The legendary Norwegian Håvard “rain” Nygaard gave an open interview on the HLTV Confirmed podcast, where he spoke about his ten years with FaZe, his farewell to the team, possible options for continuing his career, and his personal plans.
10 YEARS IN FAZE: FROM HIGHS TO DISAPPOINTMENTS
Rain joined FaZe back in 2016, going through all the stages of the roster’s development. He recalled the early years, captain changes, the period with NiKo and karrigan, as well as the highlight of his career — winning the Major in 2022.
Winning the Major itself. The MVP thing didn’t really matter… But just the entire feeling leading into that Major, I just told my family and friends to buy tickets like 3 months ahead. I had that feeling for it.
The player admits that those years passed very quickly, and what remains most memorable are the championship moments, despite all the difficulties with roster changes.
A NEW STAGE: “I’LL HAVE TO START SOMEWHERE”
After being removed from the FaZe roster, Rain focused on finding a new team. He admits he will have to start from the bottom, as top organizations are currently set.
I probably have to start somewhere lower and kind of work my way up and hopefully qualify for the next Major.
The Norwegian adds that he is currently maintaining his form on FACEIT and has an agent negotiating with various clubs.
IS A FUTURE WITH NAVI POSSIBLE?
One of the questions Rain is most often asked concerns a potential move to NAVI. The player himself is cautious in his answers, acknowledging that his vision of the game and B1ad3’s may not align.
Now it doesn’t sound bad, but I think me and him see it a little differently. I don’t know if that’s going to be a possibility.
At the same time, he does not rule out the possibility that after the Major, clubs will make changes, and then the situation could be different.
IDEAL OPTIONS: VITALITY OR MOUZ
Rain directly named the teams he would like to try himself in.
Vitality. Well, I guess that’s an easy answer… Other than that, MOUZ could be an interesting choice. I think they have great players and maybe I could see myself helping them out.
At the same time, he doubts that the Falcons project would suit him, admitting that he does not feel personal compatibility with that roster.
LOOKING BACK AND A FIRST BREAK IN A DECADE
After 10 years of uninterrupted play, Rain felt for the first time that he was on “vacation.”
It’s been 10 years of just practicing 8 hours a day from home and now I’m on vacation almost, it feels like.
Despite this, he admits that what he misses most is the team atmosphere:
I just miss playing on a team and having that feeling, that purpose in life, but like a routine where you sit down, you grind with the guys and you have that feeling.
MEMORIES OF S1MPLE AND SHARED EXPERIENCE
Rain also recalled his friendship with Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev, with whom he played in the past. Although he admitted that the mix of players they had back then was unlikely to succeed long-term:
Me and Sasha are very close… but I think overall the mix of players we had, I don’t know if it would have worked that well.
IN SHORT
Rain leaves FaZe after a historic ten-year career that gave him the ultimate title and the status of a legend. Ahead lie new challenges. He admits he is ready to start “from the bottom” in order to once again prove that he remains one of the most valuable players in the world of Counter-Strike.
