Milan Švejda confirms FaZe Clan to overhaul CS2 roster after missing IEM Cologne Major

Milan “Striker” Švejda, the Editor-in-Chief for HLTV, revealed on June 17, 2026, that FaZe Clan is “100%” set to make changes to its Counter-Strike 2 roster.

Speaking during a live broadcast of the HLTV Confirmed show in Cologne, Milan Švejda indicated that stand-in Ryan “Neityu” Aubry and rifler Jakub “jcobbb” Pietruszewski are expected to depart the team. These reports follow a period of poor performance that culminated in the organization missing the IEM Cologne Major.

The reported overhaul comes as the squad sits at its lowest point in the organization’s history, according to community discussions and analysts at the Cologne live show. FaZe Clan’s current Valve Global Ranking is 22nd, holding 1492 points.

This position is a stark contrast for an organization that has previously secured major trophies, including the PGL Major Antwerp 2022 and Intel Grand Slam Season 4. The transition period follows the departure of head coach NEO in March 2026.

Milan Švejda clarified during the broadcast that Ryan “Neityu” Aubry was only with the team to “fill in the gap” for the remainder of the season. Jakub “jcobbb” Pietruszewski is also reportedly on the way out, though specific replacements have not yet been named.

While these changes seem certain, the future of the team’s primary sniper remains the subject of intense speculation within the professional circuit.

HLTV reports Helvijs broky Saukants may retain roster spot

The most surprising revelation from the HLTV Confirmed show was that Helvijs “broky” Saukants might remain on the active roster. When host Chad “SPUNJ” Burchill asked if the Latvian AWPer would stay to maintain the team’s Valve Regional Standings (VRS) core, Milan Švejda’s physical reaction suggested he would.

This potential retention comes despite Helvijs Saukants recording a dismal 0.91 average rating against top-20 opposition throughout 2026.

Retaining a struggling sniper is a gamble that may be driven by the current lack of top-tier AWPers available in the transfer market. Helvijs Saukants has been with FaZe Clan since September 2019 and was previously considered a top-10 player in his role. Keeping him would ensure the team retains its ranking points, which are vital for securing invitations to future international events.

The urgency for a revitalized roster is high as the team prepares for a busy summer. This pressure to maintain a competitive edge is common in the industry; for instance, fans recently received long-awaited news when Strauss Zelnick confirmed Grand Theft Auto 6 will launch in late 2026.

For FaZe, the immediate focus is a return to their 2023 form, where they achieved an 18-match winning streak.

Impact of missing the IEM Cologne Major on FaZe Clan

The decision to restructure was accelerated after FaZe Clan failed to qualify for the IEM Cologne Major, an event the community described as a catastrophe for the team. The squad currently ranks 16th in Europe, a significant drop for a team of their caliber. The lack of results at the end of the season has led to widespread calls for a massive technical realignment.

While the team missed the Major, they are still listed for several upcoming tournaments. These include the XSE Pro League 2026, which begins on July 1 with a match against TYLOO, and the Esports World Cup 2026 in August. FaZe Clan is also linked to the IEM Cologne 2026 tournament, though their performance in the coming months will dictate their readiness for such events.

Other upcoming commitments for the organization include participation in the CCT EU 2026 Series 4 and various tiers of the ESEA circuit, such as ESEA Intermediate S57 and ESEA Main S57. This intensive schedule mirrors other major competitive gaming developments, including recent Tekken 8 crossover news and other high-stakes tournament updates that keep the esports ecosystem in constant motion.

Future outlook for the Counter-Strike 2 squad

The organization must now decide if changing two players is enough to fix the deeper issues within the squad. With Finn “karrigan” Andersen still at the helm as In-Game Leader, the team retains experienced leadership. However, the reliance on a struggling AWPer like Helvijs Saukants means the new riflers will need to provide immediate high-impact performances to compensate for the dip in sniping consistency.

If the reported departures of Ryan Aubry and Jakub Pietruszewski are finalized, FaZe Clan will be looking for players who can integrate into their European-based system quickly. The goal remains a total return to the podium finishes that defined their 2022 and 2023 seasons.

Whether the Latvian sniper can find his old form under a new tactical structure will be the primary storyline for FaZe throughout the rest of 2026.