waves in major tournaments and currently sits outside the top tiers. 

Despite this, s1mple’s presence brings instant legitimacy. His personal brand dwarfs that of BC.Game Esports, and with a massive global following, he could help shape the team’s rise from underdogs to contenders. 

Some see this as a strange step back. Others call it a smart rebuild. S1mple, echoing advice from his former coach, said it best: “To return to Tier 1, you sometimes have to start from Tier 3.”