The timeline of a professional career is always unique, filled with highs, lows, and individual pace. Some players, like Marco “Snappi” Pfeiffer, bloom late — reaching elite status only after years of struggle. Others achieve greatness early and then fight to keep it. Russel “Twistzz” Van Dulken belongs to the latter group — a player whose rise, fall, and return tell one of the most remarkable stories in Counter-Strike history.
From being the North American prodigy who won the Intel Grand Slam with Team Liquid in 2019 to conquering the world with FaZe Clan, and later returning home to rebuild himself, Twistzz has seen it all. But what changed during his two years on Liquid? How different is he compared to his first stint with FaZe? And is the Canadian still one of the best players in the world?
Completion and Separation
In 2023, at just 24 years old, Twistzz had already achieved what most can only dream of. After joining FaZe in 2021 under the leadership of Finn “karrigan” Andersen, he won everything — IEM Katowice, IEM Cologne, a second Intel Grand Slam, and the PGL Antwerp Major 2022. His spot in HLTV’s Top 20 felt inevitable.
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But success came with tension. Before the release of CS2 in October 2023, FaZe struggled with consistency. Negotiations over a new contract dragged on, leaving Twistzz frustrated. Feeling disrespected by the lack of communication, he started exploring other options — Team Vitality and Team Liquid being the main ones. He wanted a younger leader, a project with long-term potential, and a new challenge that would make him grow.
FaZe was like family — “a team that brings the kid out of me,” as he once said — but he wanted to evolve. Returning to Team Liquid, his first home, made perfect sense. Reuniting with Keith “NAF” Markovic and joining forces with Casper “cadiaN” Møller, skullz, and YEKINDAR, Twistzz saw a chance to lead by example. More space, a louder voice, and the opportunity to give back to his roots — his decision was final. Even though he left FaZe on good terms and after winning three straight trophies in early CS2, he knew it was time to move on.
Deep Waters, High Pressure
The new chapter began under heavy expectations. Individually, Twistzz played well, averaging a 1.15–1.17 rating at early events. But Liquid failed to qualify for IEM Chengdu, BLAST Spring, and most painfully, the first CS2 Major in Copenhagen 2024.
Despite flashes of promise, the team never clicked. Their biggest results — Top 8 at ESL Pro League Season 19, IEM Dallas, and a Grand Final appearance at the CCT Global Finals — weren’t enough for a team built around star power. Something had to change.
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Twistzz made a bold decision: he would become Liquid’s in-game leader. It was his first time as a captain, just six months after transitioning from anchor to star rifler. He also took charge of scouting and roster building, hand-picking Roland “ultimate” Tomkawiak and Justin “jks” Savage. The organization gave him full trust — and responsibility.
Leadership and Accountability
The early signs were promising. With Twistzz leading, Liquid reached the Top 8 at IEM Cologne 2024 and ESL Pro League S20. His individual numbers stayed strong, and the team showed glimpses of cohesion.
At the Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024, Liquid impressed — going 3:0 in the Elimination Stage and 3:1 in the Main Swiss. Yet cracks appeared. YEKINDAR struggled to find form, ultimate was inconsistent, and both NAF and jks looked far from their best. Liquid had potential, but not direction.
After the event, Twistzz reflected:
A year after leaving FaZe, I’m happy with my decision. I’ve evolved and learned a lot.
However, evolution doesn’t always bring success. With YEKINDAR benched and Guy “NertZ” Iluz joining the lineup, expectations rose again. But Liquid still hovered between mediocrity and flashes of brilliance — a team with talent, but no identity.
The Collapse and the End of an Era
Twistzz’s performances stayed solid, but the team’s results worsened. Missing out on ESL Pro League S22 and BLAST Open London 2025 after early losses to Sashi and VP.Prodigy marked a low point.
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After one of these defeats, Twistzz posted on X:
We are not a real team. No words for how we play.
His frustration was evident. Although he performed better at the Esports World Cup, BLAST Open London, and FISSURE Playground S2, the damage was done. One and a half years after joining Liquid, Twistzz decided to move on. His leadership journey had ended, but he emerged wiser and more self-aware.
A New “Old” Chapter
In September 2025, Twistzz returned to FaZe Clan — the team that once made him a champion. In his comeback event, ESL Pro League Season 22, FaZe reached the semifinals and placed 4th overall. Twistzz was outstanding — a 1.33 rating over 16 maps, the 3rd-best at the event and his highest LAN rating ever for FaZe.
Reuniting with karrigan and broky looked natural, but this time it was different. He came back more mature and mentally stable. Karrigan said during EPL 22:
This is the first time I’ve had a real secondary caller since NiKo. He’s matured a lot and brings a tornado of fresh air.
FaZe has always been a “vibe team,” and Twistzz fits perfectly again. After months of pressure and disappointment, he looks alive — confident, calm, and free.
Rebirth and Legacy
It’s too early to predict how far this new FaZe will go. But Twistzz’s journey from prodigy to leader, from failure to rebirth, shows rare depth. His time on Liquid wasn’t wasted — it was a transformation. He learned what it means to lead, to rebuild, and to fall short.
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Now, back in FaZe colors, Twistzz carries that experience into every round. He knows what he wants from himself and his teammates, and he finally looks ready to write the next great chapter of his career — not as a rising star, but as a complete player and future leader.
