The rumors are swirling like crazy. If you've spent even five minutes on X or scrolled through your YouTube feed lately, you've probably seen the chatter. People are asking: Is FaZe Rug the new CEO of FaZe? It's a fair question, especially given how much the organization has changed over the last year. But honestly, the truth is a lot more complicated—and a little more bittersweet—than a simple promotion.
Let's cut to the chase. No, FaZe Rug is not the CEO. In fact, as of early 2026, Brian "FaZe Rug" Awadis has officially moved on from the brand that made him a household name.
The Massive Shakeup Nobody Saw Coming
It's weird to think about FaZe without Rug. He was there for 13 years. Think about that for a second. That's a lifetime in internet years. He went from a kid posting Call of Duty clips in his parents' basement to a global superstar with a candy company and a massive following.
But late in December 2025, Rug dropped a bombshell on his fans. He announced he was leaving FaZe Clan for good. He posted a heartfelt message saying, "This one hurts," and mentioned that while FaZe would always be part of his legacy, it was time for a "new chapter." It wasn't just him, either. It felt like a mass exodus. Adapt, Swagg, and several others also hit the exit at the same time.
So, Who Is Actually Running the Show?
If Rug isn't the boss, then who is? This is where it gets kinda corporate and messy.
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Back in 2024, FaZe was acquired by GameSquare for about $17 million. That was a huge drop from their billion-dollar valuation back in the day. To try and save the brand, GameSquare split things up. They created FaZe Media for the creators and kept FaZe Esports as its own thing.
For a while, FaZe Banks (Richard Bengtson) was the CEO of FaZe Media. People thought the "OGs" were finally back in control. But then 2025 happened. Banks stepped down in July 2025 after a bunch of controversy involving a crypto project called "MLG coin." He basically said he was done with the stress and the "insane egos" of the streaming world.
As of right now, the leadership looks like this:
- Matt Kalish, the co-founder of DraftKings, is a massive player here. He’s the CEO of HardScope, the entity that’s been trying to manage the creators.
- Justin Kenna has been a key executive on the GameSquare side.
- Christoph Pachler has served as interim CEO and COO during various transition periods.
The brand is basically being rebuilt from the ground up, but it's being led by business executives and investors rather than the YouTubers we grew up watching.
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Why Everyone Thought It Was Rug
You might wonder why the "FaZe Rug CEO" rumor started in the first place. Honestly? It's because he was the most "stable" one left. While other members were getting into trouble or disappearing, Rug was consistently pulling numbers and staying professional.
When Banks stepped down, fans naturally looked to the biggest name left. Rug has the business experience (look at his "1UP Candy" brand) and the respect of the community. But being a CEO is a different beast. It's about spreadsheets, board meetings, and legal headaches. Rug is a creator at heart. He wants to make videos and engage with fans, not sit in a boardroom trying to fix a balance sheet that’s been in the red for years.
What’s Left of FaZe in 2026?
If you're a fan of the professional gaming side, there’s actually some good news. FaZe Esports is still a powerhouse. They are still competing in Counter-Strike 2 and other major titles. GameSquare still owns 100% of the esports side, and they've made it clear that while the "lifestyle" and "influencer" side of FaZe is basically dead or being totally rebranded, the pro teams aren't going anywhere.
The days of the FaZe House and the massive group subathons are mostly over. The "Media" side of the brand is currently in a state of total restructuring after most of the big names refused to sign new contracts with HardScope. They felt like they were being treated like "puppets" instead of partners.
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The Bottom Line
FaZe Rug isn't the CEO. He's an independent mogul now.
If you're looking for the "new FaZe," you won't find it in a single person. You'll find it in the esports arenas where the pro players still wear the jersey, and in the individual channels of guys like Rug and Banks who are now doing their own thing.
What you can do next:
- Follow Rug’s new channel/brand: Since he's officially independent, he’ll be launching new projects under his own name. Keep an eye on his socials for the "New Chapter" he teased.
- Watch the Esports updates: If you only care about the competitive side, follow the official FaZe Clan esports accounts. That side of the business is separate from the creator drama and is still very much active in 2026.
- Verify before you buy: Be careful with any "FaZe" branded projects or coins you see popping up. The ownership has changed hands so many times that it’s hard to know who is actually behind what.