FaZe Clan, a dominant force in the competitive Counter-Strike scene, has officially announced the addition of David "frozen" Čerňanský to their CS2 roster. This strategic move follows the departure of Russel "Twistzz" Van Dulken and marks the team's only change amidst a period where many other teams are opting for more extensive overhauls due to the transition from CS:GO to CS2.
A New Chapter for FaZe Clan
Frozen joins FaZe Clan after a notable tenure with MOUZ (formerly mousesports), a period that saw him achieve considerable success. His accomplishments include securing a victory at Flashpoint Season 3 in 2021 and earning the MVP title for his performance. The 21-year-old Slovakian player also boasts a second-place finish at the CS Asia Championship and a win at ESL Pro League Season 18 under his belt.
His consistent performances have not gone unnoticed, as he was ranked as the 17th-best player of 2022 by HLTV, a testament to his skill and impact on the game. With frozen's inclusion, FaZe Clan's lineup is now an exclusively European ensemble, featuring Håvard "rain" Nygaard, Helvijs "broky" Saukants, Finn "karrigan" Andersen, and Robin "ropz" Kool. Filip "NEO" Kubski continues to serve as the coach, providing his veteran insight and guidance.
Twistzz's Departure After a Stellar Season
The end of the 2023 season saw FaZe Clan achieve remarkable results, including victories at four S-tier tournaments and a top-eight finish at the Paris Major. Their impressive run included three consecutive tournament wins at IEM Sydney, the Thunderpick World Championships, and the CS Asia Championships, solidifying their status as a top contender in the competitive circuit.
Despite these triumphs, FaZe Clan had to part ways with Twistzz, who officially left the team on December 1. His departure sparked rumors of a potential return to Team Liquid, stirring the esports community with speculation. Twistzz, the 2022 Esports Play of the Year winner, shared that his decision to leave had been in the works for some time, even before the team's last string of successes.
"Before IEM Sydney started, the team knew I was leaving. It was like a last dance, but the success that followed was beyond what I could have predicted," Twistzz reflected on his final tournaments with FaZe Clan.
He conveyed deep appreciation for his time with FaZe, noting the friendships forged and the growth he experienced both personally and professionally. "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,” he added.
While acknowledging the unexpected nature of his decision, Twistzz reassured fans that he would soon reveal 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," said Twistzz.
Recognized as one of North America's premier Counter-Strike talents, Twistzz has distinguished himself as one of the few players to claim both an Intel Grand Slam and a PGL Major with two different teams. In parting words to his former teammates, he expressed gratitude for the support and the positive impact they had on 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 concluded.
The reshuffling of FaZe Clan's roster with frozen's arrival and Twistzz's exit marks a new era for the team. As they adapt to the evolving landscape of CS2, fans will undoubtedly watch closely to see if the fresh dynamic will continue the legacy of success that FaZe Clan has cultivated over the years.