In a strategic move that underscores the dynamic nature of esports team compositions, FaZe Clan has announced the acquisition of David "frozen" Čerňanský to their Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) squad. This change comes on the heels of Russel "Twistzz" Van Dulken's departure from the team. While the esports scene is rife with teams overhauling their rosters due to the transition from CS:GO to its successor, CS2, FaZe Clan has taken a more conservative path by making just one change to their lineup.
FaZe Clan Welcomes Frozen
Frozen joins FaZe after an impressive tenure with MOUZ, formerly known as mousesports, which he joined in 2019. During his time there, he not only claimed victory at Flashpoint Season Three in 2021 but also earned the MVP title for the tournament. The 21-year-old Slovakian has been a formidable force in the competitive CS:GO scene, boasting achievements like a second-place finish at the CS Asia Championship and a first-place win at ESL Pro League Season 18. His consistent performance has garnered him significant accolades, including being ranked the 17th-best player of 2022 by HLTV.
With Frozen's addition, FaZe Clan now boasts a roster that is entirely European. The current lineup includes Håvard "rain" Nygaard, Helvijs "broky" Saukants, Finn "karrigan" Andersen, and Robin "ropz" Kool, with Filip "NEO" Kubski serving as the coach. This blend of talent and experience positions FaZe Clan as a formidable contender in the international CS:GO arena.
Twistzz's Departure Marks End of an Era
The end of the 2023 season saw FaZe Clan achieve remarkable success, clinching titles at four S-tier tournaments and securing a top-eight spot at the Paris Major. Their triumphant streak included three consecutive wins at IEM Sydney, the Thunderpick World Championships, and the CS Asia Championships. Despite a strong season, culminating in a second-place finish at the Blast Premier Fall Final against Team Vitality, Twistzz made the decision to leave FaZe Clan, effective December 1.
Speculation about Twistzz's next move suggests a potential return to Team Liquid, a topic that has stirred considerable interest within the esports community. The 2022 Esports Play of the Year recipient disclosed that his exit from FaZe was premeditated, having informed the team prior to IEM Sydney—a tournament that marked the beginning of their winning spree.
"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 remarked, reflecting on the unexpected series of victories that ensued.
He continued, expressing deep appreciation for his time with FaZe Clan, "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."
While acknowledging that his decision may come as a surprise to many, Twistzz assured fans that he would soon share more details about his future endeavors. He signaled readiness to embrace new challenges, hinting at his departure being a mix of sadness and contentment.
"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.
Twistzz's legacy in North America is well-established; he is one of the few players to have won both an Intel Grand Slam and a PGL Major with two different teams. In his parting words to his former teammates, Twistzz expressed gratitude for the support and camaraderie that contributed significantly to his personal and professional 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 concluded.
As the CS:GO community watches these shifts unfold, the anticipation for what lies ahead in the competitive landscape is palpable. With frozen stepping into the shoes left by Twistzz, FaZe Clan's journey continues with a refreshed lineup eager to uphold—and possibly surpass—their recent successes.