In a revealing two-hour Reflections interview with renowned esports journalist Duncan “Thorin” Shields, Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev, the Ukrainian Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) superstar, shared his candid thoughts on his illustrious career, the evolving landscape of Counter-Strike, and his perspectives on future talents in the scene.
A Career in Retrospect and Future Horizons
s1mple, known for his superlative skills and contribution to Natus Vincere (NAVI), discussed his journey from the early days in CS:GO to his recent departure from the team’s international roster. This transition marks a reflective phase in s1mple’s life, offering him a respite from the relentless pace of professional gaming to focus on personal endeavors.
The discussion, spanning nearly two hours and split across two segments, delved deep into s1mple’s experiences, from his initial foray into CS:GO, his stint with Team Liquid, to his significant tenure with NAVI. While much of s1mple’s story is well-known to his fans, the interview revealed new insights, especially regarding his thoughts on the future of competitive play and his potential return.
Teasing Future Possibilities
A striking aspect of the interview was s1mple’s ambiguity about his return to competitive Counter-Strike. While discussing the flexibility of playing in international rosters, he humorously entertained the idea of teaming up with players like Nikola “NiKo” Kovač or playing under leaders like Finn “karrigan” Andersen. “Maybe one day,” he said, highlighting the learning curve in international teams.
Praising Up-and-Coming Talent b1t
The conversation took a lighter turn when s1mple reminisced about Valeriy “b1t” Vakhovskiy’s entry into Natus Vincere. He humorously described b1t’s initial naiveté and how the team nurtured his growth, both personally and professionally. s1mple expressed high hopes for b1t, comparing his potential to the prime of NiKo, praising his mechanical skills and predicting a bright future if he gains more confidence.
The Impact of War and Rivalries
s1mple also touched on the emotional and psychological impact of the war in Ukraine, particularly during IEM Katowice 2022. He reflected on how the team’s morale was affected and speculated on how their trajectory might have been different without these external pressures.
In discussing his rivals, s1mple gave intriguing insights into his relationship with ZywOo and NiKo. He acknowledged the rivalry with ZywOo, suggesting that while ZywOo downplays it in interviews, there’s an underlying competitive spirit. Regarding NiKo, s1mple confidently stated that he could outperform him even without relying on the AWP, emphasizing his comprehensive understanding of the game.
The GOAT Debate
When addressing the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) debate in CS:GO, s1mple confidently positioned himself at the top, citing his consistent performance against top-tier players over the years.
“I was fighting against coldzera, against device, against NiKo, against ZywOo, and there was only me fighting against them in all years,” he stated, reinforcing his standing in the esports world.
As s1mple takes a step back from the competitive scene, his reflections offer a unique glimpse into the mindset of one of esports’ most celebrated figures. His insights not only shed light on his past achievements but also hint at the exciting possibilities that lie ahead in his career and the evolving world of Counter-Strike.
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