Fantasy CS2 attracts players from all kinds of backgrounds — but not all of them come from Counter-Strike itself. Some, like Simsy95, entered the game in a completely different way.
A long-time Dota fantasy player, Simsy95 was looking for new challenges when he stumbled upon Powerplay. Despite never having played a single round of CS2, he quickly adapted, learning the scene, studying the stats, and finding his own way to the top of the leaderboard.
So, how does a non-CS2 player thrive in Fantasy CS2? What strategies help him stay competitive, and what advice does he have for newcomers? Let’s dive into the interview and get to know Simsy95’s journey, insights, and fantasy secrets!
How did you get into Counter-Strike? Have you been a fan for a long time?
I actually got into Counter-Strike because of fantasy! I was only a Dota player, but with limited fantasy game opportunities, I decided to branch out into other games like LoL and Counter-Strike, where there are many more options. Believe it or not, I have never played a single game of Counter-Strike.
What got you into fantasy CS? Was it difficult to dive into at first, or did you pick it up quickly?
CS fantasy works very differently from MOBA fantasy — different roles, different scoring. As someone new to both the game and the fantasy format, it was refreshing to explore so many lineup possibilities. Understanding the fantasy system was fine, but the hardest part was learning about the players — who was good, who had potential, and how they performed in tournaments.
Do you have any favorite teams or players in CS?
I really like Na'Vi. I prefer chill teams that don’t trash-talk much and let their gameplay do the talking.
What’s been your favorite moment in CS2 so far?
Upsets are huge for me — they add excitement, especially in close matches. The semi-finals between EF and G2 had me on the edge of my seat.
You are one of our early adopters — you've been with us since June 2023. How did you first discover Powerplay?
I remember it was during a Major, and I was searching online for any fantasy games that would let me play along. Powerplay’s gameplay felt vastly different from HLTV Fantasy, which made it even more intriguing.
If you could change, add, or remove one thing in Powerplay, what would it be?
I’ve been waiting for card recycling for a long time. A lot of players have stacks of Tier D cards that we’d love to trade for more usable ones.
What’s your plan for Season 6? Any players or teams you’re keeping an eye on?
Season 6 is always exciting because of roster reshuffles. I think Liquid and Eternal Fire have strong squads and could be dangerous dark horses. They’ve addressed their roster weaknesses, and I’m eager to see how they perform.
If you could create your dream CS2 team, who would be in it? (Retired players count too!)
S1mple, ZywOo, m0NESY, Ultimate, Sh1ro. AWPers FTW!
What’s the most memorable moment for you in CS, either as a fan or a player?
Mutiris’ 1v5 clutch still gets my palms sweating!
Any final thoughts or shoutouts?
Shoutout to Powerplay Miz for moderating us noobs! And, of course, to the hardworking team behind the scenes making this game better for all of us.
What does fantasy CS2 teach you?
Go big or go home! No room for conservative plays — only POWERPLAYS!
What advice would you give to beginners just starting their fantasy journey?
The key to this game is collecting cards. Cross your fingers and hope you get some heavy hitters early, then build from there.
How has playing fantasy CS2 changed the way you watch and enjoy CS matches?
Cheering for your fantasy team while watching CS is unparalleled. That moment when all five of your players get 1.6-2.0 ratings? Unreal feeling.
What common mistakes do beginners make in fantasy, and how can they avoid them?
Not fully understanding roles. Role multipliers are key to getting the most out of your players, even if they’re underdogs.
What’s one tip or strategy you wish someone had told you when you started playing fantasy CS2?
Coming from zero CS background, a 101 guide on teams and players would have really helped me early on.
Do you think fantasy CS2 helps build a stronger connection with the CS2 community?
Yes! Friendly competition makes the CS2 community even more exciting. It’s more than just spectating — fantasy adds an extra layer of engagement.
Has fantasy CS2 influenced how you interact with the CS2 community?
Definitely! Looking at other players' lineups gives insight into their personalities — who's a risk-taker, who's conservative, and who gets creative with their picks.
What’s been the most rewarding part of playing fantasy CS2 for you — winning, learning about players, or something else?
Prizes definitely push players to give their all, but for new players, fantasy is also a great way to get into the game and learn faster.
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Big thanks to Simsy95 for sharing his journey and insights! His story proves that you don’t need to have played CS2 to dominate fantasy — smart strategy and bold picks matter most.
Who should we feature next? Join the Powerplay Discord to discuss strategies, share insights, and connect with other fantasy managers.
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