In a strategic move that signals both continuity and change, FaZe Clan has welcomed David "frozen" Čerňanský to its CS2 team roster. This transition comes on the heels of Russel "Twistzz" Van Dulken's departure, marking a significant shift for the organization as it adapts to the evolving landscape of competitive Counter-Strike.
FaZe Clan's Calculated Roster Change
While many teams in the professional scene are opting for extensive overhauls in response to the switch from CS:GO to CS2, FaZe Clan has taken a more conservative approach. The organization has made just one change to its lineup, bringing in frozen as a fresh face amidst a period of widespread transformation.
Frozen joins FaZe Clan after an impressive tenure with MOUZ (formerly mousesports), where he has been a key player since 2019. His competitive prowess is well-documented, with a string of successes including a victory at Flashpoint Season Three in 2021, where he also earned the MVP title. The 21-year-old Slovakian national boasts a commendable track record, with highlights such as a second-place finish at the CS Asia Championship and a win at ESL Pro League Season 18. His skillful play has not gone unnoticed, earning him the rank of the 17th-best player of 2022 by HLTV.
With the addition of frozen, FaZe Clan's roster is now an all-European powerhouse, featuring Håvard "rain" Nygaard, Helvijs "broky" Saukants, Finn "karrigan" Andersen, and Robin "ropz" Kool. Filip "NEO" Kubski rounds out the team as coach, providing guidance and strategy.
Twistzz's Farewell After a Remarkable Season
The conclusion of the 2023 season saw FaZe Clan achieve remarkable success, securing victories at four S-tier tournaments and a top-eight placement at the Paris Major. Their triumphs were punctuated by a series of wins at notable events such as IEM Sydney, the Thunderpick World Championships, and the CS Asia Championships.
Despite their successful run, FaZe Clan parted ways with Twistzz, who officially left the team on December 1. This sparked rumors of a potential return to Team Liquid for the Canadian player, who was the recipient of the 2022 Esports Play of the Year award. 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 preceded a streak of unexpected victories.
"Before IEM Sydney started, the team knew I was leaving. I knew it would be a last dance, but I could never have predicted the success that followed," Twistzz reflected on his final chapter with FaZe.
He spoke warmly of his time with FaZe Clan, cherishing the relationships built and the growth he experienced personally. "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, expressing gratitude toward his former teammates for their unwavering support.
While acknowledging the surprise his departure might cause among fans, Twistzz assured them that further details about his future endeavors would be forthcoming. He emphasized his readiness to embrace a new challenge, signifying both the end of an era and the start of a new chapter in his career.
Twistzz's legacy within FaZe Clan and the broader Counter-Strike community is distinguished by his exceptional achievements, including winning both an Intel Grand Slam and a PGL Major with two different teams—a testament to his versatility and skill as one of North America's premier players.
In parting words to his former colleagues, Twistzz expressed deep appreciation: "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."
The road ahead for FaZe Clan, now bolstered by frozen's addition, looks promising as they navigate the competitive waters of CS2. Meanwhile, the Counter-Strike community will eagerly await the next move from Twistzz, whose impact on the game extends far beyond his in-game statistics and accolades.