FaZe Clan takes down HEROIC with a 2-0 scoreline to start their PGL Cluj-Napoca campaign in style. This marks the first convincing FaZe performance of the year after their disastrous showings in the previous events of 2026. While opening day performances can be quite deceiving, that doesn’t stop FaZe from going one step closer to the playoffs.
VETO
- HEROIC removed Anubis
- FaZe removed Mirage
- HEROIC picked Overpass
- FaZe picked Ancient
- FaZe removed Dust2
- HEROIC removed Inferno
- Nuke was left over
Map 1: Overpass; Pick: HEROIC ; Winner: FaZe
Starting the map with two kills from susp, HEROIC failed to convert as the round gave FaZe a confident start. FaZe built on their pistol win to go 3-0 up before HEROIC posted their first round. FaZe, with a desperate force-buy, showcased some crafty utility, buying time as two kills from them forced a save from HEROIC. Dominant on defence, FaZe effortlessly built a massive 9-1 lead before HEROIC put together the last two rounds to tie it at 9-3, then switched sides. Hard stomping FaZe to open their defence, HEROIC won two back-to-back rounds to cut the deficit to 9-5, but dropped the ball when FaZe brought out the rifles in the 3rd round of the second half. Winning two rounds in a row, FaZe broke the HEROIC bank, making it an effortless close to the map as they won all of the remaining rounds to win the map with a 13-5 scoreline. Putting up 17 kills with a 1.64 IR, frozeN dominated the game, showing once again why he is touted as the saviour of FaZe.
Map 2: Ancient; Pick: FaZe; Winner: FaZe
A clean pistol win kicked the map off for FaZe, only to give up their momentum in the following round. Losing to the HEROIC force, FaZe gave up 4 rounds to see their second on the board. After a few rounds by the end of the game with a very slow and methodical approach, FaZe levelled the scoreline, then switched sides. Losing the pistol and following round, jacbbb stepped up big on the B bombsite to secure a retake and give FaZe their first round of the defence. HEROIC’s offense dipped significantly as FaZe, without even trying, managed to choke them into giving up round after round. Poorly managed offense, strategies, and economy gave FaZe an easy walk till Heroic won their 2nd round of the 2nd half break, though FaZe Clan’s B stack and sending them on an eco. FaZe forcing and converting the force off the back of an AWP and a couple of Five-Sevens put the team on series point, and a 3K from jcobbb put the series over the line with a 13-9 scoreline.
HEROIC’s young roster taking an early loss can put a dent in their confidence coming into the event, especially after having failed to secure a single win at Krakow. The woes for this roster have continued, especially after not being able to field their star line-up with Alkaren. There is still time before this roster matures, making it too early to judge if this roster can be of any good when their talent blooms.