FaZe Clan, a dominant force in the competitive Counter-Strike scene, has made a strategic roster update by welcoming David "frozen" Čerňanský. This move follows the departure of Russel "Twistzz" Van Dulken and comes amid a period where other teams are reshuffling their lineups significantly due to the shift from CS:GO to its successor, CS2.
FaZe's Calculated Roster Change
Unlike its counterparts, FaZe Clan has shown restraint with only one change in its lineup. Frozen joins the team, leaving behind his former squad, MOUZ (previously known as mousesports), where he has been a fixture since 2019. His tenure at MOUZ was marked by notable achievements, including a victory at Flashpoint Season three in 2021, where he also earned the MVP title.
The 21-year-old Slovakian has an impressive resume, boasting successes such as a second-place finish at the CS Asia Championship and a victory at ESL Pro League Season 18. His consistent performances have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by his ranking as the 17th-best player of 2022 by HLTV.
With frozen's addition, FaZe Clan now boasts a fully European roster, featuring talents like Håvard "rain" Nygaard, Helvijs "broky" Saukants, Finn "karrigan" Andersen, and Robin "ropz" Kool. The team continues under the guidance of coach Filip "NEO" Kubski.
Twistzz's Departure and Legacy
Twistzz bids adieu to FaZe after a remarkable season that saw the team secure victories at four S-tier tournaments and achieve a top-eight placement at the Paris Major. Their season concluded with a series of wins, including IEM Sydney, the Thunderpick World Championships, and the CS Asia Championships.
Although FaZe's season was largely successful, it was not without its challenges. They finished second at the Blast Premier Fall Final, falling to Team Vitality in the Grand Final. Despite these triumphs, Twistzz announced his departure from the team on December 1, fueling speculation about a potential return to Team Liquid.
Twistzz, who won the 2022 Esports Play of the Year, indicated that his decision to leave had been in the works for some time. "Before IEM Sydney started, the team knew I was leaving. It was a last dance of sorts, but the success we achieved afterwards was beyond my predictions," he commented.
He reminisced about his time with FaZe Clan fondly, stating, "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."
Acknowledging that his decision might come as a shock, Twistzz assured fans that he would soon share more about his future endeavors. He expressed eagerness for a new chapter, saying, "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."
Recognized as one of the premier Counter-Strike players, especially in North America, Twistzz is celebrated for achieving both an Intel Grand Slam and a PGL Major with two distinct teams—a testament to his skill and versatility.
In a heartfelt message to his former teammates, Twistzz conveyed his gratitude, highlighting the significant impact they had on his personal growth. "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.
Looking Ahead
As the esports world turns its eyes towards the upcoming competitions, FaZe Clan's decision to integrate frozen into its roster is a testament to the team's strategic approach to maintaining its position at the pinnacle of the sport. At the same time, the community eagerly awaits the next steps of a seasoned player like Twistzz, whose career moves are sure to make waves in the competitive landscape.
With a refreshed lineup and a legacy of success, FaZe Clan enters the new era of Counter-Strike poised for continued dominance, while Twistzz looks forward to new horizons with the determination and talent that have defined his illustrious career thus far.
