FaZe Clan Welcomes Frozen as Twistzz Bids Farewell
FaZe Clan, a dominant force in the competitive Counter-Strike scene, has announced the acquisition of David "frozen" Čerňanský as their latest CS2 team member. This strategic move comes on the heels of Russel "Twistzz" Van Dulken's departure from the squad. While many teams have opted for extensive roster overhauls in response to the transition from CS:GO to CS2, FaZe Clan has taken a more conservative approach, making a single change to their lineup.
A New Chapter for FaZe Clan
Frozen joins FaZe after a successful tenure with MOUZ (formerly mousesports), where he began competing in 2019. The 21-year-old Slovakian has built an impressive résumé, including a victory at Flashpoint Season Three in 2021, where he also earned the MVP title. His consistent performances have not gone unnoticed, earning him a spot as the 17th-best player of 2022 according to HLTV rankings.
The addition of frozen brings a new dynamic to FaZe Clan's roster, which now boasts exclusively European talent. Alongside frozen, the current lineup features Håvard "rain" Nygaard, Helvijs "broky" Saukants, Finn "karrigan" Andersen, and Robin "ropz" Kool, with Filip "NEO" Kubski at the helm as coach.
Twistzz's Farewell After a Stellar Season
Despite FaZe Clan's remarkable performance in the 2023 season, which included four S-tier tournament victories and a top-eight finish at the Paris Major, the team has had to say goodbye to one of its stars. Twistzz officially left the team on December 1st, fueling speculation about a potential return to his former team, Team Liquid.
Twistzz's departure follows a sensational run with FaZe Clan, marked by three consecutive tournament wins at IEM Sydney, the Thunderpick World Championships, and the CS Asia Championships. The team also secured a second-place finish at the Blast Premier Fall Final, narrowly missing out on the top spot to Team Vitality.
The Canadian player, recognized as the Esports Play of the Year in 2022, shared that his decision to leave was premeditated and acknowledged before the start of IEM Sydney. He reflects on his time with FaZe Clan fondly, indicating a willingness to don the FaZe jersey again if the opportunity arises.
"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," Twistzz remarked, expressing gratitude towards his teammates for their unwavering support and the positive impact they've had on his personal growth.
As one of North America's premier Counter-Strike talents, Twistzz has achieved significant milestones, including securing both an Intel Grand Slam and a PGL Major with two different teams. His departure is indeed a pivotal moment for both the player and FaZe Clan.
Looking Ahead
While Twistzz's future endeavors remain under wraps, he assures fans that details will be forthcoming. Known for his exceptional skills and competitive spirit, the community eagerly anticipates his next move.
"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 said, addressing his former teammates and highlighting the camaraderie and personal development fostered during his time with FaZe.
As the esports world watches, FaZe Clan embarks on a new chapter with frozen, aiming to continue their legacy of success. With a refreshed lineup and a track record of triumphs, the team looks poised to tackle the evolving landscape of competitive CS2. Meanwhile, Twistzz's legacy with FaZe serves as a testament to the team's strength and the indelible mark of a player who has reached the pinnacle of the sport.
