Breaking: FaZe unveil "FaZe Up Next" academy team

FaZe have unveiled their European academy team after first announcing their intentions to sign an academy team back in April 2026. The international lineup consists of players from across the European continent and is led by head coach and former North player Nicklas "gade" Gade, who returns to Counter-Strike after last playing for BIG in 2022.

The majority of players on the new FaZe Up Next roster have some degree of experience competing in the European scene, with 19-year-old Ukrainian player rec1se being the sole player without an HLTV page. Keen-eyed readers may recognize Alan "yoom" Groot as the Dutch rifler is the younger brother of Fisher College's Nils "ReFuZR" Groot.

FaZe have unveiled their academy team amidst a difficult time for the organization, with their main lineup missing out on the IEM Cologne Major and struggling to find their form. Perhaps one of these academy players will provide the answer to FaZe's slump, with academy teams providing a steady stream of great players over the years.

FaZe Up Next consists of:

• Stefan "k0rdy" Trudic

• Alan "yoom" Groot

• Antal "Cher1on" Lubbers

• Gert "klyrO" Truupõld

• "rec1se"

• Nicklas "gade" Gade (Coach)