FaZe Clan, one of the most prominent organizations in esports, has announced the latest addition to their Counter-Strike: Global Offensive successor game, CS2 team roster. David "frozen" Čerňanský joins the ranks following the departure of Russel "Twistzz" Van Dulken. This change comes amidst a period where many teams are rethinking their lineups due to the transition from CS:GO to CS2.
A Measured Approach to Team Roster Changes
While other teams have opted for extensive overhauls, FaZe Clan's strategy appears more conservative, with only one change being made to their lineup thus far. This decision underscores the organization's confidence in its current members and its approach to maintaining a stable and competitive team dynamic.
frozen's Track Record and Achievements
frozen is not an unfamiliar name in the professional CS2 scene. The 21-year-old Slovakian has been a part of MOUZ, formerly known as mousesports, since 2019 and has accumulated a series of impressive accomplishments. His victory at Flashpoint Season three in 2021 is a highlight, where he also earned the MVP title. Moreover, frozen boasts a second-place finish at the CS Asia Championship and a championship win at ESL Pro League Season 18. These achievements have not gone unnoticed; HLTV ranked him as the 17th-best player of 2022, cementing his status as a top-tier competitor.
With frozen's arrival, FaZe Clan's roster now consists exclusively of European players, including Håvard "rain" Nygaard, Helvijs "broky" Saukants, Finn "karrigan" Andersen, and Robin "ropz" Kool. They are coached by Filip "NEO" Kubski, who brings his wealth of experience to the strategic helm.
Twistzz's Farewell After a Remarkable Season
The conclusion of the 2023 season saw FaZe Clan achieve significant success, with victories at four S-tier tournaments and a commendable top-eight finish at the Paris Major. Their impressive run was highlighted by three consecutive tournament wins: IEM Sydney, the Thunderpick World Championships, and the CS Asia Championships. Despite this triumph, the team had to bid farewell to Twistzz, who officially left on December 1.
Speculation about Twistzz's next move has been rife, with hints pointing towards a potential return to Team Liquid. The Canadian player, who was crowned the 2022 Esports Play of the Year, revealed that his departure was premeditated, having informed his team prior to IEM Sydney. Describing his final tournaments with FaZe as a "last dance," Twistzz expressed his deep connection to the team and the organization.
"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 departure. He continued, "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."
Despite the shock his decision might cause among fans, Twistzz assured them that more details about his future endeavors would be forthcoming. He indicated his readiness to embrace a new challenge, while also looking back fondly on his time with FaZe Clan.
"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," said Twistzz.
Renowned as one of North America's premier Counter-Strike talents, Twistzz has distinguished himself as one of the few players to secure both an Intel Grand Slam and a PGL Major with two different teams. His prowess and achievements in the esports arena have set a high bar for excellence and have inspired many within the community.
In a heartfelt message to his former teammates, Twistzz conveyed his gratitude for their support, acknowledging the positive impact they've had on his personal growth. "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 stated.
As FaZe Clan turns a new page with the inclusion of frozen, the CS2 scene watches with anticipation. Will the new roster continue the legacy of success that has become synonymous with the FaZe brand? Only time will tell, but for now, the stage is set for another thrilling chapter in competitive gaming.