In a strategic move that has caught the attention of esports enthusiasts worldwide, FaZe Clan has announced the acquisition of David "frozen" Čerňanský as the latest addition to their Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) squad, following Russel "Twistzz" Van Dulken's departure from the team. This change comes at a time when other teams are shaking up their rosters in response to the transition from CS:GO to its successor, CS2. However, FaZe Clan has taken a more conservative approach, opting for just one change in their lineup.
Introducing Frozen to FaZe Clan
Frozen joins FaZe from MOUZ, formerly known as mousesports, where he has been a fixture since 2019. During his tenure with MOUZ, frozen has accumulated a series of commendable achievements, including a first-place finish at Flashpoint Season 3 in 2021, where he also earned the MVP award. The young Slovakian player has demonstrated his prowess on numerous occasions, notably securing a second-place finish at the CS Asia Championship and triumphing at ESL Pro League Season 18. His consistent performances have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by his ranking as the 17th-best player of 2022 by HLTV.
The addition of frozen marks a significant milestone for FaZe Clan, as their roster now consists entirely of European talent. The current lineup includes Håvard "rain" Nygaard, Helvijs "broky" Saukants, Finn "karrigan" Andersen, and Robin "ropz" Kool, with Filip "NEO" Kubski at the helm as coach.
Twistzz's Departure and Legacy
Despite an impressive season that concluded with victories at four S-tier tournaments and a top-eight placement at the Paris Major, FaZe Clan had to bid farewell to Twistzz. The Canadian sharpshooter officially parted ways with the team on December 1, sparking rumors of a potential return to Team Liquid. Acknowledged as the 2022 Esports Play of the Year, Twistzz revealed that his decision to leave was premeditated.
"Before IEM Sydney started, the team knew I was leaving. I knew it would be a last dance, but I could never have predicted the success that followed," Twistzz reflected on his final tournaments with FaZe Clan. He further expressed his gratitude towards the team and organization, hinting at the possibility of donning the FaZe jersey again if the opportunity arose.
While the news of his departure may come as a shock to many fans, Twistzz reassured them that he will share more about his future endeavors in due course. He conveyed his readiness to embrace a new challenge, leaving FaZe Clan on what he described as a "bittersweet" note.
Twistzz has established himself as a formidable force in the North American Counter-Strike scene, achieving rare feats such as winning both an Intel Grand Slam and a PGL Major with two different teams. In his parting words, he thanked his former teammates for their unwavering support and for contributing 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 said, acknowledging the positive impact his time with FaZe Clan had on him both professionally and personally.
Looking Ahead
As the dust settles on this latest roster update, the eyes of the esports world will undoubtedly be on FaZe Clan to see how they integrate frozen into their ranks. With a track record of resilience and adaptability, FaZe Clan appears poised to continue their legacy of success in the competitive CS2 landscape.
Meanwhile, Twistzz's future remains a subject of speculation, but his track record suggests that whatever team he joins next will gain a player of exceptional talent and experience. As the CS2 era dawns, both FaZe Clan and Twistzz embark on new chapters in their storied careers, ready to face fresh challenges and achieve new heights.