FaZe Clan, a dominant force in the competitive Counter-Strike scene, has announced the addition of David "frozen" Čerňanský to their roster. This move comes on the heels of Russel "Twistzz" Van Dulken's departure from the team. While many organizations are navigating the transition from CS:GO to its successor, CS2, with sweeping changes, FaZe Clan has taken a more conservative route, opting for a single change in their lineup.
FaZe's New European Formation
The 21-year-old Slovakian prodigy, frozen, joins FaZe after an impressive tenure with MOUZ, formerly known as mousesports. Since 2019, frozen has built an admirable resume, including a first-place finish at Flashpoint Season 3 in 2021 and securing the MVP award for his performance. His skill and consistency have not gone unnoticed; he was named the 17th-best player of 2022 by HLTV.
With the acquisition of frozen, FaZe Clan now boasts an all-European squad, featuring Håvard "rain" Nygaard, Helvijs "broky" Saukants, Finn "karrigan" Andersen, and Robin "ropz" Kool. Behind this formidable lineup is coach Filip "NEO" Kubski, who brings his own storied history as a former player to the strategic helm of the team.
Twistzz's Departure After a Remarkable Run
Despite an outstanding season that saw FaZe Clan clinch four S-tier tournaments and secure a top-eight spot at the Paris Major, the team had to say goodbye to Twistzz. The Canadian star's exit was confirmed on December 1st, fueling rumors of a potential return to his former team, Team Liquid. Twistzz, the 2022 Esports Play of the Year recipient, disclosed that his decision to leave had been premeditated.
"Before IEM Sydney started, the team knew I was leaving. It was supposed to be a last dance of sorts, but the level of success we achieved was beyond my wildest dreams," Twistzz reflected. He continued to express his deep connection to the team and organization, stating, "I've made lifelong friends here, and I'd proudly don a FaZe jersey again if the chance arose."
While acknowledging that his departure might come as a shock to fans, Twistzz promised to share more about his future endeavors when the time was right. "I know my decision may be surprising to some, and I intend to reveal more in due course. For now, I can say that I'm ready for a new challenge, and while it's sad to leave, I'm pleased that we parted ways on such a high note," he said.
Twistzz has made a name for himself as one of North America's premier Counter-Strike talents, achieving the rare feat of winning both an Intel Grand Slam and a PGL Major with two different teams. In parting words to his former teammates, Twistzz expressed his gratitude, noting the significant impact they've had on his personal development. "You've helped me become a better person, never once passing judgment, and I've felt supported at every turn. You've all played a role in shaping who I am today," he shared.
FaZe Clan's journey through the 2023 season was nothing short of spectacular, marked by consecutive victories at IEM Sydney, the Thunderpick World Championships, and the CS Asia Championships. Their only stumble came during the Blast Premier Fall Final, where they finished runner-up to Team Vitality in a hard-fought Grand Final.
As the esports world turns its eyes towards the upcoming season, the refreshed FaZe Clan lineup, with frozen now in the mix, seems poised to continue their legacy of excellence. The team's strategic decision to maintain a stable core while integrating fresh talent like frozen could very well be the key to sustaining their success in the evolving landscape of competitive Counter-Strike.
With the stage set for another year of high-stakes competition, fans will undoubtedly be watching closely to see if FaZe Clan's measured approach to roster changes pays off and how Twistzz will fare in his next chapter of an already illustrious career.