Is s1mple a LAN player?
The Ukrainian god seems to only get better when playing on LAN
They have been many questions raised in regards to the online era and whether or not players, as well as rosters, would have what it takes to uphold their level of performances when the CS:GO scene returns to LAN. One of the players, however, who has already proven himself on LAN is Aleksandr "s1mple" Kostyliev. Despite him being a household name within the professional CS:GO scene for many years now, the superstar from Natus Vincere proved himself once again at IEM Cologne 2021.
IEM Cologne 2021 was the first return to LAN from the so-called "online era" where teams were unable to participate alongside each other at the events and had to play from back home. Whilst many teams and players showed something quite impressive and refreshing at the event it was Natus Vincere to steal the show completely. Lead by "s1mple" the Russian and Ukrainian roster dominated IEM Cologne 2021 and took home the trophy.
Not only did "s1mple" manage to score the highest rating at the event with an impressive 1.51 rating, but he is also the player with the biggest difference in performance from the "online era" to being back at LAN. A difference of 0.21 in rating showcases just how deadly "s1mple" and Natus Vincere are back at LAN events. And with aces as the one down below, from IEM Cologne 2021, it is clear why he is feared and loved:
