The world of Counter-Strike 2 recently witnessed a poignant moment as FaZe Clan officially confirmed the departure of its long-standing icon, Howard “rain” Nygaard. On September 29th, the whispers that had permeated the esports scene finally solidified into a stark reality. An era spanning nearly a decade, starting in January 2016, has drawn to a close, leaving fans and peers alike reflecting on the monumental impact rain had on FaZe Clan.
A Legacy Forged in Fire: rain`s Journey with FaZe
When FaZe Clan first acquired the G2 Esports roster, including Nygaard, in January 2016, expectations weren`t soaring. The team showed flashes of brilliance but struggled to clinch major titles, often settling for semi-final finishes and unmemorable placements at prestigious events. The initial year saw FaZe without a single championship, a testament to the brutal competitive landscape of Counter-Strike at the time.
However, the tide began to turn with pivotal roster changes. The arrival of Finn “karrigan” Andersen, who would become another defining figure for FaZe, along with the explosive talent of Nikola “NiKo” Kovač, injected new life into the squad. By 2017, with the further integration of legendary players like Ladislav “GuardiaN” Kovács and Olof “olofmeister” Kajbjer, FaZe had assembled what many dubbed the “all-star” team. This was the lineup that would redefine FaZe Clan and, remarkably, bring North America its first (and, to date, only) CS:GO Major title. Through all these transformations, rain remained a constant, a steadfast presence transitioning from a promising player to an indispensable veteran.
The Pillars of Victory: rain`s Undeniable Impact
While FaZe`s “all-star” composition often garnered headlines for its individual firepower, rain was far from a silent partner in their success. His role transcended that of a mere “support” or “anchor.” Time and again, Nygaard shouldered the burden in critical moments, delivering clutch plays and earning MVP titles at significant events. He was the silent, often understated, force that ensured FaZe`s winning streaks weren`t just flashes in the pan. The team consistently secured multiple tournament victories each year during his tenure, a “white stripe” of success that saw them lift numerous trophies and, less glamorously but equally significantly, accumulate an astonishing number of second-place finishes across three Majors and countless other Tier-1 championships. His dedication was unwavering, his impact undeniable.
A Viking`s Heart: The Man Behind the Mouse
Beyond the statistics and the trophy cabinet, rain cultivated a reputation rarely seen in the often-contentious world of esports. He was universally respected, a true professional known for his positive mental attitude (PMA) and his ability to steer clear of online controversies. Teammates and rivals alike held him in high regard. Iconic figures such as Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev, known for his acerbic wit, famously dubbed rain a “god,” a title rarely bestowed without a hint of irony. David “frozen” Čerňanský, reflecting on their time together, struggled to hold back tears, describing rain as “one of the best people” he had ever met. This personal integrity, combined with his skill, made him a rare gem in the competitive circuit.
“Thank you for the opportunity to play with you. I heard a lot about Håvard before I joined the team. But everything turned out to be not only true, but even better than I thought. You are one of the best people I have met over the years. I admired you since childhood. I don`t know, brother… We will miss you. That`s all I can say.”
The Cold Reality of Competition: FaZe`s Reckoning
rain`s departure, just shy of his ten-year anniversary with the team (January 20, 2026, would have been the day), highlights the relentless, often brutal, nature of top-tier esports. While some might chastise FaZe Clan for what feels like an abrupt end to such a storied tenure, it`s a decision rooted in the cold calculus of competitive necessity. Team captain karrigan, a veteran himself, is desperately attempting to revitalize a squad that has seen its performance dip, with a third-place finish at PGL Bucharest 2025 being their best recent result.
The move, bringing back Russel “Twistzz” Van Dulken, is karrigan`s high-stakes gamble. It`s a calculated risk, reminiscent of previous roster overhauls, in an effort to push FaZe back to championship contention. However, many within the community ponder whether rain was truly the “problem.” This roster shuffle, particularly involving a player of rain`s caliber and tenure, underscores the immense pressure on karrigan, who, after 19 years in the professional scene, faces the daunting prospect of retirement if this latest attempt to reignite FaZe`s spark falls short.
What`s Next for the Viking?
Despite the bittersweet farewell, rain has unequivocally stated his intention to continue his professional career. Retirement is not on the horizon for this seasoned Norwegian. He has expressed interest in taking on an in-game leader (IGL) role, a testament to his deep understanding of the game and leadership qualities honed over a decade at the pinnacle of competitive Counter-Strike.
The Tier-2 scene, ever eager for veteran leadership and experience, would undoubtedly welcome him with open arms. Speculation abounds regarding potential landing spots, with teams like Ninjas in Pyjamas, Fnatic, or OG often mentioned. Alternatively, rain could dedicate himself to nurturing the burgeoning Norwegian esports scene, perhaps even with an organization like 777 Esports. And, should he ever decide to hang up his competitive mouse, a future as an analyst or caster seems a natural fit for his articulate insights and respected persona.
An Enduring Legacy
Howard “rain” Nygaard will forever be etched into the annals of Counter-Strike history as a true legend. His ten years with FaZe Clan were a whirlwind of triumphs, near-misses, and unwavering dedication. He might have often operated in the shadow of flashier teammates, but his foundational contributions were the bedrock of FaZe`s golden era. The void he leaves behind will be palpable, and whether FaZe can truly fill it remains an open question.
As the “Viking” embarks on his next journey, the esports community bids a heartfelt thank you to rain for his indelible mark on the game. We eagerly await his next chapter, confident that his passion and skill will continue to light up the server, wherever that may be. Godspeed, rain.
Nathan Blackwood