FaZe Clan has officially welcomed David "frozen" Čerňanský to their Counter-Strike squad, following the departure of Russel "Twistzz" Van Dulken. This change comes amidst a period where many teams are rethinking their lineups due to the shift from CS:GO to its successor, CS2. FaZe Clan, however, has taken a more conservative approach to roster changes, with frozen being the sole new addition for now.
A New Chapter for FaZe Clan
The 21-year-old Slovakian joins FaZe after a successful tenure with MOUZ, formerly known as mousesports. Since joining MOUZ in 2019, frozen has been instrumental in their triumph at Flashpoint Season three in 2021, where he was also named MVP. His accolades include a second-place finish at the CS Asia Championship and a victory at ESL Pro League Season 18. These achievements have not gone unnoticed, as frozen was ranked as the 17th-best player of 2022 by HLTV.
With frozen's inclusion, FaZe Clan's roster is now wholly European, featuring talents such as Håvard "rain" Nygaard, Helvijs "broky" Saukants, Finn "karrigan" Andersen, and Robin "ropz" Kool. Behind them stands coach Filip "NEO" Kubski, poised to steer the team through upcoming challenges.
Twistzz's Departure Marks End of an Era
As FaZe Clan bids adieu to Twistzz after a remarkable season, they reflect on a year filled with notable achievements, including victories at four S-tier tournaments. The team also secured a top-eight placement at the Paris Major and clinched three consecutive trophies at IEM Sydney, the Thunderpick World Championships, and the CS Asia Championships.
Despite these successes, FaZe's journey at the Blast Premier Fall Final concluded with a second-place finish, following a loss to Team Vitality in the Grand Final. It was during this time of competitive highs that Twistzz announced his departure, effective December 1, stirring speculation about a potential return to his former team, Team Liquid. The 2022 Esports Play of the Year recipient shared that his exit had been planned well in advance.
"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. He conveyed deep appreciation for his time with FaZe Clan, hinting at the possibility of donning the FaZe jersey again if the opportunity arose.
While recognizing the unexpected nature of his decision, Twistzz reassured fans that further details about his future endeavors would soon be revealed. He expressed eagerness to embrace a new challenge, acknowledging the bittersweet nature of his departure.
Twistzz's legacy as one of North America's premier Counter-Strike players is marked by his rare achievement of winning both an Intel Grand Slam and a PGL Major with two different teams. In parting words to his former teammates, Twistzz expressed gratitude for their unwavering support, which played a significant role 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 said, encapsulating the camaraderie and mutual respect that defined his time with FaZe Clan.
Looking Ahead
As the dust settles on these significant roster changes, the global Counter-Strike community will undoubtedly watch with keen interest. Frozen steps into a team with a strong legacy and high expectations, while Twistzz looks toward new horizons, carrying with him a wealth of experience and a decorated career history.
FaZe Clan's strategic approach to the evolving landscape of competitive Counter-Strike suggests a confidence in their existing framework, bolstered by the fresh perspective frozen brings to the table. Meanwhile, Twistzz's future remains a hot topic, with fans eagerly awaiting his next move in the esports arena.
As CS2 begins to shape the future of the game, teams like FaZe Clan are adapting and preparing for what promises to be an exciting new chapter in Counter-Strike history. With talents like frozen stepping in and seasoned professionals like Twistzz venturing out, the scene is set for another thrilling year of competition and growth.