100 Thieves CS return announced, with Roobet as sponsor

Hannah Marie ZT, Senior Editor

Last Updated: 11/11/2025

At long last, the 100 Thieves CS return has arrived. The North American organisation is re-entering professional Counter-Strike with Roobet as its presenting and naming rights sponsor. 

Although 100 Thieves’ return is widely celebrated, the organisation has also been criticised for relying on gambling sponsorship to fund the project. 

The 100 Thieves CS roster returns, rain rumoured to be signed

Due to logistical problems during the COVID-19 pandemic, the original 100 Thieves CS project was placed on pause in October 2020. However, in October 2025, rumours began circulating that a new 100 Theives CS roster was on the horizon. 

Central to these rumours was the suggestion that the organisation had signed Håvard ‘rain’ Nygaard. Since being benched by FaZe Clan after nearly a decade on the roster, rain has not played on an active roster. 

However, the rumour also suggested that rain would only play with 100 Thieves CS if they acquire a strong core. 

On November 10th, 100 Thieves confirmed their return to Counter-Strike esports. They have yet to announce any roster details. 

As part of their announcement, 100 Thieves CS explained that their roster has been made possible through a new multi-year partnership with Roobet, a crypto and slots casino.  

This partnership involves naming rights. Therefore, the roster will be officially known as “100 Thieves Roobet” in the Counter-Strike circuit. 

Some fans protest reliance on gambling companies in the wake of other esports scandals

Reliance on betting and gambling-related sponsorships has long been a point of contention in the esports industry. For Counter-Strike, it is an issue that hits closer to home, given the integration of gambling in Counter-Strike’s market. 

Some fans have criticised the decision to fund the 100 Thieves CS team through Roobet. Meanwhile, others note that the expansion also comes just a mere month after 100 Thieves laid off twelve staff members. 

At the time of the layoffs, 100 Thieves co-founder Matthew ‘Nadeshot’ Haag came under fire for gambling on-stream to promote Roobet while the news was actively breaking online. 

Now that Roobet has extended its partnership, some are concerned the gambling company will continue to be a negative influence. 

100 Thieves has clarified that there will be no gambling streams or direct betting content on their social media channels relating to their Roobet sponsorship. Instead, the partnership will focus on fan engagement and competitive content. 

Whether gambling sponsors are a necessary funding source in Counter-Strike or not, the connection between Roobet and a significant controversy puts the 100 Thieves CS announcement under strain. 

However, many are happy to see the organisation return. 

Hannah Marie ZT, Senior Editor

Hannah is a journalist specialising in the esports, gaming, and technology sectors. Working for outlets such as Dot Esports, Esports Insider, and of course ENUK, she has developed a love for wider esports, Apex Legends, and advocating for women's esports initiatives. You may have seen her at various esports and gaming events, including ALGS LANs, ESI London, EGX, and watch parties.

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