FaZe Clan has made a strategic move in the esports realm by welcoming David "frozen" Čerňanský into its CS2 team. This change comes on the heels of Russel "Twistzz" Van Dulken's departure, marking a significant shift for the team. Unlike other teams that are experiencing major overhauls as they transition from CS:GO to CS2, FaZe Clan has taken a more conservative path, opting for just one alteration to their roster.
The 21-year-old Slovakian, frozen, joins FaZe after an impressive tenure with MOUZ (formerly known as mousesports), which began in 2019. His time there was marked by notable achievements, including clinching victory at Flashpoint Season three in 2021 and earning the MVP title for that tournament. Frozen also boasts a second-place finish at the CS Asia Championship and a win at ESL Pro League Season 18. These accomplishments have not gone unnoticed, as he was ranked the 17th-best player of 2022 by HLTV.
Exclusive European Lineup
FaZe Clan's roster now features players exclusively from Europe. Alongside frozen, the team consists of Håvard "rain" Nygaard from Norway, Helvijs "broky" Saukants from Latvia, Finn "karrigan" Andersen from Denmark, and Robin "ropz" Kool from Estonia. They are coached by Filip "NEO" Kubski from Poland. This pan-European lineup underscores FaZe Clan's commitment to bringing together top-tier talent from across the continent.
Twistzz's Departure After a Remarkable Season
Despite FaZe Clan's remarkable performance during the 2023 season, which included victories at four S-tier tournaments and a top-eight placement at the Paris Major, the team had to say goodbye to Twistzz. The Canadian star's exit was confirmed on December 1st, fueling speculation about a potential reunion with Team Liquid. As the 2022 Esports Play of the Year recipient, Twistzz's departure was premeditated, having informed the team prior to IEM Sydney, which was part of their successful streak including consecutive wins at IEM Sydney, the Thunderpick World Championships, and the CS Asia Championships.
FaZe Clan also secured a commendable second-place at the Blast Premier Fall Final, where they were narrowly defeated by Team Vitality in the Grand Final. Despite these triumphs, Twistzz felt it was time to seek new horizons, hinting at his readiness for a fresh challenge and promising to share more about his future endeavors in due course.
Twistzz leaves behind a legacy as one of North America's premier Counter-Strike talents, distinguished by his rare achievement of winning both an Intel Grand Slam and a PGL Major with two different teams. He departs with gratitude, acknowledging the positive impact his teammates and the organization have had on his personal development.
In his farewell message, Twistzz expressed heartfelt thanks to his colleagues for their unwavering support and the comfortable environment they fostered, which contributed significantly to his growth both professionally and personally.
As FaZe Clan turns a new page with the addition of frozen, the esports community eagerly anticipates how this new composition will fare in the competitive landscape of CS2. With a track record of resilience and strategic acumen, FaZe Clan continues to be a formidable force in the world of competitive gaming.