FaZe’s late push toward the PGL Singapore Major has been built on more than just results. After a pair of wins at RLG Tesla Cup, the team now sits in a strong position in HLTV’s qualification simulations, and captain Russel “Twistzz” Van Dulken says the group is learning as much from the process as from the scoreboard.
Speaking in Belgrade, Twistzz explained that the recent stretch of matches has given FaZe valuable time together after a difficult run. The team entered the event off back-to-back last-place finishes at FISSURE Playground 3 and Stake Ranked Episode 4, but recent tournament wins have helped steady their position ahead of the November 2 VRS update.
A recovery built through matches
Twistzz was clear that FaZe did not approach RLG Tesla Cup with the Major in mind first. The priority, he said, was to compete for the title and prove the team’s level. The Major race is important, but it is a side benefit rather than the main target.
That mindset matters because FaZe’s recent schedule has forced them to rebuild momentum in real matches. A title at Roman Imperium Cup IX and wins over Envy and HEROIC at DraculaN Season 7 already helped repair the damage from earlier setbacks, and the latest victories over Alliance and K27 have likely pushed them close enough to secure the invite.
For Twistzz, the value goes beyond qualification math. He argued that facing teams playing a lot of official matches has given FaZe useful in-server experience and better synergy. In his view, the time spent competing online and on LAN has helped the team understand itself better under pressure.
Twistzz and frozen look inward
One of the more interesting parts of the interview was Twistzz’s reflection on the tone he brings to the team. He admitted that both he and David “frozen” Čerňanský can be overly hard on themselves when things go wrong.
That, he said, is something they are actively trying to improve. Twistzz does not want younger teammates to be surrounded by negativity when mistakes happen. Instead, he wants to be the player who raises the mood, keeps the group confident, and helps them stay engaged even when his own performance is not ideal.
He framed that as part of a broader effort to be a better role model. According to Twistzz, there was an honest review after the previous events, and he and frozen are both working on how they carry themselves inside the team.
No new system, but a different energy
Twistzz said FaZe’s preparation for the event did not involve a complete change in approach. Instead, he described a period of work in the background with coach Niclas “enkay J” Krumhorn after DraculaN, including tweaks to the playbook and more meetings, while the rest of the team was given room to rest.
He also made it clear that the recent improvement is tied to the energy around the team as much as to strategy. For him, the way players are set up mentally matters just as much as tactical structure.
That is especially relevant for a FaZe lineup that is balancing expectations with a younger core. Twistzz’s message was that the team should not be dragged down by frustration after setbacks, especially when the goal is to help those players grow in a stable environment.
Looking toward Beijing and the tier-one return
FaZe’s immediate path still runs through the Major race, but Twistzz also looked ahead to their return to tier-one LAN play in Beijing. He said the team believes it can compete there, provided it sticks to its own game rather than worrying about the opponent’s reputation.
That was one of the main themes of his comments: FaZe want to play the same way regardless of whether the opposition is a lower-ranked side or a top contender. The focus, in his words, is on trust, belief, and not being overwhelmed by the name on the other side of the server.
For CS2 fans, the practical takeaway is straightforward: FaZe’s recent run is not just about saving a Major invite. It is also about rebuilding confidence, improving team chemistry, and preparing for a much harder stretch ahead. If that work holds, the team could arrive in Beijing with a more stable identity and a better chance to carry its form into the tier-one circuit.
