FaZe Clan, one of the most prominent organizations in esports, has officially announced the latest addition to their Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) team—David "frozen" Čerňanský. This strategic move follows the departure of Russel "Twistzz" Van Dulken and comes amidst a period where many teams are reevaluating their rosters due to the evolution of CS:GO into its next iteration, commonly referred to as CS2.
FaZe's Calculated Roster Change
While sweeping changes have become commonplace in the competitive scene as teams adjust to the new demands of CS2, FaZe Clan has taken a more conservative approach by making a single, yet significant, roster change. Frozen joins FaZe after an impressive tenure with MOUZ, previously known as mousesports, which he joined back in 2019.
The young Slovakian player boasts a commendable track record, with triumphs that include securing a victory at Flashpoint Season three in 2021 and earning the MVP title for his performance during the event. At just 21 years old, frozen has also achieved other notable successes, such as a second-place finish at the CS Asia Championship and a win at ESL Pro League Season 18. His consistent high-level play earned him the accolade of being ranked as the 17th-best player of 2022 by HLTV, a respected authority in the CS:GO community.
With frozen's inclusion, FaZe Clan now fields a roster that is entirely European, featuring talents like Håvard "rain" Nygaard, Helvijs "broky" Saukants, Finn "karrigan" Andersen, and Robin "ropz" Kool. Filip "NEO" Kubski rounds out the team as coach, bringing his veteran experience to guide the squad.
Twistzz's Departure and Legacy
The end of the 2023 season marked a bittersweet moment for FaZe Clan as they bid farewell to Twistzz. The Canadian player's exit from the team came after a stellar season where FaZe claimed victories at four S-tier tournaments and secured a top-eight placement at the Paris Major. The team's remarkable achievements were highlighted by winning streaks at prestigious events such as IEM Sydney, the Thunderpick World Championships, and the CS Asia Championships.
Despite their success, FaZe Clan had to come to terms with Twistzz's decision to leave, which was officially announced on December 1st. Rumors quickly began to circulate about a potential return to Team Liquid for the 2022 Esports Play of the Year winner. Twistzz disclosed that his departure was premeditated and that his teammates were aware of his intentions prior to IEM Sydney, referring to the subsequent tournament run as a "last dance."
Twistzz's time with FaZe Clan was not only marked by his competitive achievements but also by personal growth and camaraderie. He expressed deep gratitude toward his former teammates and the organization, acknowledging the profound impact they had on his life and career. Despite the unexpected nature of his departure, he reassured fans that he would soon share more about his future endeavors and expressed enthusiasm for embracing a new challenge.
Renowned as one of the premier players in North American Counter-Strike, Twistzz's legacy includes the rare accomplishment of securing both an Intel Grand Slam and a PGL Major with two different teams. His skill and contributions to the game have set a high bar for both current and aspiring professional players.
In parting words to his former teammates, Twistzz conveyed heartfelt thanks and appreciation for the unwavering support and positive environment they provided. He credited them for helping him evolve into the person he is today, highlighting the strong bonds formed during their time together.
FaZe Clan's transition into the new era of Counter-Strike with frozen on board and the departure of a key figure like Twistzz marks a pivotal moment for the organization. As the esports landscape continues to shift, all eyes will be on FaZe to see if their strategic decisions pay off and how they adapt to the challenges and opportunities that CS2 presents.