Сolletkiv with s1mple and Evelone winning a showmatch at the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025

Сolletkiv with s1mple and Evelone winning a showmatch at the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025

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Сolletkiv Featuring s1mple and Evelone Take Victory in StarLadder Budapest Major Showmatch

During the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, a special showmatch event drew extra attention alongside the main competitive bracket. In this exhibition match — organized as part of the fan-oriented festivities around the major championship — a lineup under the banner KOLLEKTIV, featuring iconic Ukrainian AWPer Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev and well-known streamer Vadim “Evelone” Kozakov, emerged victorious, delighting fans with a fun and competitive display of Counter-Strike 2 action. 

The StarLadder Budapest Major itself is the fourth Valve-sponsored CS2 Major of 2025 and one of the most prestigious events in professional Counter-Strike, held in Budapest, Hungary with a $1.25 million prize pool and featuring 32 of the world’s top teams competing across Swiss stages and playoffs. 

The showmatch — distinct from the official Major bracket — was part of a series of fan engagement activities designed to capitalize on the high attendance and global viewership that Majors attract. Showmatches at Majors traditionally feature celebrity players, content creators, streamers, and retired professionals, providing entertaining Counter-Strike content outside the high-stakes competitive matches. 

In this instance, KOLLEKTIV’s victory stood out because of s1mple’s participation: the Ukrainian AWPer is widely regarded as one of the greatest Counter-Strike players in history, with a long record of MVP awards, Major triumphs, and elite tournament performances across both CS:GO and Counter-Strike 2. 

Evelone, the co-star of the team, is a prominent figure in the Russian-speaking CS2 streaming and esports community, known for hosting and casting major events with high online engagement. Together with s1mple, Evelone’s involvement helped draw attention and viewership to the showmatch, particularly among fans who follow his content and community streams. 

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What the Showmatch Meant for Fans and the Major Atmosphere

The showmatch took place on December 14, 2025, near the conclusion of the Major’s competitive schedule. While not an official part of the tournament’s Swiss or playoff stages, it provided a highlight moment for attendees and online viewers alike, adding extra excitement for casual fans amid the intense focus on the main event. 

Major showmatches typically bring together a mixture of personalities from the Counter-Strike scene — including casters, streamers, and star players — to put on entertaining matches that don’t affect tournament standings. This tradition mirrors other esports and traditional sports events that intersperse exhibition games alongside championship play. 

For many in attendance at the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, especially those watching live in the MVM Dome or streaming online, seeing s1mple play in the showmatch was a memorable highlight. In 2025, s1mple had a particularly busy year, joining BC.Game Esports after leaving Natus Vincere and competing across multiple events with different teams and roles. 

Though the showmatch did not involve prize money or affect Major standings, KOLLEKTIV’s performance — backed by s1mple’s instincts and Evelone’s personality — provided a unique competitive moment. These kinds of fan-focused matches often serve to showcase players’ skill in a more relaxed environment, and can also highlight personalities and playstyles not normally seen in strictly professional play. 

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s1mple’s Role and Current Competitive Path

Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev has an illustrious competitive history in Counter-Strike, spanning over a decade. Prior to 2025, s1mple built an outstanding resume with Natus Vincere (NAVI), including Major championships and countless tournament victories, earning recognition as one of the most dominant players in FPS esports history. 

In the summer of 2025, after leaving NAVI, s1mple continued his professional career with BC.Game Esports, a newer team in the CS2 ecosystem. Competing with BC.Game, he helped the roster secure their first event win at the ESL Challenger League Season 50 Europe Cup 2 earlier in the year. 

While BC.Game’s competitive results have fluctuated in 2025, and their LAN debut with s1mple was delayed due to qualifiers earlier in the year, events like the Major showmatch provided an alternative view of s1mple’s ongoing presence and star power within the broader CS2 community. 

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Evelone’s Involvement and Community Engagement

Vadim “Evelone” Kozakov is well known in Russia and CIS as a streamer and esports commentator, often hosting broadcasts and alternative streams during the biggest Counter-Strike events. For the Budapest Major playoffs, Evelone hosted a partnered stream where s1mple appeared on-site to cast and engage with fans. 

Evelone’s participation in the showmatch is part of a broader trend where esports personalities help bridge official broadcast content and fan-centric coverage — boosting viewer interaction and providing commentary that appeals to localized audiences and community members. 

Conclusion

• A special showmatch at StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 featured a team called KOLLEKTIV, including s1mple and Evelone, and they won their exhibition match — a highlight for fans during the Major festivities.

• The event took place alongside the main Major championship, one of CS2’s most prestigious tournaments with a large global audience. 

• s1mple’s participation added star appeal given his extensive legacy in professional Counter-Strike.

• Evelone’s role as a streamer and host helped amplify engagement and attract viewers to the showmatch.