FaZe Clan has officially welcomed David "frozen" Čerňanský to its Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) team, following the departure of Russel "Twistzz" Van Dulken. In a competitive landscape that has seen numerous teams revamp their rosters in response to the transition from CS:GO to CS2, FaZe Clan has taken a more conservative approach, opting for a singular change to their lineup.
Previously a member of MOUZ (formerly known as mousesports) since 2019, frozen brings with him an impressive track record. His accolades include a victory at Flashpoint Season Three in 2021, where he also earned the MVP title. The 21-year-old Slovakian has enjoyed other successes, such as finishing second at the CS Asia Championship and securing a win at ESL Pro League Season 18. These achievements have not gone unnoticed, with HLTV ranking him as the 17th-best player of 2022.
A New European Ensemble
The addition of frozen marks a significant milestone for FaZe Clan, as their roster is now composed entirely of European players. Alongside frozen, the team features Håvard "rain" Nygaard from Norway, Helvijs "broky" Saukants from Latvia, Finn "karrigan" Andersen from Denmark, and Robin "ropz" Kool from Estonia. They are coached by Filip "NEO" Kubski from Poland.
Twistzz's Departure After a Remarkable Season
FaZe Clan's 2023 season was nothing short of remarkable, boasting victories at four S-tier tournaments and achieving a top-eight placement at the Paris Major. Their season concluded with a flourish, as they claimed three consecutive tournament wins at IEM Sydney, the Thunderpick World Championships, and the CS Asia Championships.
Despite these triumphs, the season also marked the end of Twistzz's tenure with the team. The Canadian player officially left on December 1st, fueling speculation about a potential return to his former team, Team Liquid. Having been awarded the 2022 Esports Play of the Year, Twistzz indicated that his decision to leave had been long in the making.
"Before IEM Sydney started, the team knew I was leaving. It was like a last dance, but the success we achieved was beyond my expectations," Twistzz reflected on his departure.
He continued, "I've made friends for life here and would be proud to don the FaZe jersey again if the chance arose."
Though his exit might come as a shock to many, Twistzz reassured fans that further details regarding his future endeavors would be forthcoming. He conveyed his eagerness to embrace new challenges, while also expressing contentment with the bittersweet conclusion to his time with FaZe Clan.
As one of North America's most distinguished Counter-Strike players, Twistzz has carved out a legacy that includes winning both an Intel Grand Slam and a PGL Major with two distinct teams—an extraordinary feat in the realm of esports.
In his parting words to his teammates, Twistzz expressed profound gratitude for their support, noting the significant 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 acknowledged.
As FaZe Clan turns the page to a new chapter with frozen, the esports community eagerly anticipates what this refreshed lineup will bring to the evolving landscape of CS2. With a blend of seasoned veterans and fresh talent, FaZe Clan looks poised to continue its legacy of excellence in the competitive circuit. Meanwhile, fans of Twistzz will be watching closely to see where his next adventure leads in the ever-dynamic world of professional esports.