The competitive Counter-Strike 2 scene was rocked by the latest announcement from Team Liquid, one of the most recognized esports organizations in the world. The North American club revealed on its social media that Canadian marksman Russell “Twistzz” van Dulken has officially left the team. This decision, according to the player and the organization, was made by mutual agreement.
Twistzz’s departure comes less than a year after his return to Liquid in December 2023, following a successful stint with FaZe Clan. Despite high expectations for the Canadian’s return, the team’s results have not lived up to expectations, with Liquid struggling to achieve notable victories in major tournaments during this period.
The official announcement stated that Twistzz would finish his FISSURE PLAYGROUND 2 career with Team Liquid before joining a new team. For now, the identity of this future roster remains unknown, leaving fans to wonder if he will join another top European team or a North American organization. Twistzz has long been considered one of the most mechanically adept players in the Counter-Strike scene. His calm under pressure, precise aim, and ability to perform on big stages have earned him a reputation as one of the best riflers of his generation. For Liquid, the loss of such a key figure is a major turning point, as the team now needs to rebuild, both in terms of firepower and chemistry.
Esports insiders are already speculating about Twistzz’s next move. With his championship run with FaZe Clan and his top-level Counter-Strike performances, it’s almost certain he won’t remain a free agent for long. This isn’t Twistzz’s first time wearing the Liquid jersey. His first stint with the team was from 2017 to 2020, during which time he won several tournaments and established himself as a fan favorite. He was notably part of the legendary Liquid team that won the Intel Grand Slam in 2019, a historic Counter-Strike feat that cemented the organization in esports history.
After leaving Liquid for the first time, Twistzz joined FaZe Clan, where his career reached new heights. Playing alongside international superstars, he contributed to FaZe’s victories at several major events, including IEM Cologne 2022 and the PGL Major Antwerp 2022. These achievements placed him among the elite of Counter-Strike players.
His return to Liquid at the end of 2023 was touted as an opportunity to restore the organization to its former glory, but the results have been far from expected. Despite his individual talent, the team lacked consistency and failed to win any trophies during his second stint. For Team Liquid, Twistzz’s departure is both a challenge and an opportunity. On the one hand, they are losing a world-class marksman whose experience and composure under pressure have often brought stability to the team. On the other, this departure opens the door to potential changes within the team that could revitalize it. The organization has always been one of the North American flagships for Counter-Strike, and its fans are accustomed to seeing it compete on the biggest stages.
As for Twistzz, his Counter-Strike legacy remains intact, regardless of which team he joins. At just 25 years old, he can already boast a career marked by prestigious trophies, unforgettable performances, and the respect of his teammates and rivals alike. His journey from promising North American prodigy to international star has been closely followed by fans around the world.
The question now is which team will benefit from his experience and mechanical prowess. Rumors suggest several European organizations are interested in his services, but nothing has been officially confirmed. Whether he joins a team aiming for CS2 dominance or takes on the challenge of helping a team in reconstruction, one thing is certain: his next step will be closely watched by the entire esports community.
