“First and foremost, we must remain human” – s1mple with emotional speech at the IEM Katowice

The current situation in Ukraine does not leave esports cold. CS:GO pro s1mple has now addressed all spectators of the IEM Katowice 2022 and the entire world with strong words.

Russia’s military attack on Ukraine is causing numerous reactions in the esports scene. Many organisations and well-known streamers have already published their solidarity with Ukraine on all social media platforms.

Among those directly affected is Counter-Strike star Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliw, who addressed all spectators of the $1 million CS:GO tournament at the start of the quarter-finals of IEM Katowice 2022.

️ @s1mpleOIEM pic.twitter.com/nQjH576Cqa

– ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) February 25, 2022

In his short but emotional statement, s1mple explained that Esport is not linked to political decisions or nationalities. He also emphasised that
each and every one of his teammates, consisting of Ukrainian and Russian players, are among his best friends, with whom he wins together and loses together.

We all want peace […] for Ukraine and for the whole world! We are all afraid! We have to stick together now and first of all we have to stay human!]