FaZe Clan have officially confirmed the return of Håvard “rain” Nygaard to the active lineup for the remaining matches of ESL Pro League Season 22, replacing Jakub “jcobbb” Pietruszewski, who will be moved to the bench. This decision comes as a direct response to ESL’s requirements following FaZe’s recent forfeit in the match against G2.
THE SITUATION
Today, FaZe found themselves at the center of a major controversy: the team suffered a technical defeat due to non-compliance with ESL tournament regulations. Organizers demanded that the roster retain a majority of players from the qualification lineup with which FaZe received their invite back in July.
The return of rain immediately restores that balance — the Norwegian veteran, alongside karrigan, Twistzz, and broky, now forms the core that meets ESL’s requirements. In the club’s official statement, FaZe clarified that after the conclusion of the Pro League, rain will return to the bench, while jcobbb will resume his active role for the CS Asia Championships 2025.
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rain will be rejoining the active roster immediately, while jcobbb will be moved to the bench for the remainder of ESL Pro League Season 22.
Following EPL, rain will return to the bench, and we will attend CAC 2025 with a roster of karrigan, broky, Twistzz, frozen, and jcobbb.
— FaZe Esports (@FaZeEsports) October 4, 2025
UPDATED FAZE ROSTER FOR ESL PRO LEAGUE S22
- Finn “karrigan” Andersen
- David “frozen” Čerňanský
- Russel “Twistzz” Van Dulken
- Helvijs “broky” Saukants
- Håvard “rain” Nygaard
- Coach: Filip “NEO” Kubski
CONTEXT AND IMPACT
The return of rain not only resolves ESL’s regulatory concerns but also strengthens FaZe with his vast experience. Nygaard remains the only member of the original FaZe lineup that won the PGL Antwerp Major 2022. His comeback brings a sense of stability to a team that has recently gone through roster turbulence.
According to the updated VRS World Ranking, FaZe maintain their position in the top 10 (#9), although they lost points following the technical defeat against G2. A victory in the next match could allow them to climb one position and restore their status among the group leaders.
WHAT’S NEXT
FaZe will continue their run in the ESL Pro League Season 22 group stage, where they are set to face an opponent from the 0–1 bracket.
For rain, this tournament is a chance to prove he still belongs among the world’s elite. For jcobbb, it’s an opportunity to focus on preparation for the CS Asia Championships 2025, where he will once again rejoin the active roster.
