FaZe Clan signs ex-Team Liquid star Twistzz to CSGO roster

Fariha Bhatti • January 30, 18:47

FaZe Clan has confirmed the signing of Canadian star Russel “Twistzz” Van Dulken, as part of the 2021 revamp of its Counter-Strike: Global Offensive roster. Markus “Kjaerbye” Kjærbye will be emptying his slot to make space for the new recruit.

Team Liquid was quick to replace its ace rifler with Brazilian veteran Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo. That made Twistzz’s landing spot one of the biggest mysteries in all of esports.

The next step in my career, the chance to continue my growth as a player and to get back to where I want to be. Trophies are in the future and I believe in myself and my teammates that we can be the best, super excited for this opportunity 😊 https://t.co/XhzInNxicY

— Russel van Dulken (@Twistzz) January 30, 2021

The announcement comes weeks after Liquid and Twistzz split following a subpar 2020. While the bold move was met with questions from fans, FalleN’s incredible performance in Team Liquid has silenced cynics thanks to his sharp aim with the AWP and strategic skills.

Though Team Liquid found the perfect replacement in a matter of days, Twistzz took a bit more time to consider his new home. The Canadian pro will be joining the star-studded roster of FaZe featuring the likes of two-time major winner Marcelo “⁠coldzera⁠“ David, and Håvard “⁠rain⁠“ Nygaard.

His firepower and adaptability should be a big help to FaZe’s struggling roster, which has been struggling since the transfer of Nikola “NiKo” Kovač’s exit to G2 Esports. FaZe took a massive hit with NiKo’s departure, which means Twistzz is expected to be the team’s next kill-machine.

“I feel like I’ve been performing, I’m pretty good in FPL. So I’m super motivated to get back…I really believe that I can still be a top-five player, for sure,” Twistzz told HLTV.

FaZe adds Twistzz ahead of 2021 season

Currently, numerous areas in FaZe’s CSGO division need patching, and Twistzz’s addition won’t magically set the team straight. For starters, the coldzera-led roster is in dire need of an in-game leader to help the team keep its focus during rounds. coldzera does not seem to be especially comfortable in the captain’s chair, which means that FaZe’s hunt is far from over. Finn “karrigan” Andersen’s free agent status after a successful run with mousesports hints that he may be set to return to a FaZe that could definitely use him. If the move materializes, FaZe will have a skilled IGL to spearhead roster of star players after spinning its wheels in 2020.

FaZe clan’s CSGO roster if reports come to fruition: