FaZe Clan, the renowned esports organization, has announced the acquisition of David "frozen" Čerňanský as the newest member of their Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) team. This strategic move comes on the heels of Russel "Twistzz" Van Dulken's departure from the squad. Unlike other teams that have undergone significant overhauls with the shift to CS2, FaZe Clan has exercised restraint, opting for a solitary change to their roster.
A New Chapter with Frozen
Frozen joins FaZe Clan following an impressive tenure with MOUZ, formerly known as mousesports, where he has competed since 2019. The 21-year-old Slovakian player boasts a remarkable record, including a first-place finish at Flashpoint Season three in 2021, where he also earned the MVP title. His competitive prowess was further affirmed with a second-place showing at the CS Asia Championship and a victory at ESL Pro League Season 18. These achievements contributed to his ranking as the 17th-best player of 2022 by HLTV.
The addition of frozen marks a significant milestone for FaZe Clan, as the team now features an exclusively European lineup. Alongside frozen, the roster includes Håvard "rain" Nygaard, Helvijs "broky" Saukants, Finn "karrigan" Andersen, and Robin "ropz" Kool. Filip "NEO" Kubski rounds out the team as the coach, bringing his extensive experience to the table.
Twistzz Departs After a Remarkable Season
The 2023 season saw FaZe Clan achieving considerable success, securing victories at four S-tier tournaments and reaching the top eight at the Paris Major. Their triumphant streak included consecutive wins at IEM Sydney, the Thunderpick World Championships, and the CS Asia Championships. Despite these accomplishments, they fell short at the Blast Premier Fall Final, finishing second to Team Vitality.
Russel "Twistzz" Van Dulken officially parted ways with FaZe Clan on December 1, igniting rumors about a potential return to his former team, Team Liquid. The 2022 Esports Play of the Year recipient disclosed that his exit had been premeditated well before their last tournament run. "Before IEM Sydney started, the team knew I was leaving. It was a last dance of sorts, but the ensuing success was beyond my wildest predictions," Twistzz reflected on his departure.
Twistzz holds a unique place in the annals of Counter-Strike history, being one of the select few North American players to clinch both an Intel Grand Slam and a PGL Major with different teams. He expressed deep gratitude towards his former teammates at FaZe Clan, crediting them with contributing significantly to 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 stated, acknowledging the impact of his time with FaZe Clan.
While the news of his departure may come as a shock to many fans, Twistzz reassured them of his readiness to embrace a new challenge. Although details regarding his future endeavors remain scarce, he promised to share more information in due course. "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.
As FaZe Clan turns the page to a new chapter with frozen, the esports community eagerly anticipates the team's continued evolution and success in the competitive CS:GO landscape. Meanwhile, Twistzz's next steps are shrouded in anticipation, as fans await the reveal of his new destination in the world of professional esports.
With the ever-changing dynamics of team rosters and the constant pursuit of excellence, the only certainty is that the world of competitive gaming remains as thrilling and unpredictable as ever. FaZe Clan and Twistzz, each embarking on separate paths, carry with them the legacy of their shared triumphs and the promise of future glories in the realm of esports.