FaZe Clan’s decision to bench longtime AWPer Helvijs “broky” Saukants shocked the Counter-Strike 2 community, especially given how closely his name has been tied to the organization for years. However, coach Niclas “enkay J” Krumhorn has now revealed the real story behind the move, explaining it on the Half Time podcast. His comments shed light on why FaZe swapped Broky for young Danish talent Jason “JBOEN” Boe Nielsen — and whether this arrangement could turn permanent.
The Background Behind the Decision
According to enkay J, the turning point came after FaZe’s performance at Stake Ranked #2, also referred to as episode two, held in Barcelona. At that event, it became clear to the coaching staff that a change at the AWP position was necessary. As enkay J put it, Broky’s name is so strongly linked to FaZe that mentioning one almost automatically brings up the other, which made the decision emotionally difficult given everything Broky had achieved with the organization.
Despite the history, enkay J said the issue was not talent but consistency. He noted that Broky was “lacking consistency” and creating “chaos” on the server, which made it increasingly hard for teammates to build strategies around him. Enkay J added that if Broky had been delivering standout performances regularly, the team could have overlooked the inconsistency. Since that wasn’t happening, FaZe’s staff concluded a change was unavoidable.
How JBOEN Entered the Picture
The search for a new AWPer did not start suddenly. Enkay J revealed that he already had a list of potential AWP candidates in mind from the moment he joined FaZe, though the timing wasn’t right to act on it then. The real shift happened once FaZe’s summer player break began in early June, a break that started earlier than usual because the team did not qualify for the Major.
During this break, enkay J said he was simultaneously on vacation and holding meetings with FaZe’s leadership, as well as interviewing AWP candidates directly. The team had narrowed its focus to two main options. However, negotiations with one candidate did not progress as smoothly as hoped, which pushed talks with JBOEN forward much faster than expected. As time became limited, FaZe’s staff decided to commit and finalize the move for JBOEN.
This timeline lines up with confirmed reporting: FaZe officially benched Broky on June 25, 2026, and announced JBOEN’s arrival on loan from BIG Academy through the end of 2026. JBOEN, a 20-year-old Danish AWPer previously with BIG Academy, Astralis Talent, Preasy, and Volt. He made his FaZe debut ahead of the XSE Pro League event in Shanghai, which began July 1.
Could JBOEN Stay Long-Term?
When asked directly whether JBOEN might become a permanent FaZe player, enkay J was cautious. He said he hopes the arrangement becomes a long-term solution but admitted he isn’t part of the contract negotiations, since his focus remains on coaching duties rather than front-office decisions. As a result, he said he could not comment further on JBOEN’s future status.
This uncertainty matches public reporting from later in the summer. Multiple outlets confirmed that JBOEN’s loan runs only through December 31, 2026, giving FaZe a trial period before deciding on a permanent transfer. Meanwhile, Broky remains under contract with FaZe despite being benched, meaning his long-term role with the organization is still unresolved as well.
Why This Story Matters Going Forward
JBOEN’s early performances have reportedly been promising, with reports citing a 1.13 rating across his first 30 maps in CS2. In addition, JBOEN has spoken publicly about the move himself, revealing he was only FaZe’s “second or third priority” during the search for a new AWPer, which adds further context to enkay J’s account of a fast-moving, pressure-filled decision.
Ultimately, FaZe now faces a defining choice heading into 2027: whether to convert JBOEN’s loan into a permanent contract, extend Broky’s role in some capacity, or pursue another option entirely. Enkay J’s comments make clear that this decision sits above the coaching staff, in the hands of FaZe’s front office. For now, fans will need to watch results through the rest of 2026 to see which direction the organization ultimately takes.
