FaZe Clan Reportedly Planning CS2 Academy Team — Former BIG Player gade Linked as Coach

FaZe Clan could be preparing to launch its own Counter-Strike 2 academy roster, according to insider reports. The project would mark the organization’s first structured youth development initiative in the CS ecosystem.

The same reports claim that Nicklas “gade” Gade, a former professional player known for his time with BIG, North, and OpTic Gaming, is expected to take the role of head coach for the academy lineup.

As of now, the organization has not officially confirmed the academy project or revealed any players who could join the new roster.

Insider: FaZe to Launch an Academy in Counter-Strike 2

The rumor originates from insider Gromov, who reported that FaZe is opening an academy team and that gade will lead the project as coach.

If confirmed, the move would represent a strategic shift for FaZe, an organization traditionally known for signing established Tier-1 players rather than developing prospects internally.

FaZe Clan, founded in 2010 and headquartered in Los Angeles, operates competitive teams across multiple esports titles including Counter-Strike 2.

The academy project would allow the organization to:

develop young talent internally

create a long-term player pipeline

provide backup options for the main roster

Who Is gade?

Nicklas “gade” Gade is a Danish former professional Counter-Strike player who competed at the top level between 2015 and 2021.

During his career, he represented several well-known teams, including:

BIG

North

OpTic Gaming

According to available statistics, he played hundreds of official maps during his career and earned over $100,000 in prize money before stepping away from professional play.

If the academy rumors are accurate, the FaZe youth roster could become one of gade’s most significant projects as a coach.

FaZe Academy Rumors Have Been Circulating for Months

Reports about a possible FaZe academy are not new.

Back in June 2025, insider Vladislav “harumi” Radvilovich claimed that FaZe had already started testing players for a potential academy lineup.

At the time, the insider wrote:

“FaZe opens an academy. Testing has begun.”

However, no official roster announcement followed, leaving the project in rumor status until the latest report linking gade to the coaching role.

Why Academy Teams Matter in CS2

Academy programs have become increasingly important in Counter-Strike esports over the past several years.

Several top players began their careers in academy systems, including:

m0NESY

xertioN

Jimpphat

siuhy

donk

These programs allow organizations to identify talent early and develop players before promoting them to Tier-1 rosters.

Successful academy teams such as MOUZ NXT and Gambit Youngsters have previously demonstrated how youth rosters can produce elite players.

What Happens Next?

At the moment, several key details about the rumored FaZe academy remain unknown:

the full roster of players

assistant coaches or analysts

which tournaments the team will compete in

If the project is officially announced, it would mark a major step in FaZe Clan’s long-term Counter-Strike strategy, shifting from purely transfer-based roster building to structured talent development.