In a strategic move that's more of a refinement than an overhaul, FaZe Clan has announced the acquisition of David "frozen" Čerňanský as their latest team member for CS2. This decision comes on the heels of Russel "Twistzz" Van Dulken's departure from the squad. While many teams in the competitive scene are opting for significant roster changes amidst the shift from CS:GO to CS2, FaZe Clan is taking a calculated path with just one change to its lineup.
Frozen Steps In
Formerly a key player for MOUZ (previously known as mousesports), frozen has been turning heads since 2019 with his exceptional gameplay. His tenure at MOUZ was highlighted by a triumphant run at Flashpoint Season three in 2021, where he not only took home the victory but was also crowned the MVP of the tournament. The 21-year-old Slovakian has a commendable list of achievements, including a second-place finish at the CS Asia Championship and a win at ESL Pro League Season 18. These accomplishments have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by his ranking as the 17th-best player of 2022 by HLTV.
With frozen's entry, FaZe Clan boasts an all-European roster, featuring talents like 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 with his seasoned expertise.
A Fond Farewell to Twistzz
The conclusion of the 2023 season saw FaZe Clan at the top of their game, claiming victories at four S-tier tournaments and securing a top-eight spot at the Paris Major. Their impressive performance was underscored by winning streaks at IEM Sydney, the Thunderpick World Championships, and the CS Asia Championships. Despite this success, the team had to part ways with Twistzz, who officially left the roster on December 1st, fueling rumors about a possible return to Team Liquid.
The Canadian prodigy, celebrated as the 2022 Esports Play of the Year, acknowledged that his departure had been in the works for some time. "Before IEM Sydney started, the team knew I was leaving. It was meant to be a last dance of sorts, but the ensuing success we enjoyed was beyond my expectations," he shared.
Twistzz spoke warmly of his time with FaZe Clan, hinting at the deep bonds formed during his stint with the team. "I've made friends for life here, and I'd proudly don a FaZe jersey again if the chance came up," he reflected.
Although his exit might come as a shock to fans, Twistzz reassured them that he would soon share more about his future endeavors. He conveyed his eagerness for new challenges, stating, "While it's tough to leave, I'm excited about what lies ahead and pleased that we parted on such a high note."
Twistzz's legacy includes being one of the rare talents to secure both an Intel Grand Slam and a PGL Major with two different teams. As he steps away from FaZe Clan, he expressed heartfelt gratitude towards his former teammates for their unwavering support and the significant role they played in his personal development. "You helped me grow into a better person, never once passing judgment, and ensuring I felt comfortable at every turn. I am who I am today because of each of you," he concluded.
As FaZe Clan turns the page with frozen now part of their ranks, the esports community watches keenly to see if this single yet potentially impactful roster change will sustain the team's high-performance trajectory into the new era of CS2. Meanwhile, Twistzz's next chapter remains a subject of much anticipation, with fans eagerly awaiting the revelation of his next big leap in the competitive Counter-Strike arena.