In a strategic move that is sure to have significant implications for their competitive future, FaZe Clan has officially welcomed David "frozen" Čerňanský into the fold. This roster change comes on the heels of Russel "Twistzz" Van Dulken's departure from the team. Unlike many other teams grappling with the transition from CS:GO to its successor, CS2, FaZe Clan has taken a more conservative route, opting for minimal changes to their lineup.
A New Chapter for FaZe Clan
Frozen joins FaZe Clan after an impressive tenure with MOUZ (formerly mousesports), where he has been a mainstay since 2019. The young Slovakian has quickly made a name for himself in the competitive scene, boasting a victory at Flashpoint Season Three in 2021 and securing the MVP title for the tournament. His skill and dedication were further highlighted by his 17th-place ranking among the best players of 2022 by HLTV—an accolade that speaks volumes about his capabilities on the virtual battlefield.
His track record includes other notable achievements, such as finishing second at the CS Asia Championship and taking home the trophy at ESL Pro League Season 18. These successes have not only raised frozen's profile but have also underscored his potential to be a valuable asset to FaZe Clan's European ensemble.
The current roster for FaZe Clan, now entirely European, stands as follows: frozen, Håvard "rain" Nygaard, Helvijs "broky" Saukants, Finn "karrigan" Andersen, and Robin "ropz" Kool, with coaching duties being helmed by Filip "NEO" Kubski. This lineup represents some of the finest talent Europe has to offer, setting the stage for what could be a formidable presence in CS2 competitions.
Twistzz Parts Ways with FaZe Clan
Despite an outstanding season that saw FaZe Clan claim victories at four S-tier tournaments and secure a top-eight finish at the Paris Major, the time has come for Twistzz to say goodbye. The Canadian player's departure was confirmed on December 1st, fueling speculation about a possible return to Team Liquid, a team with which he has previously found success.
Twistzz leaves behind a legacy of triumphs, including a remarkable run with FaZe Clan culminating in three consecutive tournament wins—IEM Sydney, the Thunderpick World Championships, and the CS Asia Championships. Additionally, the team achieved a runner-up position at the Blast Premier Fall Final, narrowly missing out on first place to Team Vitality.
Though his exit may come as a shock to many, Twistzz has indicated that his decision was premeditated, with the team being aware of his intentions before their victorious campaign at IEM Sydney began. Reflecting on his journey, he expressed a deep sense of camaraderie and gratitude toward his teammates and the organization, hinting at the possibility of donning the FaZe jersey again if the opportunity arises.
Recognized as one of North America's premier Counter-Strike talents, Twistzz has distinguished himself through his consistent high-level play and his unique achievement of winning both an Intel Grand Slam and a PGL Major with two different teams. As he prepares to embark on a new chapter in his career, he leaves behind a grateful team and fanbase that have benefited from his contributions both in-game and as a teammate.
In his parting words, Twistzz paid homage to his former teammates, thanking them for their support and acknowledging the impact they've had on his personal growth. He assured fans that although he is ready to tackle new challenges, the memories and bonds formed during his time with FaZe Clan will remain cherished.
As the esports world turns its attention to the evolving landscape of competitive Counter-Strike with the advent of CS2, teams like FaZe Clan are making calculated moves to ensure their continued dominance. With the addition of frozen and the bittersweet farewell to Twistzz, FaZe Clan's story continues to unfold with promise and anticipation for what the future holds.