FaZe extended their unexpectedly deep run at the Budapest Major by defeating MOUZ in a convincing two-map series, advancing into the semi-finals after a 2-0 win. The result keeps FaZe firmly in contention for the trophy and underlines how well the roster has gelled at the event.
The victory also ended a three-match losing streak against MOUZ, a run of results that had previously suggested an edge for their opponents. FaZe looked far more composed this time, and several players singled out the arena atmosphere as an important boost for their performance.
Russel 'Twistzz' Van Dulken emphasized how much the live setting mattered for the team, calling it a special moment to be back in an arena after only having played in Melbourne earlier in the year. He said the energy from the crowd revived the team and helped everyone to raise their level.
Twistzz added that many observers had counted FaZe out before the event, and that the current run is as much about proving things to themselves as it is about chasing trophies. He said the squad is pleased with the progress they have made and how teammates have adapted to the team environment.
Two weeks after nearly being eliminated in Stage 1, FaZe have turned their fortunes around and now find themselves through to the semi-finals of the Major — a dramatic swing that highlights the volatility of tournament play.
On preparation, Twistzz described a measured approach in the lead-up to the playoff match: a balance between playing scrims and spending time talking through scenarios, reviewing past games, and gently working on counter-strategies against MOUZ. The aim was to avoid burning out by doing excessive scrims while still keeping tactical focus.
He also noted the specific challenge posed by MOUZ, calling them a heavy 'anti-strat' team that can make outcomes hard to predict. Because both sides invest heavily in preparation, matches can hinge on small details, but FaZe's collective experience allowed them to prepare carefully and execute on the day.
When asked what changed compared with their previous losses to MOUZ, Twistzz reiterated the impact of the live crowd and the event setting. The arena environment, he said, injected energy and focus into the team, and that helped them play to their potential across both maps.
Attention has also turned to Håvard 'broky' Nygaard, who produced a standout performance on Nuke. Twistzz praised broky's form, noting that while the player had experienced a confidence dip after team changes, he now looks more comfortable and vocal, and when he is on his game he functions at a world-class level.
The fan dynamic in Budapest surprised the team as well. Despite one MOUZ player being local, FaZe found themselves enjoying large pockets of support; Twistzz described the crowd as loud and varied, with international fans contributing to a lively atmosphere that felt like a boost for both teams.
Looking ahead, FaZe will face the winner of the FURIA versus NAVI matchup. Twistzz called FURIA a strong team and admitted that FaZe will be underdogs against any opponent in the playoffs, but he welcomed a challenging opponent as an opportunity to learn more about his squad.
Ultimately the message from FaZe was one of belief and momentum: if the team continues to trust its process and maintain its energy, there is room to grow and see just how high they can climb. Even when they were not at their absolute best on Nuke, their Inferno performance showed they can reach the level required to advance, and they aim to carry that form forward.