Unfortunately for FaZe Clan fans, it seems Olofmeister’s return to the Counter Strike pro scene was short lived.
A little over a week ago, Olof “olofmeister” Kajbjer announced his return from an almost two-month break from competitive play. However, today FaZe released a statement from Olofmeister, offering an apology to the fans and organization:
I’m sorry. I thought I was ready to come back but I wasn’t. I really wanted to make it work but stressed my comeback in doing so. It’s all my own fault and I should have listen[ed] to myself. I will take a much longer break and come back when I am 110%.
My biggest sorry goes out to my team that I know I have put in an unfortunate situation. I also want to say sorry to my fans.
Thanks to the team and FaZe for their never ending understanding, love and support.
Olof’s decision put FaZe into a bit of a tough situation. The team was left with a vacant spot on the roster, right before the Esports Championship Series (ECS) Season 5 Finals. Richard “Xizt” Landstrom, who was the substitute for Olofmeister during his first break, has now returned to Fnatic’s starting lineup. Due to this, FaZe announced an hour later that they have chosen Jørgen “cromen” Robertsen as their stand-in for the ECS Finals.
Cromen was formerly a stand-in on Team Heroic, where he played since May 5, 2018. He performed relatively well with Heroic and now he has a great chance to make a name for himself. While I don’t see FaZe staying with him for the long term, cromen can use this opportunity as an audition of sorts, one which he can parlay into a role with another team.
With Olofmeister expected to take a “much longer break” this time around, FaZe will need to find a more permanent solution.
Possible replacements for Olofmeister?
Many fans have speculated that FaZe could sign freshly benched Nathan ‘NBK-‘ Schmitt. G2 Esports confirmed their lineup for the ECS Season 5 Finals:
This new composition with the return of shox and SmithZz and the addition of Ex6TenZ as stand-in, but also as team captain for this tournament, marks a new step in our decision-making process and I am excited to start working with all of them in London this weekend.
In the meantime, apEX and NBK have joined the bench and I really want to thank them for the work produced and the energy deployed throughout the past few months. I would like to take this opportunity to point out the great professionalism shown by all of our players since the beginning of this process as our decisions were always made with the acceptance of all of them.
A new step but not yet a conclusion, we are planning to announce our long term prospects before ESL One Cologne.
Even though NBK- is under contract with G2, the team has stated that they have “agreed to explore opportunities for potential new offers” with regards to the recently benched players. Schmitt even took to Twitter to announce his intentions to sign with an “international/English-speaking” team that seeks trophies and longevity.
What do you think about Olofmeister’s second break in 2 months? Should FaZe Clan seek a more permanent replacement? Let’s discuss in the comments below!
