FaZe Clan, one of the premier organizations in competitive Counter-Strike, has officially announced the addition of David "frozen" Čerňanský to its CS2 roster. This move comes on the heels of Russel "Twistzz" Van Dulken's departure from the team. Unlike other teams navigating the transition from CS:GO to CS2 with multiple changes, FaZe Clan has exercised restraint, opting for a single strategic alteration to their lineup.
A New Chapter for FaZe Clan
The 21-year-old Slovakian, frozen, joins FaZe after an impressive tenure with MOUZ, formerly known as mousesports, which he joined back in 2019. His time with MOUZ was marked by several high-profile successes, including a victorious run at Flashpoint Season Three in 2021, where he also earned the MVP award. Beyond this, frozen has been a consistent performer, helping secure a second-place finish at the CS Asia Championship and a win at ESL Pro League Season 18. These achievements have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by his ranking as the 17th-best player of 2022 by HLTV.
With frozen's inclusion, FaZe Clan's roster now boasts an exclusively European ensemble, featuring Håvard "rain" Nygaard, Helvijs "broky" Saukants, Finn "karrigan" Andersen, and Robin "ropz" Kool. Filip "NEO" Kubski continues to helm the squad as coach, bringing his wealth of experience to the strategic forefront.
Twistzz's Departure Marks the End of an Era
While FaZe Clan has had to navigate the complexities of a roster change, they reflect on a season filled with triumphs. The team concluded the 2023 season with victories in four S-tier tournaments, along with a commendable top-eight finish at the Paris Major. Their year was punctuated by a remarkable streak of three consecutive tournament wins at IEM Sydney, the Thunderpick World Championships, and the CS Asia Championships.
Despite these accolades, the end of the season brought about the departure of Twistzz. The Canadian star, whose play earned him the 2022 Esports Play of the Year award, left the organization on December 1st. His exit sparked rumors of a potential return to Team Liquid, another powerhouse in the Counter-Strike scene. Twistzz revealed that his decision to leave had been in the works well before their last dance at IEM Sydney, yet the success that followed was beyond any predictions.
In a heartfelt statement, Twistzz expressed his deep connection to the team and the organization, stating that he would proudly don a FaZe jersey again if the opportunity arose. He acknowledged that his decision might come as a surprise but reassured fans of his readiness for a new challenge and promised to share more details about his future endeavors soon.
Recognized as one of North America's elite Counter-Strike talents, Twistzz has etched his name in the annals of esports history as one of the few players to clinch both an Intel Grand Slam and a PGL Major with two different teams. In parting words to his former teammates, he conveyed gratitude for their unwavering support and the significant role they played in his personal growth.
As FaZe Clan turns the page to a new chapter with frozen, they bid farewell to a key figure in their storied legacy. Twistzz's impact on the team will be remembered not just for his in-game prowess but also for the camaraderie and personal development he fostered within the ranks of FaZe Clan. As the esports world watches, both FaZe Clan and Twistzz embark on their separate paths, carrying forward the spirit of excellence that has defined their journeys thus far.