The esports organization 100 Thieves officially announced the signing of Howard “rain” Nygard as the new captain of its Counter-Strike 2 team. The announcement was made on the club’s social media, marking one of the most impactful moves in the recent competitive scene. After almost a decade with FaZe Clan, where he built a solid career and became one of the most respected players in the world, rain now embarks on a completely new challenge. In his introductory message, rain stated that he is motivated and prepared to begin this new phase.
For him, joining 100 Thieves means not only changing teams but also assuming an even deeper leadership role. “I’ve found a new home at 100 Thieves, and an exciting new challenge awaits me. There’s a lot of work ahead, but I’ll do everything I can to get back to the top,” declared the player. The phrase summarizes his determination and ambition to continue competing at the highest level. The choice of rain is not surprising. He has always stood out for his consistency, his composure in crucial moments, and his ability to take responsibility in the most difficult games. These attributes make him a natural captain, someone capable of guiding a young or revamped team in pursuit of major titles. For 100 Thieves, his arrival represents a bet on leadership, experience, and stability — three essential elements for building a competitive team in the new CS2 landscape.
Rain played for FaZe Clan since 2016, becoming a pillar of the team over the years. He participated in numerous historic campaigns, including memorable victories in international championships, epic clashes against some of the world’s greatest teams, and individual performances that marked generations of fans. His time at FaZe was marked by highs and lows, but always sustained by his natural talent and dedication.
Even after almost a decade with the organization, Rain maintained solid numbers. His rating over the last 12 months was 1.05 — a performance superior to that of many active professional players, especially considering his role within the team and his tactical contribution. For a veteran player, continuing to deliver competitive numbers demonstrates not only skill but also adaptation to meta changes, new mechanics, and the continuous pressures of the game.
Rain wasn’t just a player within FaZe; he was a reference point. His presence represented emotional and technical stability, and many teammates have publicly stated how he contributed to the team’s internal climate and competitive identity. His departure marks the end of an era for FaZe Clan, which will now need to reorganize its structure, while rain takes with him everything he has learned to build a new future. Rain’s arrival at 100 Thieves was also due to a specific condition imposed by the player himself. According to insider Alexey “OverDrive” Biryukov, rain only agreed to sign with the North American organization if he had the guarantee that he could form a strong core of players around him. This requirement reveals his long-term vision: he is not just looking to participate in a new team, but to lead a project truly capable of competing for titles.
100 Thieves, in turn, is in a moment of reconstruction within the Counter-Strike scene. After unstable seasons, the organization decided to invest in experienced names and assemble a competitive roster for CS2. Choosing rain as captain shows a clear commitment to this goal. He has the ability to attract other talents, organize the tactical structure, and mold a team with its own identity, something the organization has been seeking for years.
With the administrative and structural support of 100 Thieves, rain will have the opportunity to actively participate in roster formation, choosing profiles that complement his leadership style and fit the aggressive and dynamic style that has always characterized his game. Fans are now awaiting the organization’s next announcements, which should confirm the players who will form this new competitive core.
Internationally, the news of the signing generated great repercussion. Analysts highlight that rain is one of the most experienced names still active and that his presence can completely transform the course of a team. Others emphasize that CS2, being still recent, opens a rare window of opportunity for teams that can adapt more quickly — and rain could be the key to that. Rain’s entry into 100 Thieves therefore marks the beginning of a new phase for both the player and the organization. With ambition, experience, and a solid project ahead, both parties have the potential to write a new chapter of success in the competitive Counter-Strike scene.
