rain

Håvard 'rain' Nygaard is a Norwegian professional Counter-Strike 2 player widely regarded as one of the most consistent and impactful riflers in the game's history. Born on August 27, 1994, in Norway, rain began his professional career in 2013 and quickly established himself as a rising star in the European scene.

rain's career trajectory saw him play for several notable teams including Team Kinguin, Epsilon Esports, and Team ENVYUS before joining FaZe Clan in 2016. His tenure with FaZe Clan would become the defining chapter of his career, where he formed legendary lineups with players like karrigan, NiKo, GuardiaN, and olofmeister. During his time with FaZe, rain became known for his aggressive playstyle, exceptional rifling skills, and ability to deliver in high-pressure situations.

One of rain's most significant achievements came at PGL Major Antwerp 2022, where he became the oldest player to be named HLTV MVP of a Major at 27 years, 8 months, and 25 days. This victory also made him the first Norwegian to win a CS:GO Major. Throughout his career, rain has accumulated over $1.8 million in prize money and has been named HLTV MVP of four tournaments, including the aforementioned Major and ELEAGUE Premier 2017.

Known for his clutch performances and ability to trade frags effectively, rain has been consistently ranked among the top players globally. He was ranked the 4th best player of 2017 by HLTV, 13th in 2022, and has been a crucial component of FaZe's dominance in the 2022-2023 period where they won multiple S-Tier tournaments including IEM Katowice, IEM Cologne, and the PGL Major.

In early 2025, after nearly a decade with FaZe Clan, rain made the surprising move to join 100 Thieves, bringing his veteran leadership and exceptional rifling skills to the new organization. His career continues to be defined by his aggressive style, exceptional utility usage (rated 85/100), and his ability to perform on the biggest stages despite the natural decline that comes with age in esports.

rain's impact on Counter-Strike extends beyond his individual achievements. He's been part of some of the most memorable plays in the game's history and continues to be a role model for aspiring Norwegian players. His longevity in the scene, maintaining elite-level performance well into his 30s, speaks to his dedication, work ethic, and natural talent.