FaZe Clan, one of the dominant forces in competitive Counter-Strike, has announced the addition of David "frozen" Čerňanský to their CS2 roster. This strategic move comes on the heels of Russel "Twistzz" Van Dulken's departure from the team. While other teams are grappling with major overhauls during the transition from CS:GO to CS2, FaZe Clan has taken a more conservative approach, opting for a singular change to their lineup.
Introducing Frozen
Frozen joins FaZe Clan after a successful tenure with MOUZ, previously known as mousesports, where he played since 2019. The young Slovakian has an impressive resume, boasting a victory at Flashpoint Season Three in 2021 and earning the MVP title for the tournament. His career highlights include a second-place finish at the CS Asia Championship and a first-place win at ESL Pro League Season 18. His consistent performance has not gone unnoticed, as he was ranked the 17th-best player of 2022 by HLTV.
At just 21 years old, frozen brings a fresh yet experienced perspective to FaZe Clan. With his inclusion, the team now boasts an exclusively European roster, featuring talents such as Håvard "rain" Nygaard, Helvijs "broky" Saukants, Finn "karrigan" Andersen, and Robin "ropz" Kool. Behind them stands Filip "NEO" Kubski, serving as the coach and guiding the team's strategic direction.
A Fond Farewell to Twistzz
The end of the 2023 season saw FaZe Clan achieve remarkable success, winning four S-tier tournaments and securing a top-eight placement at the Paris Major. They concluded the season with a string of victories, clinching titles at IEM Sydney, the Thunderpick World Championships, and the CS Asia Championships. Despite a strong performance throughout the year, culminating in a second-place finish at the Blast Premier Fall Final against Team Vitality, FaZe Clan had to part ways with Twistzz.
Twistzz's departure, effective December 1, has stirred up conversations about a potential reunion with Team Liquid. The 2022 Esports Play of the Year recipient shared that his exit from FaZe Clan was premeditated, with the team being aware of his decision before the commencement of IEM Sydney. He described the subsequent triumphs as a 'last dance' which surpassed all expectations.
Reflecting on his time with FaZe Clan, Twistzz expressed heartfelt gratitude towards his teammates and the organization, acknowledging the deep bonds formed and the personal growth he experienced. He left open the possibility of donning the FaZe jersey again if the opportunity arises.
While his next steps remain shrouded in mystery, Twistzz assured fans that further details about his future endeavors would be forthcoming. Known for his prowess in Counter-Strike and as one of the rare talents to claim both an Intel Grand Slam and a PGL Major with two different teams, he is ready to embrace new challenges ahead.
In a statement filled with emotion and respect, Twistzz thanked his former teammates for their unwavering support, highlighting the significant impact they've had on his life and career.
Looking Ahead
FaZe Clan's roster update marks a pivotal moment as the team prepares to navigate the evolving landscape of CS2. With frozen stepping in to fill the void left by Twistzz, the team retains a formidable lineup capable of maintaining their competitive edge. The blend of experience and raw talent within the team sets the stage for another exciting season in the world of professional Counter-Strike.
The eSports community will undoubtedly keep a close eye on both FaZe Clan's progress with their refreshed roster and Twistzz's next chapter. As the dust settles on these recent changes, fans and competitors alike await the impact these moves will have on the future tournaments and the ever-shifting dynamics of the CS2 scene.