FaZe Clan members leaving: Several members of FaZe Clan have recently parted ways with the organisation, a development that became evident as X (formerly Twitter) filled with posts from former members announcing their exits. Many of them shared emotional messages, looking back on years spent with the company – often more than a decade. A large number of creators have left the esports and entertainment brand since Christmas, following internal restructuring and stalled contract negotiations.

Those who have exited the organisation include co-founder Yousef Abdelfattah, popularly known as FaZe Apex; Alexander Prynkiewicz, known as FaZe Adapt; FaZe Rug (Brian Rafat Awadis), Kris Lamberson, known as Swagg, along with Jason Nguyen, Nick Fosco, Jerry Woo and Stable Ronaldo, among others. 

‘Heartbreaking… beyond tragic,’ FaZe Clan issues statement

Following the high-profile exits, FaZe Clan issued a statement describing the situation as “heartbreaking” and “beyond tragic”.

“It’s heartbreaking to see this era of FaZe come to a close,” the statement read. “It’s beyond tragic the way it all ended; these past few days have been extremely emotional.”

The organisation added, “We wish the boys the very best, not only as creators but as people. FaZe has always felt like a family, and we will continue to unconditionally root for and support them.”

FaZe eSports, the company’s separate operational wing, will remain unaffected. “Nothing on that side will change; in fact, it will become our main focus moving forward,” the statement said.

The company signed off the emotional post with the words, “FaZe Forever 2010 to infinity”.

What is FaZe Clan?

FaZe Clan was founded in 2010 as a group of friends posting Call of Duty gameplay videos on YouTube under the name FaZe Sniping. The group later expanded into competitive esports, lifestyle content and influencer-led entertainment, becoming one of the most recognisable brands in gaming.

Why did influencers leave?

One FaZe influencer, PlaqueBoyMax, in a livestream on Thursday, explained that the influencers had “no control” and that they were just “puppets”. “At least that’s what it felt like. You get what I’m saying?”

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FaZe Clan went public in 2022 with expectations of a $1 billion valuation, but later became a penny stock. In 2023, then-CEO Lee Trink was fired amid allegations of poor spending decisions and disputes with talent. FaZe’s esports operations remain under GameSquare Holdings Inc., which acquired FaZe’s parent company for $17 million in 2023. 

‘Financial structure of FaZe is unsustainable’: FaZe investor

Matt Kalish, CEO of HardScope and an investor who reportedly put $10 million into FaZe over 18 months, said that the current financial structure of FaZe is “unsustainable”. He added that influencers were given the option to either go independent or sign new deals with HardScope, Bloomberg reported. 

Negotiations reportedly lasted six months before falling through last week, the outlet added. 

“…They’re all good kids and have a lot of people in their ear and are confused,” Kalish was quoted by Bloomberg as saying, and claimed that FaZe had subsidised many of their expenses. According to Bloomberg, influencers felt Kalish’s terms were unfavourable.

Former CEO pushes back against claims

Former CEO of FaZe Clan, Banks, addressed the controversy publicly. He said that creators were not mistreated and that he personally paid for housing for members and took on debt to support creators.

“I find you guys to have insane egos. I think it’s disgusting. It makes me sick to my stomach that your guys’ relationship with each other, with every other streamer, and your community included, is so incredibly fake,” he said in a video statement. 

In a follow-up post, he said, “These guys had: free housing, free filmers and staff, all FaZe Channels and zero per cent income shared.”

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“Their money and platforms all skyrocketed after meeting me, but I’m the bad guy? None of it makes sense, and as I said above, I’m going to get into all the details tomorrow,” he went on to add. 

Banks also called PlaqueBoyMax a “liar”, adding that “lying on or dragging someone who’s only ever helped you, botting views, it’s a joke”. 

FinancialExpress.com has reached out to FaZe Clan for a response. This article will be updated as and when we receive one. 

‘FaZeUp for life,’ co-founder Apex leaves

FaZe Apex, the Co-founder who spent nearly 15 years building the organisation, shared an emotional message on X (formerly Twitter) announcing his departure. “After joining FaZe nearly 15 years ago on March 6, 2011, today I am officially stepping away from FaZe Clan,” he wrote, ending the post with the hashtag “FaZeUp for life”. 

Apex said he felt fortunate to have spent half his life with the brand. “I’ve been very blessed to spend half of my life as a FaZe member. I’m grateful to everyone who was a part of FaZe, and to all the viewers who supported the brand at any point over the years.”

He added that he had always hoped to see the journey through. “I always intended to do what I could to help the brand succeed, and it’s finally time to close this chapter.”

Apex pointed to changes in ownership and leadership as factors behind his decision. “I have no ownership in FaZe or any related companies, and no role or influence in what comes next, but I’ll always wish the brand success. I have a lot of love for everyone who helped build FaZe, especially the OGs early on, and wish I had been able to do more to keep things together over the years.”

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He ended the message on an emotional note: “I’ll always be proud of what we built together and wish the best for everyone moving forward; new, old, and remaining people involved with the brand.”

‘This one hurts’

FaZe Rug, too, said on X that he “officially left” the organisation after 13 years, admitting that the decision “hurts”. 

“This one hurts. After 13 years, I’ve decided to part ways with FaZe,” he wrote, before adding, “Very grateful for everyone who’s been part of this journey, and the people who became family along the way. FaZe will forever be part of my legacy, but now the new chapter begins.”

‘Over half of my life…’

FaZe Adapt, who spent 14 years with the company, also announced his exit, calling it a difficult but necessary decision.

“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,” he went on to say.

Swagg too confirmed his departure with just two words on social media: “Left FaZe Clan.” 

‘I wish it didn’t have to be this way, but…’

YourRAGE also announced his exit, apologising to fans who felt let down. “I’m sorry to any supporters I/we let down. Thank you for letting us come in to do our thing to try to save this shit. I wish it didn’t have to be this way, but that chapter in my life is FOREVER closed now.”

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