In a strategic move that has surprised many in the esports community, FaZe Clan has announced the addition of David "frozen" Čerňanský to their CS2 team roster. The announcement comes on the heels of Russel "Twistzz" Van Dulken's departure from the squad. Unlike other teams who are making sweeping changes in response to the shift from CS:GO to CS2, FaZe Clan has taken a more conservative approach, opting for a single change in their lineup.
Frozen Joins FaZe Clan
Former MOUZ player frozen has been turning heads since 2019, amassing an impressive array of achievements in the competitive Counter-Strike scene. His most notable victory came with a first-place finish at Flashpoint Season three in 2021, where he also earned the MVP award. At just 21 years old, the Slovakian prodigy has already secured a second-place spot at the CS Asia Championship and claimed victory at ESL Pro League Season 18. Recognized for his exceptional skill, frozen was ranked as the 17th-best player of 2022 by HLTV, solidifying his reputation as a formidable talent in the esports world.
The addition of frozen completes FaZe Clan's transformation into an exclusively European team. The current lineup boasts a wealth of experience and talent, featuring Håvard "rain" Nygaard, Helvijs "broky" Saukants, Finn "karrigan" Andersen, and Robin "ropz" Kool. Behind them stands coach Filip "NEO" Kubski, a seasoned veteran in the Counter-Strike arena.
A Fond Farewell to Twistzz
Despite a season filled with triumphs, including victories at four S-tier tournaments and a commendable top-eight placement at the Paris Major, FaZe Clan faced the bittersweet task of saying goodbye to Twistzz. The Canadian powerhouse left the team on December 1st, sparking rumors of a potential return to Team Liquid. The Esports Play of the Year winner for 2022, Twistzz revealed that his departure had been in the works for some time.
"Before IEM Sydney started, the team knew I was leaving. It was a last dance of sorts, but the success that followed was beyond my wildest dreams," he shared. Twistzz reflected on his time with FaZe Clan fondly, cherishing the bonds formed and the growth he experienced both personally and professionally. He hinted at his future plans, expressing excitement for new challenges ahead while maintaining an air of mystery about his next steps.
Twistzz leaves behind a legacy as one of North America's premier Counter-Strike talents, having achieved the rare feat of winning both an Intel Grand Slam and a PGL Major with two different teams. In his parting words, he expressed deep gratitude towards his teammates, crediting them with helping him evolve as a person and a player.
Looking Ahead
FaZe Clan's decision to recruit frozen reflects a confidence in their existing framework and a belief in the young star's ability to further elevate the team. As they forge ahead into the next competitive season, eyes will be on how this new dynamic plays out on the virtual battlefield. Will frozen's raw talent seamlessly blend with the seasoned strategies of his new comrades? Only time will tell.
Meanwhile, the community eagerly awaits the unfolding of Twistzz's career. His tenure with FaZe Clan may have ended, but his influence on the team and the broader esports landscape is indelible. As one chapter closes, another begins, and fans are on the edge of their seats, anticipating the next big play in the ever-evolving saga of competitive Counter-Strike.
As the dust settles on these recent developments, both FaZe Clan and Twistzz look to the future with optimism. For FaZe, it's the start of a new era with frozen at the helm of their offensive line. And for Twistzz, it's the promise of fresh beginnings and the thrill of unknown battles to come. One thing is certain: the world of esports remains as unpredictable and exhilarating as ever.