FaZe Clan Signs Frozen, Twistzz Parts Ways After a Stellar Season
FaZe Clan, a prominent force in the esports arena, has officially announced the recruitment of David "frozen" Čerňanský to their Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) team, following Russel "Twistzz" Van Dulken's departure. This strategic move comes at a time when other teams are navigating through extensive roster overhauls, prompted by the shift from CS:GO to its successor, CS2. FaZe Clan, however, has taken a more conservative approach, opting for a single change in their lineup.
FaZe Clan Welcomes Frozen
Frozen joins FaZe Clan after a remarkable stint with MOUZ, previously known as mousesports, which he joined back in 2019. During his tenure there, frozen has amassed an impressive list of achievements, including a victory at Flashpoint Season Three in 2021, where he also earned the MVP title. The 21-year-old Slovakian player has been a formidable competitor on the scene, securing a second-place finish at the CS Asia Championship and claiming victory at ESL Pro League Season 18. His consistent performances have not gone unnoticed, with HLTV ranking him as the 17th-best player of 2022.
The addition of frozen marks a significant milestone for FaZe Clan, as their roster is now exclusively comprised of European talent. Alongside frozen, the team includes Håvard "rain" Nygaard, Helvijs "broky" Saukants, Finn "karrigan" Andersen, and Robin "ropz" Kool. Filip "NEO" Kubski continues to bring his expertise to the table as the team's coach.
Twistzz's Departure and Legacy
Despite FaZe Clan's successful run in the 2023 season, culminating in victories at four S-tier tournaments and a top-eight placement at the Paris Major, the team had to part ways with Twistzz. The Canadian star, who played a pivotal role in the team's recent triumphs, including three consecutive wins at IEM Sydney, the Thunderpick World Championships, and the CS Asia Championships, officially left the team on December 1. There has been speculation about a potential return to Team Liquid for Twistzz, who was named the 2022 Esports Play of the Year.
Twistzz disclosed that his decision to leave was premeditated, having informed the team prior to IEM Sydney—a tournament that marked the beginning of their extraordinary winning streak. Reflecting on his time with FaZe Clan, Twistzz expressed deep gratitude towards his teammates and the organization, noting the friendships forged and the personal growth he experienced. He did not rule out the possibility of donning the FaZe jersey again if the opportunity presented itself.
Acknowledging that his departure might come as a shock to many, Twistzz assured fans that he would soon reveal more about his future endeavors. He conveyed his readiness to embrace a new challenge, signaling an optimistic outlook despite the emotional farewell.
Twistzz's legacy within the Counter-Strike community is substantial. He stands out as one of the select players to have won both an Intel Grand Slam and a PGL Major with two different teams, cementing his status as a distinguished figure, especially in the North American circuit.
In his parting words, Twistzz paid tribute to his former teammates, lauding them for their unwavering support and highlighting the positive impact they've had on his life. His heartfelt message underscored the camaraderie and mutual respect that define high-level competitive play.
Looking Ahead
As FaZe Clan ushers in a new era with frozen on board, the esports world eagerly anticipates how this refreshed lineup will fare against the competition. With a track record of success and a newly solidified team, FaZe Clan is poised to continue its dominance in the CS2 landscape.
Meanwhile, the community watches with bated breath as Twistzz prepares to unveil the next chapter of his illustrious career. His legacy with FaZe Clan remains a testament to the team's strength and unity, setting a high bar for what's to come in the ever-evolving world of esports.
