Russel “Twistzz” Van Dulken has once again become the biggest headline-maker on the global CS2 scene. Liquid have confirmed that the 25-year-old Canadian rifler will leave the team after FISSURE Playground 2, and just hours later FaZe announced his sensational return. For one club this is a loss that could cost them their Major future, while for the other it’s a chance to reclaim championship ambitions.
Two years in Liquid: from hope to disappointment
After two years back on Team Liquid, @Twistzz will be transferring from our team at the end of Fissure.
We want to thank Russ for his flexibility, adapting to the roles we needed him in and working hard to achieve his best every time he joined the server 💙 pic.twitter.com/vqjgfucrYG
— Team Liquid CS (@TeamLiquidCS) September 13, 2025
Twistzz’s return to Liquid at the start of 2024 looked like a true second-chance story. The Canadian, who had already won every possible title with FaZe — including a Major and an Intel Grand Slam — decided to take on more responsibility and lead Liquid’s rebuild. Alongside cadiaN, skullz, and coach zews, he was expected to be the cornerstone of a new, competitive roster.
But high expectations quickly crashed into reality. Internal disagreements emerged, results were unstable, and within just a few months Liquid parted ways with cadiaN and several of the newcomers. At that point Twistzz found himself in an unfamiliar position — he became captain, taking over IGL duties that were never part of his original plan.
Under his leadership the team showed some sparks — such as reaching the top eight at the Perfect World Shanghai Major — but overall Liquid never managed to regain the status of a stable top-tier squad. Constant roster changes, role shuffles, and issues with integrating talent (from skullz to NertZ) left Liquid in limbo: good ideas, but no final results.
The failed leadership experiment
Twistzz as an in-game leader was always a forced experiment. While he was known for discipline, consistency, and adaptability, his move into the role of tactical brain didn’t pay off. Liquid had occasional wins over strong opponents but rarely went past quarterfinals, and by spring 2025 they were even losing to mid-tier squads like Sashi or VP.Prodigy.
The arrival of siuhy in the summer was meant to relieve Twistzz of the leadership burden, but even then results remained inconsistent. Although the team showed some progress in recent months, losses to Spirit and Vitality in decisive matches highlighted that Liquid were still far from their peak.
A loss that changes everything
Liquid are now left without their best individual performer. Even during tough periods, Twistzz maintained strong numbers and was a reliable clutch factor. His departure marks a new chapter of rebuilding, coming at a critical moment: the team is fighting for an invite to the StarLadder Budapest Major, and losing a key piece could severely hurt their chances. Liquid’s current roster:
- Keith “NAF” Markovic
- Guy “NertZ” Iluz
- Roland “ultimate” Tomkowiak
- Kamil “siuhy” Szkaradek
- Viktor “flashie” Tamás Bea (coach)
FaZe get their trump card back
Home. Joined @FaZeClan
Feeling speechless the last days. After Fissure I will make a longer post. As for now, I'm very happy and thankful to reunite with the organization and the players.
Going to focus on the current event and get this roster some points before exiting.… https://t.co/bW5ZKIZpSJ
— Russel van Dulken (@Twistzz) September 13, 2025
Immediately after Liquid confirmed Twistzz’s departure, FaZe delivered what thousands of fans had been waiting for: the official announcement of his return. The organization made no attempt to hide their emotions, emphasizing that he is “coming home.”
Indeed, it was with FaZe that Twistzz enjoyed his golden period between 2021 and 2023: winning the Major in Antwerp, lifting trophies in Katowice and Cologne, and helping secure the Intel Grand Slam Season 4. His role in FaZe was always unique — a player who combined individual firepower with the willingness to be the team’s glue. Now Twistzz returns to a familiar environment — joining karrigan, rain, broky, and frozen, with whom he once lifted trophies.
Rumors and predictions: who will he replace?
As soon as the announcement dropped, speculation began: who will make way for Twistzz? FaZe only recently signed jcobbb, and fans on social media were quick to suggest he might be the one leaving. Analyst Voo even voiced a bold prediction:
I’ll say it first. Twistzz will replace karrigan, and rain will become IGL in FaZe.
This statement immediately set off heated debates, as replacing the long-time captain would be a revolutionary move for FaZe.
Community reaction
Twistzz’s comeback instantly became the number one topic across social media. Under FaZe’s announcement, fans and other organizations posted emotional responses. NAVI reacted simply but humorously — with a gif of a cat staring in disbelief.
Fans were quick to share their guesses:
- Sm1les: “Who is he replacing?”
- Loftgen: “-jcobbb???”
- Little Penguin: “Who is leaving FaZe, or you plan to field 6 players?”
- CagXD: “Sad for rain.”
- Akash ‘CS2 Kitchen’ Bharadwaj: “If –rain I unfollow for sure. No rain, no FaZe.”
Other teams also joined in the banter. M80 posted a meme with the caption:
This must be the most handsome team rn… just saying.
Meanwhile, some fans are already dreaming of restoring the old championship core:
- Omar: “Now we need ropz back so they can get back together.”
A symbolic comeback
In CS2, it’s rare for a player to return to a club where he’s already won it all. Twistzz is the exception. His comeback is not just a transfer — it’s a symbolic move that could shift the balance of power on the scene.
For Liquid, it marks the start of another uncertain rebuilding phase. For FaZe, it’s a chance to once again be the team that dictates the rules. And for Twistzz himself, it’s the opportunity to prove that his struggles in Liquid were only a temporary detour from a great career trajectory.
