FaZe Clan, one of the most iconic organizations in the esports world, has solidified its reputation as a powerhouse in competitive Counter-Strike over the years. Known for its star-studded rosters and thrilling performances on the global stage, the team’s history encapsulates moments of triumph, heartbreak, and resilience. From its foundation in 2016 to its dominance in contemporary Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) tournaments, FaZe Clan remains a central figure in the esports industry’s evolution. In this article, we delve into the story of FaZe Clan, exploring its historical milestones, notable rosters, achievements, and performances across Major Championships and other prestigious tournaments.
History – Formation and Early Challenges
FaZe Clan‘s journey in Counter-Strike began in January 2016, with the acquisition of G2 Esports’ lineup for $700,000, a significant investment that underscored the organization’s ambition in the competitive gaming landscape. Formed in 2015, the initial core roster of the team included Mikail “Maikelele” Bill and Adil “ScreaM” Benrlitom. However, internal challenges such as leadership issues and inconsistent performances led to numerous roster changes in the early days.
The team eventually found stability by creating a Scandinavian core, which featured players like Håvard “rain” Nygaard, Joakim “jkaem” Myrbostad, Philip “aizy” Aistrup, and Ricardo “fox” Pacheco. Håvard “rain” Nygaard, in particular, became one of the longest-serving members, staying with FaZe through various phases of its evolution.
Rise to Prominence – The NiKo Era
A monumental moment for FaZe Clan came in early 2017 with the acquisition of Nikola “NiKo” Kovač from mousesports. NiKo, widely regarded as one of the most talented players in Counter-Strike, brought a much-needed spark to the team. His arrival signaled a turning point for FaZe, as they established themselves as a top-tier contender in international tournaments.
Under NiKo’s leadership and exceptional gameplay, FaZe enjoyed numerous successes, including their first major victory at the StarLadder i-League StarSeries Season 3, where they triumphed over Astralis in a grueling series. NiKo’s arrival initiated a phase characterized by tactical depth, individual brilliance, and exciting gameplay.
karrigan’s return – A new era for FaZe
The Danish in-leader, Finn “karrigan” Andersen was brought back to FaZe to lead the team after a troublesome time, where several players had come and left the roster without finding success. It took the Dane a year to create a new superteam, that would go on to dominate 2022 completely. FaZe won the prestigious IEM Katowice and IEM Cologne tournaments alongside the crown jewel in Counter-Strike a Major Championship when karrigan’s troops ended the NAVI dominance by winning PGL Major Antwerp 2022. The team transitioned excellently to the CS2 in 2023 and reached the Grand Finals of PGL Major Copenhagen and Perfect World Shanghai Major in 2024.
Current and Previous Roster
Current Lineup
As FaZe transitioned into the Counter-Strike 2 era, their roster comprised some of the best players in the world. Here is the current roster:
Finn “karrigan” Andersen – Known for his exceptional in-game leadership and tactical approach.
Helvijs “broky” Saukants – A Latvian AWPer who brings versatility and precision to the team.
Håvard “rain” Nygaard – The team’s longest-standing member, respected for his unwavering commitment and stellar aim.
David “frozen” Čerňanský -The Slovakian was handpicked to replace Twistzz on the lineup.
Jonathan “EliGE” Jablonowski – FaZe became the first European roster for the iconic American to join when he replaced ropz at the start of 2025.
Notable Former Players
Through the years, FaZe Clan has been home to numerous legendary players who left their mark on the organization:
Nikola “NiKo” Kovač – The driving force behind the team’s success during his tenure.- Ladislav “GuardiaN” Kovács – Legendary AWP’er who played for FaZe from 2017-19.
- Philip “aizy” Aistrup – A key member of FaZe’s early Scandinavian lineup.
- Joakim “jkaem” Myrbostad – An integral part of FaZe’s initial roster.
Ricardo “fox” Pacheco – A veteran player who contributed to FaZe’s foundational years.
Olof “olofmeister” Kajbjer Gustafsson – A legendary Swedish player who joined FaZe and added invaluable experience.
Russel “Twistzz” Van Dulken – A Canadian star renowned for his mechanical prowess and clutch plays.
Robin “ropz” Kool – An Estonian prodigy recognized for his consistency and high-impact performances.
Results in Major Championships
🏆PGL Major Antwerp 2022
🥈ELEAGUE Major 2018
🥈PGL CS2 Major Copenhagen 2024
🥈Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024
FaZe Clan’s track record in Counter-Strike Major Championships is marked by several memorable performances:
ELEAGUE Major: Boston 2018
One of FaZe Clan’s most iconic Major performances came at the ELEAGUE Major: Boston 2018. Despite being favorites to win, FaZe narrowly lost to Cloud9 in an unforgettable grand final that went into overtime. The match not only signified Cloud9’s historic Major victory as the first North American team to win but also underscored FaZe’s ability to compete at the highest level.
