Why look beyond FaZe Clan
FaZe Clan has established itself as a leading esports organization, particularly dominant in the Counter-Strike scene with multiple major titles, including the PGL Major Antwerp 2022 and IEM Katowice 2024 [1]. Their roster, featuring players such as karrigan and rain, has consistently performed at the highest level. Additionally, FaZe Clan maintains a presence in other titles like Valorant and Apex Legends [2]. Despite their success, fans and technical buyers may seek alternatives for several reasons. Some may prefer organizations with a deeper historical presence in specific games, such as Dota 2 or League of Legends, where FaZe Clan does not currently field top-tier teams. Others might be interested in teams known for different playstyles, regional focus, or alternative approaches to player development and talent scouting. The esports landscape is diverse, offering organizations with varied strengths, allowing for preferences beyond FaZe Clan's established profile.
Top alternatives ranked
1. Natus Vincere (NAVI) — A long-standing esports powerhouse with multi-game dominance
Natus Vincere, commonly known as NAVI, is a Ukrainian esports organization founded in 2009 [3]. NAVI has a storied history across multiple titles, most notably in Counter-Strike, where they have secured numerous championships, including the PGL Major Stockholm 2021 [4]. Their Counter-Strike roster has featured prominent players like s1mple, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the game's history [5]. Beyond Counter-Strike, NAVI fields competitive teams in Dota 2, having won The International 2011 [6], and Valorant [7]. This multi-game strength and consistent top-tier performance make NAVI a compelling alternative to FaZe Clan, especially for those seeking an organization with a broader history of success across different major esports titles.
Best for
- Fans seeking a multi-game esports organization with a strong legacy.
- Technical buyers interested in teams with consistent top performance in CS2 and Dota 2.
- Organizations looking for a team with a global fanbase and extensive brand history.
2. T1 — A dominant force in League of Legends with a global brand
T1 is a South Korean esports organization founded in 2012, primarily recognized for its unparalleled success in League of Legends [8]. The organization's League of Legends team has won the World Championship four times, a record unmatched by any other team [9]. This success is largely attributed to their mid-laner, Faker, who is often considered the greatest League of Legends player of all time [10]. While FaZe Clan excels in Counter-Strike, T1 offers an alternative for those prioritizing excellence in the MOBA genre, specifically League of Legends. T1's strong regional presence in Korea and its global brand appeal, driven by their consistent performance and iconic players, present a distinct profile from FaZe Clan, catering to a different segment of the esports audience and technical buyers.
Best for
- Fans of League of Legends looking for a historically dominant team.
- Technical buyers interested in an organization with a strong regional focus (LCK) and global brand reach.
- Organizations seeking a team with a proven track record of developing and retaining legendary players.
3. G2 Esports — European powerhouse with diverse competitive rosters
G2 Esports is a European esports organization founded in 2015 by former League of Legends player Carlos 'ocelote' Rodriguez [11]. G2 has established itself as a multi-game organization with competitive rosters across numerous titles, including League of Legends, Valorant, and Counter-Strike 2 [12]. In League of Legends, G2 has been a dominant force in the LEC, winning multiple regional titles and reaching the World Championship finals [13]. Their CS2 team has also achieved significant victories, including IEM Katowice 2023 [14]. G2's strong European identity, diverse game portfolio, and consistent presence at top-tier tournaments make them a comprehensive alternative to FaZe Clan, appealing to those who value a broad competitive footprint and a strong regional fanbase.
Best for
- Fans looking for a leading European esports organization with success in multiple major titles.
- Technical buyers interested in a team with a strong brand presence in both MOBA and FPS games.
- Organizations seeking a team with a strong social media presence and active community engagement.
4. Team Vitality — A French organization with significant CS2 and LoL presence
Team Vitality is a French esports organization founded in 2013 [15]. They are particularly prominent in Counter-Strike 2 and League of Legends. Their CS2 team won the BLAST.tv Paris Major 2023 [16], featuring star player ZywOo, who is often ranked among the best in the world [17]. In League of Legends, Team Vitality competes in the LEC, Europe's top professional league [18]. While FaZe Clan has a strong North American identity, Team Vitality offers a leading European alternative, particularly for those interested in organizations with a foundational presence in both tactical shooters and major MOBAs, supported by a strong national fanbase. Their focus on developing top talent, particularly in CS2, aligns with a different strategic approach compared to some of the more established multi-national organizations.
Best for
- Fans of French esports and European competitive gaming.
- Technical buyers interested in a team with a strong focus on CS2 and League of Legends.
- Organizations looking for a team known for cultivating top-tier individual talent like ZywOo.
5. Fnatic — A historic organization with a long legacy of competitive success
Fnatic is one of the oldest and most successful esports organizations globally, founded in 2004 [19]. With headquarters in London, UK, Fnatic has built a reputation across a wide array of titles, including Counter-Strike (where they won multiple Majors), League of Legends (winning the inaugural World Championship in 2011), and Valorant [20]. Their Counter-Strike legacy includes three Major championships [21]. While FaZe Clan represents a more recent wave of esports dominance, Fnatic offers an alternative rooted in the early history of competitive gaming, appealing to those who value tradition, sustained competitive presence across different eras, and a broad, international fanbase established over two decades. Their consistent adaptability across various esports titles makes them a perennial contender.
Best for
- Fans interested in an organization with a rich history and numerous championship titles across multiple games.
- Technical buyers looking for a team with proven adaptability and longevity in the esports scene.
- Organizations seeking a global brand with a loyal fanbase built over two decades.
