In a strategic move that has surprised many in the esports community, FaZe Clan has welcomed David "frozen" Čerňanský to its CS2 team roster. This announcement comes on the heels of Russel "Twistzz" Van Dulken's departure from the team. While the esports world is witnessing major shifts due to the transition from CS:GO to CS2, FaZe Clan has taken a more conservative approach by making just one change to their lineup.
FaZe Clan's New European Lineup
Frozen joins FaZe Clan after an impressive stint with MOUZ, formerly known as mousesports, where he has been a key player since 2019. His tenure at MOUZ was marked by significant achievements, including a victory at Flashpoint Season Three in 2021, where he also earned the MVP title. The 21-year-old Slovakian has a commendable list of accomplishments, such as finishing second at the CS Asia Championship and securing a win at ESL Pro League Season 18. His consistent performances have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by his ranking as the 17th-best player of 2022 by HLTV.
With the addition of frozen, FaZe Clan boasts an all-European squad, featuring Håvard "rain" Nygaard, Helvijs "broky" Saukants, Finn "karrigan" Andersen, and Robin "ropz" Kool. The team continues under the guidance of coach Filip "NEO" Kubski, setting the stage for what fans anticipate will be a formidable presence in the competitive scene of CS2.
A Fond Farewell to Twistzz
The end of the 2023 season marked a bittersweet moment for FaZe Clan as they bid farewell to Canadian player Twistzz. Despite leaving, Twistzz's impact on the team's recent history is undeniable. FaZe Clan wrapped up the season with victories at four S-tier tournaments and secured a top-eight position at the Paris Major. Their remarkable run included three consecutive wins at IEM Sydney, the Thunderpick World Championships, and the CS Asia Championships. However, they fell just short of first place at the Blast Premier Fall Final, where they were bested by Team Vitality in a gripping Grand Final.
Twistzz's exit from FaZe Clan was officially confirmed on December 1, sparking rumors of a potential return to Team Liquid. Having won the 2022 Esports Play of the Year, Twistzz revealed that his decision to leave had been in the works for some time. He reflected on the team's success, stating, "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 expressed his deep connection to the team and organization, hinting at the possibility of donning the FaZe jersey again if the opportunity arises. In addressing his departure, he assured fans that while the decision may come as a shock, he would soon share more about his future endeavors. "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," Twistzz commented.
As one of North America's premier Counter-Strike talents, Twistzz has carved out a unique legacy, being one of the rare few to claim both an Intel Grand Slam and a PGL Major with two different teams. In his parting words, he showed gratitude towards his former teammates for their unwavering support and the role they played in his personal development. "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 acknowledged.
FaZe Clan's future seems promising with the new roster. Fans are eagerly anticipating how the dynamic between the old guard and the new addition will unfold in the upcoming competitive season. As the esports scene continues to evolve with the introduction of CS2, teams like FaZe Clan are adapting and strategizing to maintain their dominance in the global rankings. With their eyes set on future triumphs, FaZe Clan's latest roster change marks a new chapter in their storied legacy.