FaZe Clan, a powerhouse in the competitive Counter-Strike scene, has announced a significant roster update by welcoming David "frozen" Čerňanský to its CS2 team. This move follows the departure of Russel "Twistzz" Van Dulken, marking a pivotal change as the team gears up for future challenges.
A Measured Approach to Team Building
While the esports landscape is often characterized by sweeping roster overhauls, especially with the transition from CS:GO to its successor, CS2, FaZe Clan has taken a more calculated stride. The organization's decision to make only one adjustment to their lineup suggests confidence in their current team's chemistry and potential.
frozen's Proven Track Record
The 21-year-old Slovakian pro, frozen, joins FaZe after an impressive tenure with MOUZ, formerly known as mousesports, which he joined back in 2019. During his time there, frozen not only secured a victory at Flashpoint Season three in 2021 but also earned the MVP title for the competition. His list of accolades includes a second-place finish at the CS Asia Championship and a triumphant run at ESL Pro League Season 18. These achievements have not gone unnoticed, as frozen was ranked as the 17th-best player of 2022 by HLTV, cementing his status as a formidable talent in the CS2 arena.
With frozen on board, FaZe Clan now boasts an all-European roster, featuring Håvard "rain" Nygaard, Helvijs "broky" Saukants, Finn "karrigan" Andersen, and Robin "ropz" Kool, with Filip "NEO" Kubski at the helm as the coach.
Twistzz's Departure After a Stellar Season
The 2023 season was a period of triumphs for FaZe Clan, marked by victories at four S-tier tournaments and a commendable top-eight placement at the Paris Major. The team concluded the year with an impressive streak, clinching three consecutive trophies at IEM Sydney, the Thunderpick World Championships, and the CS Asia Championships. Despite their success, they experienced a minor setback with a second-place finish at the Blast Premier Fall Final, where they were bested by Team Vitality in the Grand Final.
However, with the close of the season came the departure of Twistzz, who officially left the team on December 1. Rumors abound regarding a possible return to Team Liquid for the Canadian star, who had previously won the 2022 Esports Play of the Year. Twistzz revealed that his decision to leave had been in the works for some time, even before the team's last dance at IEM Sydney—a tournament that kicked off their string of successes.
"Before IEM Sydney started, the team knew I was leaving. I could never have predicted the success that followed," Twistzz reflected on his final chapter with FaZe. He expressed deep gratitude for the friendships and growth he experienced during his tenure with the team. "I have made friends for life in this team and in this organization, and if the opportunity arose again, I would be proud to wear a FaZe jersey once more," he stated.
Although his decision may come as a shock to many fans, Twistzz reassured them that he would share more details about his future plans soon. He conveyed his readiness for a new challenge, adding, "I know my decision might be shocking for some, I will be revealing more later on, but for now, I can say that I am ready to move on to another challenge and although it's sad to leave, I'm happy that it was a bittersweet ending."
Twistzz leaves behind a legacy as one of North America's top Counter-Strike players, with a rare achievement of securing both an Intel Grand Slam and a PGL Major with two different teams. In his parting words to his former teammates, he offered thanks for their support and acknowledged their role in his development both as a player and a person. "You helped me grow into a better person, never judged me once, and I always felt comfortable every step of the way. You all contributed to who I am today," he said.
As FaZe Clan turns the page with the inclusion of frozen, the esports community eagerly anticipates what this refreshed lineup will bring to the competitive CS2 scene. With a blend of seasoned veterans and young talent, FaZe Clan is poised to continue its legacy of excellence in the ever-evolving world of professional gaming.