S1mple Reclaims the Spotlight as CS2’s Top Performer in September

Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev has once again reminded the Counter-Strike world why he’s considered one of the greatest to ever touch the game. After a quiet stretch and a shift to a lower-tier team, the Ukrainian AWPer posted a jaw-dropping 1.46 rating over the past month, making him the highest-rated CS2 player in September according to HLTV’s Rating 3.0 system.

Playing for BC.Game Esports, a squad many still consider tier two, s1mple didn’t just hold his own—he dominated. His numbers outpaced stars like donk from Team Spirit (1.45) and ZywOo from Team Vitality (1.26), proving that even outside the spotlight, his firepower remains unmatched.

Breaking Down the Numbers

S1mple’s performance wasn’t a fluke. Over 18 maps and 407 rounds, he racked up 383 kills against just 224 deaths, giving him a staggering 1.71 K/D ratio. His T-side rating was even higher than his CT-side (1.51 vs. 1.40), showcasing his ability to create impact in the most difficult situations.

His average damage per round (ADR) hovered around 85.3, and he maintained a kill-per-round rate of 0.84—both elite-level stats. These numbers weren’t padded against weak opponents either. Many of his matches were against solid competition, including teams like OG, Sashi, and BetBoom.

From Tier One to Tier Two—and Back?

S1mple’s move to BC. Game earlier this year raised eyebrows. After parting ways with NAVI, where he built his legacy, many wondered if he was winding down his career. But this past month suggests otherwise.

Fans on Reddit and Twitter have been vocal about his resurgence. One user wrote, “He’s overqualified for tier two. Even in his off-form, he was FaZe’s best player at the Austin Major.” Another added, “He literally carried FaZe to playoffs. People forget how good he still is.”

Even BC.Game’s official account joined the hype, tweeting:

“THE GOAT COOKED TONIGHT

71 Kills | 1.50 Rating | 2.03 K/D

”

What’s Fueling the Comeback?

Several factors seem to be contributing to s1mple’s recent form. First, the pressure is different. Playing for a smaller organization may have given him the space to reset mentally and focus on his individual game. Second, he’s clearly motivated. Whether it’s proving doubters wrong or simply reigniting his love for the game, s1mple is playing with purpose.

Coach B1ad3, who worked with him during his NAVI years, mentioned in an interview that s1mple needed time away from the tier one grind. “He’s still got it,” B1ad3 said. “He just needed a different environment to find his rhythm again.”

The Road Ahead

So what’s next? Will s1mple return to a top-tier team? Will BC.Game climb the ranks and become a serious contender? It’s hard to say. But one thing is clear: s1mple is still one of the most dangerous players in CS2.

His consistency, mechanics, and game sense haven’t faded. If anything, they’ve sharpened. And with performances like these, it’s only a matter of time before tier one organizations come calling again.

Final Thoughts

S1mple’s September run is more than just a statistical spike—it’s a statement. He’s not done. He’s not washed. He’s still the player who can tilt a match with a single round and carry a team through sheer force of will.

Whether he stays with BC.Game or makes a move, the CS2 scene is better when s1mple is in form. And right now, he’s playing like the best in the world.

For more gaming content, visit Total Apex Gaming