Five of FaZe Clan's six-player competitive roster announced on Dec. 25 that they had left the organization, posting the news on social media without offering detailed reasons. Co-founder Richard "Bank" Bengtson said he would address fans during a Twitch livestream on Dec. 26. FaZe — founded in 2010 as FaZe Sniping — has a history of competitive success, major brand partnerships and past controversies, including a 2021 crypto scandal and 2023 restructuring and acquisition by GameSquare Holdings.
Five FaZe Clan Competitive Players Quit on Christmas — What This Means for the Esports Powerhouse
100 Thieves play against FaZe Clan during the Call of Duty League Finals e-sports event at Miami Beach Convention Center in Miami Beach, Florida on July 20, 2019.
Five members of FaZe Clan's six-player competitive roster announced on Dec. 25 that they had left the organization, dealing a surprise blow to one of the most visible names in esports and gaming culture. The departures — posted publicly on social platforms — came without detailed explanations, leaving fans and industry observers seeking answers.
Who Left and What They Said
Alexander Prynkiewicz, 27, better known as FaZe Adapt, posted an emotional message on X: "Left FazeClan. 14 years. Over half of my life. I'd be lying if I said this didn't hurt, but it had to be done. Thank you to everyone who's been a part of this journey, the best is yet to come."
Four other competitive players — Jason Nguyen (JasonTheWee), Nick Fosco (LacyHimself), Jerry Woo (SilkySzn) and Stable Ronaldo — made brief announcements on X saying simply, "Left FazeClan." As of Dec. 26, Josh Maynard (YourRage) had not posted any announcement.
FaZe Clan's Response
FaZe co-founder Richard Bengtson, known online as Bank, acknowledged the situation on X on Dec. 25 and said he would answer fan questions during a Twitch livestream scheduled for Dec. 26. USA TODAY reported that neither the departing creators nor FaZe Clan had offered additional comment as of Dec. 26.
Background: From Trick Shots to Global Brand
Founded in 2010 as FaZe Sniping, FaZe Clan (pronounced "phase") began as a small group of teenage creators posting Call of Duty trick-shot videos on YouTube. The channel quickly grew into a cultural phenomenon around first-person-shooter content. By 2012 FaZe began entering organized esports, and in 2019 members of FaZe won the inaugural Fortnite World Cup, taking home a $3 million top prize.
Over time the organization diversified into a broader content network and commercial brand partnerships, signing deals with names such as Champion, the NFL, Nissan, G Fuel, SteelSeries and Lyrical Lemonade. In 2021 FaZe became the first esports team to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated — a milestone for competitive gaming's mainstream recognition.
Controversies and Business Changes
FaZe Clan has weathered setbacks: in 2021 the organization fired one member and suspended three others after a cryptocurrency-related controversy. In 2023 the company underwent major restructuring, laying off roughly 20% of staff and appointing new leadership; later that year, FaZe Clan was acquired by GameSquare Holdings.
What Happens Next
The sudden departures raise immediate questions about FaZe's competitive plans and roster stability. Fans were awaiting Bank's Twitch livestream for clarification and next steps. Meanwhile, many FaZe-affiliated creators continue to publish videos and stream on platforms like YouTube and Twitch, and the organization still maintains a roster of content creators beyond its competitive lineup.
Note: This report is based on social posts and public statements as of Dec. 26. Further developments may have occurred after that date.
