s1mple’s FaZe comeback draws 800K+ viewers at IEM Dallas

Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev’s long-awaited return to top-tier Counter-Strike with FaZe Clan has turned IEM Dallas 2025 into one of the most-watched esports events of the year.

His opening match against Team Liquid drew over 803,000 peak viewers—higher than several major finals this season—despite FaZe falling 0–2 in their opener.

The Ukrainian superstar, playing on loan from NAVI, looked sharp despite the loss, topping his team’s leaderboard on Inferno and winning crucial clutch rounds.

His performance has reignited global interest, with the top CS2 sportsbooks and fans alike tracking FaZe’s every move as they now fight through the lower bracket.

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IEM Dallas Day 3 Betting Odds Shift

Day 3 of IEM Dallas 2025 is shaping up to deliver another big day of CS2 action, with several crucial matchups on the cards.

With elimination pressure rising and big names in action, the top esports sportsbooks have released tight markets across all four fixtures.

Here’s a look at the Day 3 schedule and odds in local Dallas time (CDT):

IEM Dallas 2025 – Day 3 Schedule & Odds (CDT)
Wednesday, May 21

• 10:30 AM – Heroic vs FaZe
  • Odds by BetOnline: Heroic +105 | FaZe -147.06
• 10:30 AM – Liquid vs Aurora Gaming
  • Odds by Stake.com: Liquid +105 | Aurora -147.06
• 1:00 PM – GamerLegion vs FURIA
  • Odds by Bovada: GamerLegion +115 | FURIA -153.85
• 3:00 PM – MOUZ vs Team Falcons
  • Odds by 888starz: MOUZ +110 | Team Falcons -147.06

With a $1 million prize pool on the line and the world’s biggest name back on the server, FaZe remain one of the most watched and bet-on teams in the tournament.

IEM Dallas runs through May 25, and with FaZe needing three straight wins to reach playoffs, the pressure is on.

Whether they deliver or fall short, the hype around s1mple’s return has already made this one for the history books.

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