In a strategic move that has the esports community buzzing, FaZe Clan has announced the acquisition of David "frozen" Čerňanský as their newest member for the CS2 squad. This transition comes on the heels of Russel "Twistzz" Van Dulken's departure from the team. While many teams in the competitive landscape are opting for extensive roster overhauls, FaZe Clan's approach has been more conservative, with only this single change being made to their lineup.
Introducing Frozen to FaZe Clan
Frozen's entry into FaZe Clan is not without merit; his impressive tenure with MOUZ (formerly mousesports) since 2019 has seen him secure significant victories. Notably, he emerged victorious at Flashpoint Season Three in 2021 and was named the MVP of that tournament. The young Slovakian player's prowess has been recognized internationally, earning him the 17th-best player ranking of 2022 by HLTV—an acknowledgment of his skills and consistency in the field.
The addition of frozen to FaZe Clan's ranks marks a shift towards an all-European lineup. Alongside frozen now stand Håvard "rain" Nygaard, Helvijs "broky" Saukants, Finn "karrigan" Andersen, and Robin "ropz" Kool. Guiding them from the sidelines is coach Filip "NEO" Kubski, a seasoned veteran in the Counter-Strike scene.
A Fond Farewell to Twistzz
On the other side of the spectrum, FaZe Clan bids adieu to Twistzz after what can only be described as a stellar season. The team's 2023 campaign was marked by triumphs across four S-tier tournaments, culminating in a top-eight finish at the Paris Major. Their remarkable journey included a string of three consecutive tournament wins: IEM Sydney, the Thunderpick World Championships, and the CS Asia Championships. Despite these achievements, they fell just short at the Blast Premier Fall Final, where they finished second to Team Vitality in an intense Grand Final showdown.
Twistzz's exit from FaZe Clan was officially confirmed on December 1, leading to speculation about a potential return to Team Liquid. The 2022 Esports Play of the Year recipient disclosed that his decision had been in the works for some time, having informed his team prior to IEM Sydney—a tournament that marked the beginning of their extraordinary winning streak.
"Before IEM Sydney started, the team knew I was leaving. I knew it would be a last dance, but I could never have predicted the success that followed," Twistzz reflected on his final chapter with FaZe Clan.
Despite the surprise his departure might cause among fans, Twistzz has promised to share more details about his future endeavors when the time is right. For now, he hints at his readiness to tackle new challenges in the competitive arena.
"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," he shared, expressing a mix of nostalgia and excitement for the future.
Twistzz's legacy within FaZe Clan and the broader Counter-Strike community is indelible. As one of the elite players from North America, his accolades include securing both an Intel Grand Slam and a PGL Major title with two different teams—a testament to his skill and versatility as a competitor.
In parting words to his former teammates, Twistzz offered a heartfelt message of gratitude, acknowledging the profound impact they've had on his personal and professional 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 concluded, underscoring the camaraderie and support that define his time with FaZe Clan.
As the CS2 scene continues to evolve, the moves made by FaZe Clan and the departure of Twistzz signify not just the end of an era, but the dawning of new opportunities for growth and competition. With fresh faces and seasoned veterans alike, the stage is set for another exhilarating year in esports.