2025 has become FaZe’s weakest year in the past decade. The team has only two top-four finishes and no significant titles, making this season their worst since 2016. The players themselves are not hiding the issues: their latest vlog from IEM Cologne was released under the telling title “We’re Not A Team Right Now.”
NiKo’s Words: Pressure on EliGE
Nikola “NiKo” Kovač, speaking during an ESL roundtable, directly stated that the main responsibility for FaZe’s revival lies on Jonathan “EliGE” Jablonowski:
If this lineup wants to work, then it all comes down to EliGE. He needs to be the guy leading them in rounds — taking entries, trading, being the pillar. Frozen is playing well, but he’s not deciding rounds. EliGE needs to once again be the leader he was in Complexity.
According to NiKo, without this FaZe cannot reclaim their status as an elite lineup.
EliGE’s Response: A Difficult Adaptation
In FaZe’s vlog, EliGE said he did not take NiKo’s comments as criticism for the sake of criticism, but admitted to difficulties:
- it’s hard for him to replicate his Complexity playstyle;
- in FaZe, he adapts more to the team structure rather than playing freely;
- the psychological pressure from poor results is only growing.
His statistics confirm the slump: in 2025 his average rating is 1.10 — his lowest since 2016 (1.05). In team videos, visible signs of frustration and fatigue only highlight the crisis.
Analysis: FaZe’s Problems Run Deeper
While NiKo is correct in his assessment, it’s hard to imagine one player turning the tide on his own.
- Frozen hasn’t replaced ropz as the main clutch factor, leaving the team without a true difference-maker.
- EliGE has lost his aggression while adapting to a different style.
- There is no clear mid-round leader, making FaZe often look predictable and static.
So while the demand for EliGE to “be the pillar” sounds logical, it’s unlikely to be the only recipe for salvation.
What’s Next?
FaZe still have chances to turn things around before the next Major. Upcoming tests include EWC and the BLAST Open Fall Closed Qualifier. These events will be crucial for the team to rediscover their synergy — and for EliGE to prove he can once again be the driving force he was in his prime.
