Finn karrigan Andersen admits: 2025 has been the toughest year of his career. But after personal hardships and a string of failures, FaZe Clan are finally beginning to show signs of being that same team which once dictated the pace of Counter-Strike. The return of Helvijs broky Saukants and the arrival of young talent Jakub jcobbb Pietruszewski have revitalized the roster and given it a second wind ahead of the BLAST Open London 2025 playoffs.
Nine Tough Months
According to the captain, the past nine months have been “a complete blur.” After suffering a personal loss in Shanghai and undergoing multiple roster changes, karrigan found himself in a crisis that was evident even to fans — emotions spilling out in team vlogs, confusion in the server, and results that never improved. The addition of Jonathan EliGE Jablonowski failed to deliver the expected impact: despite his individual prowess, the team couldn’t find a common vision.
We tried everything — changing roles, adapting the philosophy, even testing dynamics with s1mple. But everyone had their own idea, and we just went around in circles, the captain admits.
Betting on Youth and broky’s Return
The decision to bring in jcobbb acted as a reset. Karrigan emphasized that the young Pole plays an aggressive style reminiscent of Twistzz, which allows FaZe to build a new system. At the same time, rain and frozen are ready to provide stability in more controlling roles. For now, jcobbb is modest and quiet, but the captain believes he will eventually flourish: “He listens to me, and that makes the work very easy. Now it’s my responsibility to help him become a star.”
Equally important was broky’s comeback. After a break, the Latvian is performing at the highest level (1.32 rating in London) and has restored the energy the team had been missing. Karrigan openly admitted: “Without broky it just wasn’t working. He is FaZe Clan — risk, improvisation, explosiveness.”
The Return of FaZe’s Drive
Despite modest seasonal results, the matches at BLAST Open London against NAVI and Vitality once again showcased FaZe’s trademark chaos: throwing away winning situations only to bounce back instantly, bold force-buys, and unpredictable rounds. The captain called it “bringing part of the DNA back.” He admits it’s uncertain whether this will translate into trophies, but the fact that the team is finally moving in the same direction is already a huge step forward.
Community Reaction: Skepticism and Jokes About the “Old FaZe”
Despite karrigan’s positive words and the first flashes of renewed play, the community has greeted FaZe’s revival with caution. On HLTV forums, fans immediately pointed to the captain’s struggles: “karrigan brought back his 26-69 K/D DNA,” one user wrote, mocking the Dane’s stats. Others harshly joked: “You will never win anything ever again.”
Comparisons with the “old Virtus.pro of 2018” also gained traction: FaZe are seen as desperately trying to recapture their prime while only delaying the inevitable decline. “They play 3–4 matches, then go home waiting for the next paycheck. This is more like the old VP,” wrote one fan, noting that karrigan often seems too cheerful after losses.
Some have no doubts about the outcome of the upcoming quarter-final: “G2 gonna win,” one commenter stated bluntly, with others echoing the sentiment. Still, a few voices were willing to “take the bet” on FaZe, recognizing that even in crisis, the team remains capable of pulling off shocking comebacks.
This contrast highlights FaZe’s central dilemma today: do they have the resources and mentality to truly bring their DNA back, or is this just a brief spark before an inevitable collapse?
Can FaZe Become Champions Again?
Next on the horizon is a quarter-final against G2, who themselves have found form after beating Spirit. Further down the bracket could be a meeting with FURIA, whom karrigan already calls “a dark horse for the Major.” There will be no easy opponents. But for FaZe, the matter goes beyond results. This is their chance to prove to themselves and to the community that after nearly a year of crises and internal struggles, they can still be that same “explosive FaZe” who can beat anyone.
Karrigan’s interview feels candid, even therapeutic. He no longer tries to hide how difficult the past months have been — or how much the changes have affected him personally. But it is precisely this honesty and willingness to rebuild from scratch that could form the foundation of the new FaZe. Importantly, this time the bet is not on flashy transfers but on the synergy of youth and experience.
Will this bring victories? There are no guarantees. But as karrigan himself said, what matters now are the energy, the smiles, and explosive Counter-Strike on stage. And that already sounds like the first step toward the return of a legendary team.
