Whatever the field, right now in the news, no one can ignore the plight of the Ukrainian peoplecaught in the middle of a Russian invasion of the country, under Russian President Vladimir Putin. The world of esports has also been very sensitive to the subject, most organizations in the community having shared many messages of support for Ukrainians, asking for peace and an end to the conflict. Although these words are unlikely to change Putin’s decisions, many players still wanted to share their opinion, this is particularly the case of s1mple.
Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev, the world number one on CS:GO and absolute GOAT of the gameheld to share everything he had on his heart today, being Ukrainian himself. It is therefore on the sidelines of IEM Katowice that the player speaksmaking it clear that while esports isn’t about politics, his words are. It’s a strong message of love that he tries to convey, remembering that we are all equalwhatever our origins and ask for peace. Of course he’s scared for himself. and especially for his family who finds himself stranded in Ukraine, in Kievwhere fighting has been raging since yesterday.
Natus Vincere is a Ukrainian structure but let it be in its workforce or in its fanbase, we find Russians and Ukrainians evolving side by side. Within the roster, there are 3 Russian players, electroNic, Boombl4 and Perfecto and 2 Ukrainians, s1mple and b1t. Despite this difference of origin, the players all remain united, s1mple reminding that they are above all all friends, and all together show their support for the Ukrainian people in this period. This unity between Russians and Ukrainians is very important to s1mple, who declares that united they are able to build great things together, while war brings only destruction.
I cry thinking about my family and friends in Kyiv
I’m “lucky” that I’m not at home, but you can’t even imagine how much I want to be there
Tomorrow I want to think about IEM Katowice and only
We don’t need regrets, We need support, thank you everyone who cares #navigation— Sasha (@s1mpleO) February 24, 2022
Even if he has to participate in IEM Katowice under this context, he announces on Twitter that he will only focus on this. He nevertheless confides thathe cries thinking of his family and friends and even though he knows he’s “lucky” not to be there, he would still like to be there to be with the people he loves. In conclusion, he confides that they don’t need regrets, but of support and thanks to all who are concerned at this time.