Russel “Twistzz” Van Dulken is a Canadian professional Counter-Strike 2 player known for his mechanical skill and consistency in high-pressure scenarios. With a career spanning multiple top-tier teams, including Team Liquid and FaZe Clan, Twistzz has established himself as a key figure in competitive Counter-Strike. His journey through the ranks of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) and into Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) is marked by numerous big victories, individual accolades, and a lasting impact on the North American esports scene.

Personal Background

Russel Van Dulken was born on November 14, 1999, in Toronto, Canada. His introduction to gaming came at an early age, playing first-person shooters. With strong family support, he pursued a professional career in CS:GO, which would ultimately lead him to global recognition in competitive gaming.

Early Professional Career

Twistzz’s professional career began in 2015 when he joined Tectonic, a relatively unknown team within the North American CS:GO scene. Moving quickly up the ranks, he played for SapphireKelownaDotCom before signing with AGG in early 2016. Though AGG was not a major contender, the experience allowed him to refine his skills and gain critical competitive experience.

After brief stints with KKona, Twistzz received an opportunity to stand in for Team SoloMid (TSM) in March 2016. His performance impressed the organization, resulting in his permanent signing. Playing for TSM, Twistzz demonstrated his superior mechanics and ability to make a difference in crucial rounds, attributes that would soon attract the attention of larger teams.

Major Teams and Competitive Success

Misfits Gaming

In early 2017, TSM released its roster, which was later acquired by Misfits Gaming. Twistzz’s tenure with Misfits was short-lived, but it provided him with additional exposure to high-level competition. His time with the squad further honed his skills, preparing him for his next step with Team Liquid.

Team Liquid (2017-2021)

Joining Team Liquid in April 2017 marked a turning point in Twistzz’s career. As one of North America’s premier teams, Liquid provided him with the infrastructure and teammates needed to compete at the highest levels. Early successes included a second-place finish at ESL One New York 2017 and victory at the Americas Minor Championship for the ELEAGUE Boston 2018 Major.

During his time on Liquid, Twistzz played a significant role in helping the team secure prominent victories. Some of the most notable achievements with Liquid include:

• Winning ESL One New York 2018, where he was awarded MVP by HLTV.
• Triumphing at IEM Sydney 2019, earning another MVP award.
• Winning ESL One Cologne 2019 as part of Team Liquid’s dominant year.
• Claiming the Intel Grand Slam Season 2, making Team Liquid one of the fastest teams in history to secure the achievement.

Despite these notable accomplishments, the team eventually struggled with consistency, leading to roster changes. By the end of 2020, Twistzz announced his departure from Liquid, later revealing his intent to move to Europe to compete.

FaZe Clan (2021-2023)

In January 2021, FaZe Clan signed Twistzz, replacing Kjaerbye. The move reunited him with experienced veterans and put him in a European-based roster. Initially, FaZe struggled to find immediate success, but consistent roster adjustments helped the squad gain momentum.

Some of his most significant achievements with FaZe Clan include:

• Winning IEM Katowice 2022.
• Victory at PGL Major Antwerp 2022, making him the second North American player to win both a Major and an Intel Grand Slam.
• Claiming the trophy at IEM Cologne 2022, completing a historic run that saw FaZe win IEM Katowice, a Major, and Cologne in the same year.
• Securing the Intel Grand Slam Season 4 in 2023, adding another prestigious title to his career.

In December 2023, Twistzz announced his departure from FaZe Clan and returned to Team Liquid for a new chapter in his career.

Notable Achievements and Awards

Major Championships

One of Twistzz’s most significant career milestones was winning the PGL Major Antwerp 2022 with FaZe Clan. This achievement made him the second North American player to secure both a Major and an Intel Grand Slam.

Intel Grand Slam Titles

• Won Intel Grand Slam Season 2 with Team Liquid.
• Secured Intel Grand Slam Season 4 with FaZe Clan.

ESL Pro League Titles

• Championed ESL Pro League Season 15 with FaZe Clan.
• Won ESL Pro League Season 17.

Personal Accolades

• Named MVP at ESL One New York 2018 and IEM Sydney 2019.
• Ranked the 9th best player in 2019 by HLTV.
• Ranked 17th best player of 2021 by HLTV.

Biggest Tournament Victories

• 🏆 PGL Major Antwerp 2022 – 1st place, $500,000
• 🏆 Intel Extreme Masters XVII – Cologne – 1st place, $400,000
• 🏆 Intel Extreme Masters XVI – Katowice – 1st place, $400,000
• 🏆 CS Asia Championships 2023 – 1st place, $250,000
• 🏆 Thunderpick World Championship 2023 – 1st place, $250,000
• 🏆 ESL Pro League Season 9 – Finals – 1st place, $250,000
• 🏆 ESL Pro League Season 17 – 1st place, $200,000
• 🏆 ESL Pro League Season 15 – 1st place, $190,000
• 🏆 Intel Extreme Masters XIV – Chicago – 1st place, $125,000
• 🏆 BLAST Pro Series: Los Angeles 2019 – 1st place, $125,000
• 🏆 ESL One: Cologne 2019 – 1st place, $125,000

Trivia and Additional Information

• Twistzz has an active social media presence, regularly updating fans on Twitter and Instagram.
• He streams on Twitch, where he shares insights into his gameplay and personal life.
• He has been in a long-term relationship with Carolin Hanisch, who is also involved in the esports industry.

FAQ – Twistzz

What nationality is Twistzz?

Twistzz is Canadian, born in Toronto, Ontario.

Which teams has Twistzz played for?

Twistzz has played for teams including Tectonic, Team SoloMid, Misfits Gaming, Team Liquid, and FaZe Clan.

What was Twistzz’s biggest achievement?

One of his biggest achievements is winning the PGL Major Antwerp 2022 with FaZe Clan.

Has Twistzz won an Intel Grand Slam?

Yes, he has won two Intel Grand Slam titles—one with Team Liquid in 2019 and another with FaZe Clan in 2023.

Why did Twistzz leave Team Liquid in 2020?

Twistzz left Team Liquid to join a European roster, ultimately moving to FaZe Clan in 2021.

When did Twistzz return to Team Liquid?

Twistzz returned to Team Liquid in December 2023 after leaving FaZe Clan.

What awards has Twistzz won?

Twistzz has won multiple MVP awards, including at ESL One New York 2018 and IEM Sydney 2019.

What makes Twistzz a notable player?

His exceptional aim, strong mechanical skill, and ability to perform under pressure make him a standout player in CS2 and CS:GO.

Does Twistzz stream on Twitch?

Yes, Twistzz streams on Twitch, where he interacts with fans and showcases high-level gameplay.