FaZe Veteran Leads 100 Thieves’ Counter-Strike Comeback

Håvard “rain” Nygaard, one of the longest-serving and most respected players in Counter-Strike history, is reportedly joining 100 Thieves as the organisation prepares a major return to Counter-Strike 2.

According to a report from Dust2.dk, the deal with the Norwegian star has already been signed, marking the first confirmed piece of 100 Thieves’ new lineup and the org’s long-awaited re-entry into the scene after five years away.

rain Becomes the Cornerstone of a New Era

Rain’s arrival is seen as the cornerstone of 100 Thieves’ rebuild. Sources say his contract depends on the team assembling a competitive core, with three players from GamerLegion identified as key targets.

Russian insider Aleksei “OverDrive” Birukov claims 100 Thieves are looking to construct a lineup with an established foundation, rather than a risky experimental mix.

While his role hasn’t been officially defined, rain has said he’s open to new challenges, including stepping into an in-game leader (IGL) position, something that could help guide a young roster and solidify the project’s structure.

From FaZe Icon to 100 Thieves Leader

For rain, this move closes a monumental chapter. After nearly a decade with FaZe Clan, close to 2,000 maps played, and countless international titles, including a Major MVP award, he departs as one of Counter-Strike’s true greats.

His calm consistency, experience, and leadership make him an ideal figure to lead a new generation, and his presence alone could help 100 Thieves attract additional top-tier names.

100 Thieves Return After Five Years Away

Founded by Matthew “Nadeshot” Haag, 100 Thieves first entered CS:GO with an Australian roster that reached the IEM Beijing 2019 grand final and climbed to fifth in the HLTV world rankings.

The organisation exited Counter-Strike in 2020, citing the instability of the scene and challenges in maintaining an international team. But rumours of a comeback have circulated for years, and in 2024, 100 Thieves president Jacob Toft-Andersen confirmed that returning to CS2 was a serious goal for the company.

With rain’s reported signing, that goal looks closer than ever.

League of Legends Focus Shifts as CS2 Project Builds

The timing comes shortly after 100 Thieves’ League of Legends team bowed out of Worlds 2025, falling to Faker’s dominant T1 roster.

While the organisation remains fully active in League, their early exit may have opened the door to refocus on other esports ventures. With Counter-Strike 2 thriving and attracting renewed global attention, it looks like 100 Thieves see now as the perfect moment to expand their competitive reach once again.

Community Buzz and Speculation

Fans and pros alike have been quick to react online, flooding HLTV forums and social media with speculation about potential line-ups.

Suggestions range from REZ, PR, and Tauson joining rain, to more wild proposals involving s1mple, stewie2k, or degster. While opinions are mixed, the sentiment is clear: 100 Thieves’ return, led by a player of rain’s calibre, has already reignited excitement across the CS2 community.

What’s Next

No official announcement has been made yet by 100 Thieves, Nadeshot, or rain. Still, the reliability of the sources and consistency of reports make this one of the most credible transfer stories of late 2025.

If finalised, this roster could mark one of the biggest competitive returns in modern Counter-Strike, bringing 100 Thieves back into the spotlight and giving North American fans another team to rally behind.