FaZe Clan announced in May 2025 that they had signed Oleksandr "s1mple" Kostyliev on a loan deal from Natus Vincere until the end of the Austin Major. This historic move marks the first time in s1mple's career that he has joined a team other than NaVi on a significant loan arrangement.
Background – Why the Move Happened
s1mple had been working on rebuilding his form after a period of reduced competitive activity. According to s1mple in an interview with HLTV following a match, playing with a new team has been much easier for him once they have been together for one or two months. The loan arrangement gives FaZe a world-class AWPer for one of the most important events of the year while allowing s1mple to rediscover his rhythm in a competitive environment.
FaZe Clan's Roster During the Loan
FaZe entered the Austin Major with s1mple slotted into their starting lineup as the primary AWPer. The combination of s1mple's individual ability with FaZe's established team structure created significant expectations heading into the tournament.
s1mple's Stats with FaZe
Tracking s1mple's performance with FaZe on hltvsimple.com reveals how his statistics compare to his career benchmarks. Early results showed him rebuilding form and adapting to new teammates, with his mechanical output remaining at elite levels even while the team coordination was still developing.
What Happens After the Austin Major?
The loan agreement with FaZe was initially set to last until the end of the Austin Major. Whether s1mple would return to NaVi or pursue a longer-term arrangement with FaZe or another team remained an open question at the time of the announcement. Natus Vincere and s1mple had been working through a transitional period that led to the loan being arranged.
Historical Significance
s1mple's career has been almost entirely defined by his time at Natus Vincere, where he rose to become the most decorated player in HLTV history. His move to FaZe – even on a temporary basis – represents a significant chapter in CS2 history. For fans tracking his HLTV stats, the Austin Major period provides a unique data point: s1mple's performance in a different team environment.