North American esports giant 100 Thieves is making waves with its grand entrance into Counter-Strike 2, marking a significant shift by signing the seasoned player Håvard ‘rain’ Nygaard. This move follows rain’s impressive nine-year stint with FaZe Clan, where he built a legacy as a formidable rifler.
Rain’s Impactful Arrival
In an electrifying announcement video shared on social media, 100 Thieves teased rain’s arrival with a crown descending onto his head, accompanied by the slogan ‘HIS REIGN IS HERE’ — cleverly altered to read ‘RAIN IS HERE.’ This strategic signing is a foundational step for 100 Thieves as they re-enter the Counter-Strike scene, leveraging rain’s vast experience. The gaming community welcomed the news with enthusiasm, with Ninjas in Pyjamas referencing rain as a ‘Return of the King’ and 100 Thieves co-owner Jack ‘CouRage’ Dunlop expressing his excitement for what’s ahead.
Rain leaves FaZe with an impressive record, having secured top finishes at prestigious events like the CS Asia Championships 2023, ESL Pro League Season 17, and a remarkable Intel Grand Slam win in March 2023. His legacy includes being part of FaZe’s victorious lineup at the PGL Major Antwerp 2022.
100 Thieves’ Counter-Strike Return
100 Thieves is no stranger to Counter-Strike, previously competing in CS:GO until their 2020 exit due to uncertainties in the scene. Now, they return with fresh leadership and rain as a veteran anchor, though the full roster remains under wraps. The signing aligns with appointing Sean ‘sgares’ Gares and Graham ‘messioso’ Pitt to lead their Counter-Strike 2 division.
Strategic Expansion and Future Prospects
Rain’s addition is a cornerstone of 100 Thieves’ strategic re-entry under the 100 Thieves Roobet banner, a multi-year collaboration aimed at expanding their influence into Europe. While specific debut details remain undisclosed, rain’s extensive tier-one experience positions him as a pivotal figure in 100 Thieves’ ambitious CS2 plans.