Is Now the Moment for broky to Become "The Guy"—and Is FaZe the Right Stage?

Is Now the Moment for broky to Become "The Guy"—and Is FaZe the Right Stage?

Helvijs “broky” Saukants has always been more than just a cog in FaZe Clan's machine. At 24, the Latvian AWPer stands at a crossroads—his return to the active roster might just be the reset he needs… or yet another stumble in a team still searching for identity.

From Rock Bottom to Re-Entry

On May 5, 2025, FaZe announced they were benching broky after nearly six years on the main roster, in response to a disappointing year of underachievement, with early exits at IEM Katowice, IEM Melbourne, and BLAST Open Lisbon.

Yet by July 9, 2025, he was back—“recharged, refreshed, and readier than ever,” as the team put it on their official X announcement. Broky himself simply declared: “I'm back.” His return effectively dashed any lingering hopes of signing s1mple after FaZe had briefly tried him as a “hail‑mary” stand‑in.

What Defines "The Guy"?

Griffiths’ editorial draws a powerful distinction between players who help teams win and those few rare individuals—like s1mple, ZywOo, flamie, or XANTARES—who win games themselves. These “The Guys” thrive under pressure and demand the spotlight. Could broky be part of that elite class?

Strengths, Stats & Stellar Moments

There’s strong evidence on broky’s side:

2022’s turnaround: He was crucial to FaZe winning the PGL Major Antwerp, IEM Katowice, IEM Cologne, and securing the Intel Grand Slam.

2024’s peak form: Ranked 8ᵗʰ best player in HLTV's Top 20. Earned MVP at IEM Chengdu and EVP (Exceptionally Valuable Player) awards at IEM Katowice, the Copenhagen Major, ESL Pro League S19, and BLAST Fall Final.

Career accolades: Four straight top-20 player rankings (2021–2024) and three HLTV MVP awards. He also became the first Latvian to win a Major and has amassed over $1 million in prize earnings.

These stats prove broky’s ability to dominate—especially in big moments.

Why FaZe Might Still Not Be the Stage

Still, FaZe may not be the ideal environment:

Trust and team dynamics: Returning to a team that benched you—and possibly favored s1mple—can create tension. Griffiths points out such returns rarely go smoothly: “It’s patently obvious that FaZe wanted rid of him… this feels like a temporary solution, and one that only hurts broky’s career”.

Missed opportunity for a fresh start: A stint in tier‑2 or a different top team could have allowed broky to flourish without baggage, redefining his path rather than relenting back into old dynamics.

Conclusion: A Reset Worth Watching

broky clearly carries the tools to become “The Guy.” Whether FaZe is the right place depends on several variables—team chemistry, his mental reset, and whether his return is strategic or reactive.

For now, the return offers one of two paths:

1. Reignite greatness—playing freely, reclaiming his MVP form.

2. Fade under uncertainty—stifled by unresolved tensions and unclear expectations.