Neityu: "Even without extensive practice, I believe we have a very strong foundation"

Neityu: "Even without extensive practice, I believe we have a very strong foundation"

FaZe has advanced to the playoffs of the Esports World Cup 2026 after securing victories over BetBoom and Legacy. Following a successful group stage performance, the team's newcomer Ryan "Neityu" Aubry spoke to HLTV about his transition to a permanent contract, adaptation within the roster, FaZe's progress, and expectations for the playoffs.

The French player also explained why the team feels confident against top-tier opponents, despite having limited practice together.

The permanent contract with FaZe was anticipated

Neityu joined FaZe as a stand-in back in April, but during the off-season break, he already knew he would remain with the team permanently. Therefore, the official announcement was more of a formality than a surprise for him.

I already felt like part of the team for the past few months. Even during the off-season, we knew I would join the roster. It was just a matter of sorting out contract issues and negotiation details. So after the announcement, I thought: "Finally." I already knew I would stay here
Ryan "Neityu" Aubry

FaZe is gradually regaining confidence

The team's initial months were challenging — FaZe underwent roster changes and dropped to 40th place in the VRS. According to Neityu, after JBOEN joined, the team focused on rebuilding and gradually returning to the fight for top positions.

When I came in, there was some pressure, of course, because it's FaZe. It's a big name, and the team had very well-known players. But I was a stand-in, so I just wanted to be myself and enjoy the game. Now everyone understands that we needed to rebuild the team, practice a lot, and gradually climb back to the top.
Ryan "Neityu" Aubry

The French player feels more comfortable against top teams

Neityu believes that FaZe can be more dangerous against the strongest opponents. He noted that matches against lower-ranked teams can sometimes be even more challenging due to their unconventional playstyle and lack of pressure as underdogs.

Personally, I feel that I play better against such teams. I don't know why, but I just feel more comfortable. Against teams ranked in the top 20 or top 30, they can act very unconventionally because they are not the favorites and have less pressure. But against top teams, we feel confident.
Ryan "Neityu" Aubry

A strong foundation compensates for the lack of practice

FaZe doesn't have much time for joint preparation, and JBOEN only joined the roster about a month ago. Meanwhile, Neityu believes that the team already has a strong foundation, and their synergy improves every day.

Even without a lot of practice, and considering that JBOEN joined just a month ago, I think we have a very strong foundation. We are also improving every day. We work hard, and now it's paying off.
Ryan "Neityu" Aubry

Twistzz and the coaching staff help the team progress

Neityu specifically highlighted the work of coach Niclas "enkay J" Krumhorn, the analytical staff, and captain Russel "Twistzz" Van Dulken. According to him, the good atmosphere within the roster and constant effort have helped FaZe improve their results.

Our coach is doing a great job right now. He prepares good plans with the analyst, and Twistzz is also doing very well in his role as IGL. We have a great atmosphere in the team. Everyone works hard, JBOEN integrated well right away, and the players are just starting to show their level.

Ryan "Neityu" Aubry

Now FaZe wants more than just reaching the playoffs

Initially, the team's main goal at EWC was to reach the playoffs. After achieving this, expectations have changed — now FaZe hopes to leverage a favorable bracket and compete for the top positions.

The main goal was to make it to the playoffs. We wanted to get back to the top, climb the rankings, and qualify for the Major. Now that we've progressed further, we're more confident in our abilities. We have the chance to go far, so expectations are high — potentially reaching the finals and even winning the tournament.
Ryan "Neityu" Aubry

What's next for FaZe

In the first round of the Esports World Cup playoffs, FaZe will face Vitality . The match is scheduled for August 20 at 16:55.

Neityu and FaZe will have a few days to prepare: the team plans to review previous matches, conduct additional training, and work even more on team synergy.

FaZe is gradually emerging from a rebuilding phase and is already showing stable results. According to Neityu, the team has a solid game base, a good atmosphere, and enough confidence to compete with the strongest opponents. Now, the main challenge will be Vitality in the EWC playoffs.