Liquid Beat FaZe 2-0 in s1mple’s First Game After Career Pause

CS2 just got spicy. s1mple made his long-awaited return to pro play today—rocking a FaZe jersey—but Team Liquid weren’t in the mood for a feel-good comeback story. They took the series 2-0 and didn’t flinch once.

The match was part of the BLAST Premier Spring Final qualifier, and all eyes were on s1mple as he stepped in for FaZe. It’s been months since he last played a tier-one game. But if this was meant to be a highlight reel moment, Liquid clearly didn’t read the script.

Mirage – Liquid 13:10 FaZeLiquid looked comfortable from the start. YEKINDAR called sharp, cadiaN clutched up, and Twistzz—facing his old team—delivered a statement game. FaZe had a few flashes of brilliance, including some early mid-control and solid holds from broky, but their cohesion looked off. s1mple had a few moments, but nothing game-changing.

Inferno – Liquid 13:6 FaZe. This one wasn’t close. Liquid stomped through Inferno like it was a practice lobby. The bomb sites were wide open, and the CT setups from FaZe were a mess. NAF farmed banana, skullz ran wild, and cadiaN even pulled off a few aggressive AWP plays that FaZe couldn’t counter. s1mple tried anchoring B and even rotated mid-round a few times, but he just looked disconnected.

FaZe fans hoping for instant magic with s1mple might have to be patient. He didn’t look awful, but he wasn’t the usual hard-carry either. His comms, chemistry, and map feel like they need time. It’s clear he hasn’t been grinding team CS lately.

As for Liquid? This was one of their cleanest games in months. The cadiaN system is starting to click, and Twistzz clearly had a chip on his shoulder. If they keep this level up, they might be a real threat again in 2025.

Biggest surprise? FaZe looked more lost than s1mple did.