In a shocking turn of events, Oleksandr "s1mple" Kostyliev, a name long intertwined with NAVI, has been officially dropped from the team's active roster after a remarkable seven-year partnership, leaving fans worldwide in awe of this unexpected turn of events. In another twist, S1mple himself has announced his temporary departure from competitive Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) as well as a potential role transition, trading his AWP for a Rifle. 

 https://twitter.com/s1mpleO/status/1717577528888398323 

S1mple’s Seven-Year Legacy With NAVI

Rewind to August 2016, when NAVI acquired s1mple from Team Liquid, laying the foundation for a legendary journey. Over seven years, s1mple transformed into a gaming icon, solidifying his status as one of the industry's finest. His accomplishments elevated NAVI to unprecedented heights, achieving triumphs like the prestigious PGL Major Stockholm 2021 and the coveted Intel Grand Slam.

On an individual level, s1mple clinched the title of 'Player of the Year' three times and accumulated a remarkable 21 MVP medals across diverse CS:GO tournaments. His contribution to NAVI's legacy cannot be overstated.

Yet, just a month after the release of CS2, the esports world was stunned as NAVI benched s1mple. The player released a statement outlining his immediate plans and aspirations. Notably, s1mple hinted at a change in direction during his break, suggesting a shift away from his AWP expertise to explore the realm of Rifles.

Moreover, s1mple alluded to an intriguing CS2-related project he plans to pursue during his hiatus, although details remain shrouded in mystery.

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As s1mple embarks on this uncharted journey and NAVI redefines its CS2 roster, the esports realm is poised for a new era. The departure of a legend opens doors for fresh talent, and the gaming community eagerly awaits the next chapter in this unfolding saga.