S1mple Explains Difference Between FaZe and Former Falcons Roster Ahead of Major

FaZe Clan stand-in Oleksandr `s1mple` Kostyliev has shed light on the distinctions between his current temporary team and the previous Team Falcons CS2 roster. In an interview with BLAST.tv, he highlighted that during his time with Falcons, the players were reportedly aware of impending changes, which potentially affected their performance in the Major qualifiers.

No, FaZe Clan is very different from that Team Falcons. Every player on FaZe Clan is stronger individually and emotionally. It seems like some members of that Falcons lineup knew they would be leaving the team soon. Also, the club failed to secure NiKo at the right moment – they had been waiting for this transfer for a whole year.

It`s quite sad to learn that you will be leaving the team soon, especially right before a Major. I think Falcons are still in this situation now, considering kyousuke is joining the roster. In my teams, it was never the case that someone knew in advance they would be removed. We always set a goal to play one or two more Majors, and only then make decisions. Until then, everyone knew they were part of the team.

According to s1mple, FaZe Clan possesses a genuine chance to claim victory at the upcoming BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025.

I think [we can win this Major], the chance and hope for Major magic is always there. You can recall Cloud9 at the Boston Major – anything can happen. There are so many strong teams at this tournament who will be fighting each other.

I don`t really like BO1 because of the element of randomness, but it will be interesting because everyone will be fighting for advancement in BO3s. I think we have good chances to beat any opponent. It`s CS2, you only need to win 13 rounds: take the pistol round, and you`re already leading 6:0 or at least 4:0. We`ll see, it will be interesting.

S1mple is set to compete at the BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 as part of FaZe Clan, joining the team on loan from Natus Vincere. Notably, Kostyliev played for Team Falcons in the RMR event preceding the Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024 in November 2024. The Falcons roster at that time failed to qualify for the main stage of the Major.