FaZe Clan bench Rain after nearly a decade on Counter-Strike roster

Kieran Lynch, Senior Editor

Last Updated: 29/09/2025

FaZe Clan has made the decision to bench Havard ‘rain’ Nygaard after just under 10 years on their Counter-Strike 2 roster.

The decision was announced by FaZe Clan and rain on their social media accounts this afternoon.

Rain in his message said that FaZe Clan has ‘decided to go another direction”.

FaZe Clan posted an emotional video featuring past clips of rain during his time with the esports organisation, as well as comments from some of his teammates.

The decision comes after FaZe were involved in a huge player transfer involving Jonathan ‘EliGE’ Jablonowski and  Russel ‘Twistzz’ Van Dulken.

EliGE returns to Team Liquid where he enjoyed the most successful stint in his career, while Twistzz returned to FaZe Clan.

What did rain say after being benched by FaZe Clan?

FaZe Clan decided to bench rain after 3,541 days on their Counter-Strike roster, just months away from reaching a decade.

In a statement, FaZe Esports wrote: “Håvard remains a world-class player and his career is far from over. We are so grateful for the memories we made together, and you will always be a legend in our FaZe family.”

Rain in his own statement, said: “After 10 unforgettable years, the time has come for me to say goodbye to FaZe Clan. And although faze has decided to go another direction, I am beyond proud of what we have achieved over the past decade.

“To my teammates past and present, I just want to say thank you for the countless memories, amazing matches and trophies that we have lifted.

“Playing alongside some of the most talented individuals in the game has been an honour. To the organisation and everyone who has believed in me, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to represent FaZe. And to all the fans that have supported me and the team, thank you for always being the loudest to cheer.”

What is next for rain?

Rain insists he has no plans to retire after being benched by FaZe Clan, and he is open to offers.

He wrote: “My journey in CS2 is far from over. I’m not retiring. I will keep competing and growing as a player.

“I’m open to offers for any role and while stepping into the IGL (in-game leader) role would be a new challenge for me, it’s one I’m eager to embrace.

“No matter the position, I will bring the same dedication, passion and drive that has fueled me for all these years.”

Community reaction to rain being benched

Finn ‘Karrigan’ Anderson in the video posted by FaZe Clan described rain as the ‘best teammate’.

He added: “To be honest you were one of the big reasons why I joined FaZe Clan. For me you are probably the best player I have met in my career. Especially when it comes to who I am today and what I have become.”

David ‘Frozen’ Cernansky added: “All the things I heard about you before coming to the team was not only true but even better.”

There has also been an emotional reaction to his benching on social media.

Counter Strike broadcast talent Travis said: “rain leaving FaZe brings an end to one of THE legendary runs in CS history. Nobody has done it at a comparable level for longer.”

@thetalkingtoas1 commented: “I was 100% sure that the twistzz signing was because rain wanted to retire him not retiring in a faze jersey feels wrong and makes me sad.

“He will always be my favorite he is the reason I fell in love with faze. I’ll keep looking up to him as my idol and inspiration.”

James Banks, popular British stage host and counter-strike broadcast talent said: “10 years of being everything the team needed, no matter what was asked of you. Everyone said you were the best teammate anyone could ask for. A true legend of the game and beast of CS.”

Another user commented: “Your favorite player’s best teammate and favorite player. It will always rain when it comes to Faze Clan.”

There was also some criticism thrown in the direction of FaZe Clan.

@DigitalSiX_ wrote: “Not sure i can forgive faze for benching rain 2 months before the major.”

Another X user said that Faze had lost a ‘huge part of its identity’.

Kieran Lynch, Senior Editor

Kieran Lynch is an esports journalist who writes about several games including EA Sports FC 25, Call of Duty, Rainbox Six Siege, and more. He previously worked as a sports journalist for MailOnline.

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