FaZe Clan has officially welcomed David "frozen" Čerňanský to its CS2 team roster, following the departure of Russel "Twistzz" Van Dulken. As teams across the esports landscape navigate the seismic shift from CS:GO to CS2, FaZe Clan has taken a more conservative route by making a solitary change to their lineup.
The 21-year-old Slovakian prodigy joins FaZe after an impressive tenure with MOUZ (formerly known as mousesports), which began in 2019. Frozen's competitive pedigree includes notable achievements such as clinching the top spot at Flashpoint Season Three in 2021, where he also earned the MVP title, and triumphing at ESL Pro League Season 18. His consistent high-level performances have not gone unnoticed, with HLTV ranking him as the 17th-best player of 2022.
Strategic Roster Refreshment
FaZe Clan's strategic addition of frozen turns the page to a new chapter for the organization, shaping the team into an exclusively European ensemble. The current roster boasts talents like Håvard "rain" Nygaard, Helvijs "broky" Saukants, Finn "karrigan" Andersen, and Robin "ropz" Kool. Guiding the team from the coaching position is Filip "NEO" Kubski, whose experience and tactical acumen are invaluable assets.
A Fond Farewell to Twistzz
The conclusion of the 2023 season saw FaZe Clan achieve remarkable success, securing victories at four S-tier tournaments and earning a top-eight placement at the Paris Major. Their exceptional performance was highlighted by a trio of consecutive wins at IEM Sydney, the Thunderpick World Championships, and the CS Asia Championships.
Despite these accomplishments, the team had to part ways with Twistzz, who officially left on December 1. This sparked discussions about a potential reunion with Team Liquid, a move that would mark a significant return to his roots. Twistzz, the recipient of the 2022 Esports Play of the Year award, disclosed that his decision to leave was premeditated and communicated to the team prior to their campaign at IEM Sydney.
"Before IEM Sydney started, the team knew I was leaving. It was meant to be a last dance, but the success that we achieved was beyond my wildest dreams," Twistzz reflected. He continued to express his deep connection with the team, stating, "I've made friends for life here, and if the chance comes up again, wearing the FaZe jersey would be an honor."
While his departure may come as a shock to many, Twistzz reassured fans that he will soon share more about his future endeavors. He expressed enthusiasm for embracing new challenges ahead.
"The decision may surprise some, but rest assured, I'll reveal more in due time. For now, I'm ready for the next challenge. Leaving is bittersweet, but I'm departing on a high note," said Twistzz.
Twistzz's legacy in Counter-Strike is illustrious, marked by his rare achievement of winning both an Intel Grand Slam and a PGL Major with two distinct teams—a testament to his skill and versatility within the North American scene.
In a heartfelt message to his former teammates, Twistzz conveyed gratitude for their unwavering support, emphasizing how it fostered his personal growth.
"You've all helped me evolve as a person. I've always felt supported and comfortable throughout our journey together. Each one of you has played a role in shaping the person I am today," he concluded.
As FaZe Clan embarks on this new era with frozen in their ranks, the esports community will be eagerly watching to see if the team can sustain the momentum built over the past season. Meanwhile, the anticipation around Twistzz's next move adds another layer of excitement to the ever-evolving narrative of professional Counter-Strike.