FaZe Shocked by NEO Removal Ahead of Major Push, karrigan Reveals

FaZe Clan’s decision to remove head coach Filip “NEO” Kubski has sent shockwaves through the team just weeks before the CS2 Major qualification deadline, with in-game leader Finn “karrigan” Andersen admitting the move “came as a surprise” to the entire roster.

The unexpected change arrives at a critical moment in FaZe’s season, as the team struggles with poor form and fights to secure enough VRS points to qualify for the upcoming IEM Cologne Major.

karrigan: “It came as a surprise to all of us”

Speaking ahead of BLAST Open Rotterdam 2026, karrigan revealed that while FaZe knew changes were possible after a disastrous start to the year, the timing of NEO’s removal was unexpected.

“It kind of came as a surprise to all of us because we’re this close to the Major.”

FaZe have managed just 3 wins in their first 12 matches of 2026, a dramatic drop-off for a team that was competing in Major finals just months ago.

Despite the results, karrigan made it clear that the blame does not fall solely on NEO.

“We all know the results we’ve had are not acceptable… it’s been completely shit.”

Instead, the Danish IGL suggested the move reflects a broader shift in responsibility toward the players themselves as FaZe attempt to salvage their season.

Why FaZe removed NEO now

NEO’s departure ends a nearly three-year stint with FaZe, during which the Polish legend played a key role in stabilizing the team after RobbaN’s exit and guiding them through multiple deep tournament runs.

Under his leadership, FaZe:

Reached three CS2 Major finals (Copenhagen, Shanghai, Budapest)

Remained a consistent top-tier contender

Maintained one of the most stable cores in international CS

However, the transition into 2026 has been brutal. The team’s collapse in form forced the organization to act despite the risky timing.

FaZe officially confirmed the move on March 16, thanking NEO for his “hard work, dedication, and unforgettable memories.”

Major qualification in danger

The bigger issue for FaZe is not just the coaching change — it’s survival in the CS2 Major race.

The team currently sits outside a safe qualification position in the European VRS rankings, meaning every event now carries massive importance.

To stay in contention, FaZe have:

Signed up for DraculaN Season 6 in Bucharest

Prioritized VRS points over prestige events

Entered a must-win stretch leading into the cutoff

karrigan acknowledged the pressure but embraced the challenge:

“I’d rather be in control of the car than sit at home and hope.”

GruBy steps in as interim coach

Following NEO’s removal, FaZe promoted analyst Dominik “GruBy” Świderski to interim head coach.

His first test comes immediately at BLAST Open Rotterdam, where FaZe must show signs of recovery or risk further decline before the Major cutoff.

The coaching change introduces uncertainty, but also urgency — something FaZe desperately needs.

From Major finalists to crisis mode

What makes FaZe’s situation particularly striking is how quickly things have unraveled.

At the end of 2025, the team:

Reached the Budapest Major final

Looked like one of the strongest CS2 rosters

Maintained elite consistency

Just months later, they are:

Struggling to win matches

Changing coaching staff mid-season

Fighting to even qualify for the Major

This sharp contrast has turned FaZe into one of the biggest storylines of the 2026 CS2 season.

Can FaZe still qualify for the Major?

Despite the turmoil, karrigan remains cautiously optimistic.

“It is FaZe after all at the Major.”

That belief reflects the team’s identity — experienced, resilient, and dangerous when it matters most.

However, unlike previous years, there is no margin for error left.