Simp: “We stopped bouncing off each other as easily like we used to.”

Today, we sit down with two-time world champion Chris “Simp” Lehr to discuss the disappointing end to FaZe’s Black Ops 6 season, one that saw the legendary trio finally split. We also cover the exciting FaZe Vegas rebrand and Simp’s ambitions heading into Black Ops 7.

Ronnie: How did you feel heading into Champs after winning the first two events, then hitting a slump? Were you still confident about securing that third ring?

Simp: I was always extremely confident we could win every event, even after the slump. We were putting in a ton of work to try and get back to where we were, and it felt like we could always pull out the win.

Ronnie: After Champs, did you feel the team’s struggles would carry into EWC, or was there still a belief you could match last year’s performance?

Simp: The team fully believed we could win EWC, especially with how the prior year went. I definitely didn’t think it would be easy, though, especially with the downtrend we were on.

📸 Photo by @FaZe_Vegas

Ronnie: What do you think went wrong at both events? Did it feel like the right time to part ways after such a long run?

Simp: I blame myself for Champs a decent bit, as do most people. I feel like, as a whole, for the end of the year, our team never could find that rhythm and flow state where all 4 of us couldn't worry about anything but ourselves. After EWC, I think we all felt like it was time for a change.

Ronnie: You once said, “If I don’t retire with Abezy as my duo, something went wrong.” Looking back, what went wrong, or was it more about budget issues?

Simp: I think the trio as a whole felt like we needed to separate, to be honest. With Abezy specifically, towards the end of us teaming, I felt like we stopped bouncing off each other as easily like we used to.

Ronnie: On a more positive note, how excited are you to remain with FaZe and step into the new era as FaZe Vegas?

Simp: This upcoming season is the most I’ve been excited for a year of Call of Duty in quite some time. With the new branding, too, I feel like it’s a little bit of a fresh start with everything that’s happened this offseason.

📸 Photo by @FaZe_Vegas

Ronnie: It’s been a wild offseason, but how thrilled are you to be teaming up with Abuzah and 04? What made them the right choice?

Simp: I’m extremely excited to be teaming with Abuzah and 04. Both bring a ton to the table, and I feel like both of them will help me be the player I want to be.

Ronnie: With Drazah still on your side, you’ll face off against long-term teammates Cellium and Abezy. Looking forward to those grudge matches?

Simp: I’m definitely looking forward to shooting a body or two this year.

Ronnie: Finally, what are the team’s expectations for the season?

Simp: I want to win champs. I want another ring. I’ve always won a tourney or 2 a year, and it’s never felt like enough.