s1mple returns to CS today | What to expect on the server

After an extended break from competitive play, s1mple, arguably the greatest Counter-Strike player of all time, returns to the server today. It won’t be the same s1mple we remember, smurfing on NAVI. This time, he replaces BOROS on the Falcons superteam, as he looks to help them progress from the BLAST Premier Spring Showdown 2024.

With s1mple back in action today, what exactly can we expect from his return? Let’s dive into it!

s1mple on the rifle

When s1mple first decided to take his break, he mentioned that any return could see him change role from the AWPer, citing the weapon’s decreased effectiveness in CS2. Now, he has joined a team with a solidified star AWPer.

Because of this, we expect to see plenty of s1mple on the rifle. It’s a position he’s played before, back when GuardiaN was NAVI’s AWPer. However, there is one specific situation we might see s1mple grab the AWP once again…

Crazy CT double-AWP setups

Getting two AWPs on CT-side is a tough task nowadays, thanks to the difficult CT economy created by MR12 in CS2. But if Falcons can manage to get the big green in both s1mple and SunPayus’ hands simultaneously, we might see one of the strongest double-AWP setups ever.

Two world-class AWPers using it on CT at the same time? Sign us up. That said, there’s no guarantee this will come out at all, thanks to the previously mentioned economy issues. If it does, we’re in for a treat.

A little bit of rustiness

We’re all understandably excited to see s1mple back on the server, but we’ve got to temper expectations a little. It’s clear that s1mple has had plenty on his mind throughout his break, and five months is a very long time in Counter-Strike.

Ultimately, s1mple is s1mple, so we don’t think he’ll flop, but we’d be equally shocked if he came in and immediately performed at his previous inhuman standard. Expect a little bit of rustiness here and there from the GOAT.

A less toxic s1mple

It’s no secret that prior to his break, s1mple could be one of the most toxic players in CS. His skill on the server made up for it, allowing him to remain a valuable teammate.

We think this time it’ll be different. The break will have done s1mple’s mental game the world of good, and we think he’ll come back as the best, less toxic version of himself. His teammates can only hope.

You can catch s1mple’s return with Falcons against Metizport from 7:30PM GMT, in what will be his first-ever official match in CS2.