The Counter-Strike 2 community is buzzing after a major announcement: legendary CS2 superstar Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev will attend the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 as a guest caster during the playoff stage. The news broke on November 28, 2025, when popular streamer Vadim “Evelone” Kozakov revealed the surprise during a livestream — instantly sending shockwaves throughout the competitive CS2 scene. The appearance of one of the greatest Counter-Strike players of all time at the biggest CS2 Major of the year marks a major moment for the tournament, the broadcast, and the ever-growing CS2 esports ecosystem.
S1mple’s presence at a Major he isn’t playing in is rare — and for many, this makes it even more special. Analysts predict that the playoff viewership could spike dramatically. Back on October 23, 2025, Evelone announced that he had purchased exclusive Russian-language broadcast rights for the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025. The decision was bold — and now, with s1mple joining the talent lineup, it looks like a masterstroke. For CS2 fans the Evelone x s1mple duo promises one of the most compelling broadcast experiences of any Major to date.
The Budapest Major is already being praised for its production values, venue choices, and the return of StarLadder — a brand deeply respected by long-time Counter-Strike fans. And now, with s1mple stepping into a casting role, the playoffs are expected to become a defining moment for CS2 in 2025.
With the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 already shaping up to be a milestone event, the addition of s1mple as a playoff caster raises expectations even higher. Between Evelone’s broadcast rights and the global community’s excitement, this Major is poised to become one of the most memorable Counter-Strike events of the decade. The playoffs start soon — and with s1mple behind the desk, every round just became must-watch CS2.
You may also like: How Evelon Is Reshaping Esports — And Why the Industry Is Split Over His Influence
About the Author
