s1mple gives an inspirational speech after making Counter-Strike history
The NAVI icon opens up about a very tough 2022.
Oleksandr ”s1mple” Kostyliev made history this weekend when the Ukrainian superstar became the first and only player to claim three ‘Best Player of the Year’ awards in CS:GO. An achievement that was written in stone on Saturday at HLTV’s big award show.
Right after the legendary Swede Olof “Olofmeister” Kajbjer announced him as the winner, s1mple took the stage to give a both emotional and inspirational speech in front of the audience gathered in the Space Arena in Stockholm.
First of all, I would like to say thanks to my team, s1mple said. Because the last time I was in my country is 330 days ago, and each of my teammates and the organization supports me every day.
I never understood people who had depression or felt some sadness. 300 days ago, I actually felt this. I actually felt that I lost myself, and wanted to become better in 2022, and I wanted my team to become better but then the war happened. This was very tough for me and I finally understood what it meant to be in a depressed situation.
All of you, and me, we can change this world - it’s the most important thing to understand that all of us can change the future. Because how can we see different planets or discover other worlds if we are still fighting against each other as humans, s1mple said in his winning speech.
You can watch the entire speech by s1mple right here.
At the HLTV award show, s1mple and the rest of the CS:GO elite, represented by both active players but also past legends, celebrated our beloved game of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive together in Stockholm, Sweden.
As earlier mentioned, the biggest award of the night ended up in the hands of s1mple following yet another phenomenal year for the NAVI AWPer. HLTV also gave awards for the best highlight of the year, rookie of the year, best women's player of the year, and many more.
Here is a list of all awards from the show:
Best Player of the Year:
1. 
s1mple
2. 
ZywOo
3. 
sh1ro
Best Female Player of the Year:
1. 
ANa
2. 
Olga
3. vilga
Best Team of the Year:
1. 
FaZe
2. NAVI
3. G2
Best Women' Team of the Year:
1. Nigma Galaxy
2. FURIA fe
3. 
CLG Red
Rookie of the Year:
1. m0NESY
2. Patsi
3. w0nderful
Highlight of the Year:
1. m0NESY 1vs4 vs. MIBR
2. 
ropz vs. G2
3. 
broky vs. Astralis
Coach of the Year:
1. B1ad3
2. 
RobbaN
3. 
sAw
In-game leader of the Year:
1. 
karrigan
2. cadiaN
3. Jame
AWP player of the Year:
1. s1mple
2. sh1ro
3. ZywOo
Anchor of the Year:
1. Perfecto
2. 
NAF
3. sjuush
Closer of the Year:
1. Ax1Le
2. ropz
3. KSCERATO
Opener of the Year:
1. 
NiKo
2. YEKINDAR
3. stavn
