Why they rank here
Oleksandr Kostyliev, known as s1mple, is the most acclaimed Counter-Strike player in history, a hybrid rifler and AWPer whose individual skill ceiling redefined what was possible. Playing for Natus Vincere, he was named the HLTV number-one player of the year in 2018 and again in 2021, and holds the record for the most HLTV MVP medals of any player. His crowning team achievement came at the PGL Major Stockholm 2021, where he led Na'Vi to their first Major title and was named the event's most valuable player after a dominant run. For years he was the benchmark against whom every other player was measured, capable of single-handedly winning rounds that seemed lost. Even as CS transitioned to CS2, his peak remains the standard for individual brilliance in the tactical-shooter genre, and his highlight reel is the most celebrated in the game.
Career profile
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