s1mple returns to LAN as ESL Challenger Katowice begins
More than a year after his last LAN appearance, the Falcons AWPer is set to make his comeback this Friday.
For the first time since Counter-Strike's switch to CS2 last year, we’ll see Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev return to LAN action.
It’s been an impressive 390 days since the legendary AWPer last competed in an in-person tournament, with ESL Challenger Katowice 2024 providing the stage for his comeback.
Set in Poland, the event has a $100,000 prize pool and brings together teams like Eternal Fire, MIBR, and Monte, with the top team earning a prominent spot in ESL Pro League Season 21 next year.
Friday action
s1mple and Falcons, looking for redemption after their early exit from the Thunderpick World Championship, aim to start their run strong against SAW.
The group stage kicks off with seven matches scheduled today:
Opening-day schedule | ESL Challenger Katowice
12:00 – Eternal Fire vs B8 (Bo1)
13:00 – Falcons vs SAW (Bo1)
14:00 – Monte vs paiN (Bo1)
15:00 – MIBR vs Legacy (Bo1)
16:00 and onwards – Winner and elimination matches
Watch the games on the stream below!