Although Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev managed to lead Team Liquid to beat Fnatic in the semifinals of ESL One Cologne, Spencer “Hiko” Martin stated that s1mple will not play with the team after the tournament.
“S1mple is probably one of the best teammates I’ve ever had,” Hiko said in a Q&A with Pala “Mantrousse” Gilroy Sen on the ESL Facebook page after Saturday’s match. “Looking at his individual skills, I don’t think there is a better player in the game like the skills of s1mple. It’s sad to see him go.
The s1mple position in the team is slated to be filled by Jacob “Pimp” Winneche, who left SK Gaming in June shortly before the team released their roster. “We are waiting for Pimp to come to our team” said Hiko Mantrousse “So after the major tournament, at least our plan is to play, train, be with Pimp, and see what we can do”
s1mple abruptly left Liquid in May after the MLG Major Championship: Columbus, saying he wanted to return to Ukraine. Although he remained contracted with Liquid until July, he was given permission to play with the Ukraine squad.