6. Cloud9 — A prominent North American organization with diverse championship rosters
Cloud9 is a leading North American esports organization founded in 2013 [22]. They have established a strong presence across numerous major titles, including League of Legends, Counter-Strike, and Valorant. In League of Legends, Cloud9 is a consistent contender in the LCS, with multiple regional championships and appearances at the World Championship [23]. Their Counter-Strike team notably won the ELEAGUE Major: Boston 2018, marking the first and only Major victory for a North American team [24]. Cloud9 offers a direct North American alternative to FaZe Clan, providing a similar regional focus but with different strengths across game titles, particularly in League of Legends. Their diverse championship history and strong regional fanbase make them a significant player in the North American esports landscape.
Best for
- Fans seeking a leading North American esports organization with success in a variety of titles.
- Technical buyers interested in a team with a strong presence in both LCS and CS2.
- Organizations looking for a team with a proven ability to win major championships on home soil.
7. Team Liquid — A multi-national organization with a strong global footprint
Team Liquid is a multi-national esports organization founded in 2000, initially as a StarCraft community [25]. Over the years, it has grown into one of the largest and most successful esports organizations globally, fielding competitive teams in over a dozen titles, including Dota 2 (The International 2017 champions), League of Legends, Counter-Strike 2, and Valorant [26]. Their CS2 team has also secured significant wins, such as IEM Global Challenge 2020 [27]. Team Liquid's extensive game portfolio, global reach, and consistent presence at the highest levels of competition make it a comprehensive alternative to FaZe Clan. They appeal to those who value an organization with a deep history across a broad spectrum of esports, demonstrating long-term stability and competitive excellence.
Best for
- Fans interested in an organization with a very broad game portfolio and a long history in esports.
- Technical buyers looking for a team with a strong global presence and diverse competitive strengths.
- Organizations seeking a team known for its established infrastructure and consistent performance across many titles.
Side-by-side
| Feature | FaZe Clan | Natus Vincere (NAVI) | T1 | G2 Esports | Team Vitality | Fnatic | Cloud9 | Team Liquid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2010 | 2009 | 2012 | 2015 | 2013 | 2004 | 2013 | 2000 |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles, USA | Kyiv, Ukraine | Seoul, South Korea | Berlin, Germany | Paris, France | London, UK | Los Angeles, USA | Utrecht, Netherlands |
| Primary Game Focus | CS2 | CS2, Dota 2 | League of Legends | LoL, CS2, Valorant | CS2, League of Legends | CS2, LoL, Valorant | LoL, CS2, Valorant | Dota 2, LoL, CS2 |
| Notable CS2 Titles | IEM Katowice 2024, PGL Major Antwerp 2022 | PGL Major Stockholm 2021 | N/A | IEM Katowice 2023 | BLAST.tv Paris Major 2023 | 3x CS:GO Major Champion | ELEAGUE Major: Boston 2018 | IEM Global Challenge 2020 |
| Notable LoL Titles | N/A | N/A | 4x World Champion | Multiple LEC Titles | N/A (LEC presence) | 2011 World Champion, Multiple LEC Titles | Multiple LCS Titles | 4x LCS Champion |
| Notable Dota 2 Titles | N/A | The International 2011 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | The International 2017 |
| Regional Focus | North America | Eastern Europe | South Korea | Europe | Europe (France) | Europe | North America | Global |
How to pick
Selecting an esports organization as an alternative to FaZe Clan involves evaluating several factors, including game specialization, regional presence, historical performance, and overall brand identity. The optimal choice depends on specific priorities, whether for fan engagement or technical sponsorship and partnership opportunities.
- Consider game specialization: If your primary interest lies in Counter-Strike 2, alternatives like NAVI, G2 Esports, Team Vitality, Fnatic, and Cloud9 all have significant competitive histories and current top-tier rosters. NAVI and Team Vitality, in particular, have recently secured Major titles, demonstrating strong current form [4][16]. If League of Legends is a priority, T1 offers unparalleled dominance, while G2 Esports, Fnatic, and Team Liquid also maintain strong presences in the scene [8]. For Dota 2, NAVI and Team Liquid are historical powerhouses [6][26].
- Evaluate regional presence: FaZe Clan has a strong North American identity. If a North American alternative is preferred, Cloud9 offers a comparable regional focus with diverse game success [22]. For European-based organizations, G2 Esports, Team Vitality, Fnatic, and Team Liquid provide strong regional representation and fanbases [11][15][19][25]. T1 stands out in the South Korean market, dominant in League of Legends [8], and NAVI represents Eastern Europe [3].
- Assess historical success and legacy: For organizations with a long and decorated history, Fnatic and Team Liquid offer extensive track records across multiple esports titles dating back to the early 2000s [19][25]. NAVI also boasts a significant legacy, particularly in Counter-Strike and Dota 2 [3]. If a focus on more recent, consistent dominance is desired, T1 in League of Legends or FaZe Clan itself in CS2 are prime examples.
- Consider brand appeal and player roster: The appeal of an esports organization often ties into its star players and brand identity. Teams like T1 (with Faker) [10] and Team Vitality (with ZywOo) [17] are closely associated with iconic individual talents. G2 Esports is known for its strong personality and marketing alongside competitive success [11]. Evaluating the current rosters and their star players can be a deciding factor for fans and potential sponsors.
- Look at competitive consistency: For technical buyers, consistent performance at top-tier tournaments is crucial. Organizations like NAVI, G2 Esports, and Team Liquid have demonstrated sustained competitive relevance across various titles and seasons, indicating robust infrastructure and talent management.