Russel “Twistzz” Van Dulken plans to keep working as FaZe’s in-game leader until the organization decides otherwise. The Canadian said he remains committed to the role even as FaZe’s management continues to handle questions around the team’s lineup.
FaZe had already made progress with Jason “JBOEN” Boe Nielsen joining during the summer. The team reached the semifinals at XSE Pro League and then won twice during the online phase of BLAST Bounty, earning a place at the Malta finals.
That progress has come alongside uncertainty about Ryan “Neityu” Aubry. Neityu joined as a stand-in nearly three months ago, but FaZe has not confirmed whether he will remain with the team for the long term. In an interview with HLTV.org ahead of the Bounty finals, Twistzz made it clear that those decisions belong to the organization.
“No matter what role I’m playing, I’m going to have a long-term image of it,” Twistzz said when asked about his future as captain. “I want to dedicate myself to the role to make sure that I can be the best version of myself, or find the best version of myself. I think that’ll be the case until FaZe says otherwise.”
He added, “Until then, I will give everything I have to the team, and also become the best leader that I can be.”
FaZe has found an early strength on Cache
The team’s early results have been helped by its work on Cache, which returned to the active map pool. FaZe played the map four times and did not allow any opponent to reach double digits.
Twistzz said FaZe began putting serious time into Cache soon after its return. Each player worked on their own positions and contributed ideas for how the team should approach the map. Twistzz and coach Niclas “enkay J” Krumhorn eventually took greater responsibility for the T-side approach.
That success has also created more work. Twistzz said FaZe understands that other teams will keep studying the map, so the squad must continue developing its ideas instead of allowing its preparation to fall behind.
The map’s return also gave FaZe a fresh starting point against teams with more established lineups. Twistzz compared the situation to Anubis during his time with Liquid and recalled that he had enjoyed playing Cache during its earlier period in the competitive pool.
New additions are settling in
Twistzz spoke positively about working with enkay J, despite having limited practice time. The two frequently discuss the game, including on days away from official matches. Twistzz described the coach as insightful, reflective, and productive, adding that enkay J is willing to speak directly when the team needs a tougher assessment.
JBOEN has also made a strong first impression after moving up from an academy setup. Twistzz said the young player does not carry himself like a rookie, pointing to his communication, understanding of round fundamentals, and confidence in deciding what he wants to do in-game.
There are still lessons for JBOEN to learn against top opposition, including when to show more respect to an opponent and when to take greater risks. Even so, Twistzz said FaZe is happy with his progress.
As for Neityu, Twistzz offered no timetable for a permanent deal. “That’s for FaZe to figure out,” he said, while confirming that Neityu was still with the team and that the players enjoyed competing with him.
FaZe entered the Bounty finals after earning the second pick in the draft. Twistzz said choosing an opponent reduced the amount of preparation required compared with teams that might have to prepare for several possible matchups.
FaZe’s next results will provide another test for a lineup that has already shown improvement, but its longer-term five-player combination remains in the organization’s hands. For now, Twistzz intends to keep leading the team and improving in the role.
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