The BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 hasn’t even started, but controversy is already knocking at the door. One of the most discussed topics in recent days is the absence of a s1mple sticker — a Counter-Strike legend — despite his expected participation in the tournament. Analyst Ozzny confirmed the news via Twitter, referencing the official player list by Valve.
“s1mple will not get stickers for the Austin Major, as he is registered as a sub” — @Ozzny_CS2
The decision immediately shook the community. We’re talking about one of the most iconic players in the game’s history — someone whose autograph sticker is more than just a collectible. It’s a symbol of an entire era. Yet again, Valve’s regulations have shown themselves to be overly rigid and controversial.
What happened?
Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev joined FaZe Clan on loan from NAVI right before the start of the Austin Major 2025. He replaced broky in the starting five — but crucially, this happened after the roster lock deadline for the RMR stage.
And that detail proved critical: according to Valve’s updated rules, only players who were part of the registered starting lineup at the RMR submission deadline are eligible to receive in-game stickers. So, despite s1mple playing at the Major, he won’t have his autograph in CS2.
Why does broky get a sticker, but s1mple doesn’t?
broky was part of FaZe’s official starting lineup during the RMR registration and is therefore eligible. Although he was later benched, Valve’s policy protects players who were in the starting five at the time of the deadline.
s1mple, on the other hand, wasn’t listed in any RMR registration. He joined FaZe just a few days before the Major — and thus, according to Valve’s rulebook, doesn’t qualify for a sticker.
The community reacts: “This is unfair”
Fans didn’t hold back. Outrage flooded Twitter, Reddit, and Telegram channels:
- “They’re really running a Major without a s1mple sticker? That’s not a Major, that’s a joke.”
- “Even if he’s not playing — it’s s1mple. The guy defined CS.”
- “Valve showing once again how little they care about the community.”
Some fans also pointed out that this isn’t the first time Valve’s sticker rules have caused frustration. In 2022, similar decisions left other bench players out in the cold.
Why it matters
s1mple isn’t just a player. He’s a brand, a persona, a symbol of Counter-Strike. His absence from the stickers lineup at the first CS2 Major is not just a strange decision — it’s a loss for the fanbase, the skin economy, and even the tournament’s legacy.
Ironically, the game will feature stickers from players who may not play a single round, while the face of an entire decade of Counter-Strike remains excluded.
More Than Just a Sticker
s1mple’s missing sticker isn’t just about cosmetics. It’s a sign of the growing rigidity in CS2’s era. Where deadlines matter more than context. Where even legends can be left out because of a single missed checkmark on a Google form.
And the fans? They’ll keep drawing a cross on s1mple’s missing sticker — because that’s their protest. And they’ll remember: regardless of Valve’s rules, s1mple will forever be part of every Major.
Even if Valve says otherwise.
