BC.Game CEO on signing s1mple, roster changes and top-5 goal

BC.Game completed the signing of Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev from Natus Vincere in July 2025 and added Denis “electroNic” Sharipov three months later. The organization also acquired SAW’s core trio-MUTiRiS, aragornN and krazy-before removing MUTiRiS and aragornN from the starting lineup following PGL Bucharest. CEO Ali Muhanned set a target of reaching a top‑5 global ranking by the end of the year.

Muhanned described negotiations with s1mple as direct. He recalled that s1mple did not want to sit out competition and was open to joining a project that would be built over time. The signing increased BC.Game’s global profile despite the team being ranked 67th in the global VRS when the transfer occurred.

In search of an established foundation to support the new stars, BC.Game entered talks with multiple cores, including groups linked to Astralis, HEROIC and Spirit. Muhanned said the SAW trio presented the most immediate option. He also declined to complete deals he considered overpriced, explaining that some offers and salary demands did not make financial sense for the club.

On the server, results lagged expectations. BC.Game reached Stage 2 at IEM Krakow, then finished 5th-6th at Parken Challenger Championship Season 1, 13th-16th at Roman Imperium Cup VI and 12th-14th at PGL Bucharest. After Bucharest, MUTiRiS and aragornN were removed from the starting roster. When Major invites were announced, BC.Game was 48th in Europe, roughly 300 Valve ranking points short of qualification.

Muhanned rejected the idea that a public interview by MUTiRiS prompted the roster changes. He emphasized that the decisions flowed from how players fit together and from match results, stating, “I don’t think he is the problem. I don’t think anyone is the problem. Sometimes, it just doesn’t work.” He later characterized the SAW signing as a mistake in hindsight but noted limited options at the time.

Finding a stable in‑game leader is a priority. Azbayar “Senzu” Munkhbold is on loan and can be signed permanently during the player break. Muhanned said the club is targeting a “tier‑1 IGL” but faces market hurdles, citing conversations where organizations asked $1.3 million for an IGL and other instances of high buyout or salary demands.

Muhanned described s1mple as still competitive and committed to practice, noting the 28‑year‑old regularly logs long sessions and is willing to step back in role to help teammates improve. He highlighted team chemistry as a key factor in roster construction, saying that high individual skill does not guarantee a fit with s1mple, electroNic and coach Ladislav “GuardiaN” Kovács.

Off the server, BC.Game plans organizational changes. Muhanned outlined intentions to hire additional staff and create roles the club has not previously used as it prepares for the Singapore Major and the rest of the season. He expressed readiness to invest in pursuit of the top‑5 target: “With my passion for the game, I want to be a top‑5 team. We will make it, even if it costs money and takes time.”

Muhanned said the club will prioritize younger talent alongside experienced players and will be selective with spending. He reported ongoing conversations with high‑level players and organizations and confirmed the team will continue searching the market to assemble a roster he believes can meet performance goals.