PGL Antwerp Major 2022
FaZe’s first Major Championship was won in Belgium, where FaZe went on a winning spree after having lost their first match of the Elimination Stage. The longest-standing member of the team Håvard “rain” Nygaard also wrote his name in the history books by winning the MVP award for the tournament.
CS2 Major Performances
Although Counter-Strike 2’s Major circuit is still in its infancy, FaZe Clan has already showcased strong performances, setting the stage for continued success in the new iteration of the game with two Grand Final appearances.
Notable Tournament Achievements
🏆Intel Grand Slam Season 4 – $1,000,000
🏆PGL Major Antwerp 2022 – $500,000
🏆ELEAGUE Premier 2017 – $500,000
🏆IEM Cologne 2022 – $400,000
🏆IEM Katowice 2022 – $400,000
🏆CS Asia Championships 2023 – $250,000
🏆Thunderpick World Championship 2023 – $250,000
🏆Esports Championships Series Season 4 2017 – $250,000
🥈 BLAST Premier: World Final 2023 – $250,000
Beyond Major Championships, FaZe Clan has an impressive resume of achievements in other premier tournaments:
- StarLadder i-League StarSeries Season 3: FaZe’s first major tournament victory, where they defeated Astralis.
- ECS Season 4: FaZe claimed the title by taking down mousesports in the final.
- IEM Oakland 2017: FaZe finished second after a hard-fought final against Ninjas in Pyjamas.
- ESL Pro League Season 6 Finals: FaZe earned a second-place finish, losing to SK Gaming in the final.
- IEM Katowice and IEM Cologne 2022: Two instrumental wins for a new iteration of the FaZe lineup.
- Intel Grand Slam Season 4: A monumental victory that awarded the team $1,000,000, cementing their legacy in Counter-Strike history.
Notable CS2 Tournament Performances
Since the release of Counter-Strike 2, FaZe Clan has continued to deliver stellar results:
- Thunderpick World Championship 2023: FaZe took home the title and a $250,000 prize.
- IEM 2023 – Sydney: They emerged victorious, securing $100,000.
- Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024: FaZe finished as runners-up, earning $170,000.
- IEM 2024 – Chengdu: Another tournament win for FaZe, with a prize of $100,000.
FaZe Clan’s FAQ Section
What is FaZe Clan?
FaZe Clan is a globally recognized esports organization that competes in various games, including Counter-Strike 2. They are known for their talent-packed rosters and consistent success in competitive gaming.
When did FaZe Clan enter Counter-Strike esports?
FaZe Clan entered the competitive Counter-Strike scene in January 2016 by acquiring G2 Esports’ roster.
Who is the current in-game leader of FaZe Clan in CS2?
The current in-game leader (IGL) of FaZe Clan is Finn “karrigan” Andersen, known for his strategic acumen and leadership skills.
What was FaZe Clan’s most notable performance in a Major Championship?
Their most notable Major Championship performance was at the ELEAGUE Major: Boston 2018, where they finished as runners-up after a dramatic final against Cloud9.
Who are the longest-serving members of FaZe Clan?
Håvard “rain” Nygaard is the longest-serving member of FaZe Clan, having been with the organization since its entry into Counter-Strike.
What are some of FaZe Clan’s biggest tournament wins?
Some of FaZe Clan’s major wins include the StarLadder i-League StarSeries Season 3, ECS Season 4, and the Intel Grand Slam Season 4.
Has FaZe Clan won a CS2 Major?
As of now, FaZe Clan has not yet won a CS2 Major but remains a top contender in the competitive scene.
What is the Intel Grand Slam, and when did FaZe Clan win it?
The Intel Grand Slam is a prestigious award given to teams that win four premier tournaments organized by ESL or DreamHack. FaZe Clan won the Intel Grand Slam Season 4, earning $1,000,000.
Which famous players have previously played for FaZe Clan?
Notable former players include Nikola “NiKo” Kovač, Joakim “jkaem” Myrbostad, and Olof “olofmeister” Kajbjer Gustafsson.
What makes FaZe Clan one of the most successful teams in Counter-Strike?
FaZe Clan’s success stems from their ability to assemble world-class players, adapt to new challenges, and deliver consistent performances across multiple iterations of the game, including both CS:GO and CS2.
