FaZe Bench rain After Nearly a Decade — Twistzz Returns

FaZe Bench rain After Nearly a Decade — Twistzz Returns

On September 29, 2025, FaZe Clan announced that they have benched longtime rifler Håvard “rain” Nygaard, marking the end of one of the most enduring player-organization relationships in Counter-Strike history. 

The move aligns with the return of Russel “Twistzz” Van Dulken to the active FaZe lineup following a high-profile transfer that also involved Jonathan “EliGE” Jablonowski moving to Team Liquid. 

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The Legacy of rain at FaZe

Rain’s tenure with FaZe began in January 2016, and for almost 10 years he remained a core part of the roster — making him one of the longest-serving players in CS esports. 

Over that span, rain helped FaZe claim numerous trophies, including the PGL Antwerp Major 2022, ESL Pro League Season 17 (2023), and the Intel Grand Slam. 

In their announcement, FaZe lauded rain as a “legend in our FaZe family” and expressed gratitude for the years they shared. 

Rain also posted his own message on social media, acknowledging FaZe’s decision to go in a new direction, but emphasizing his pride in what they had achieved together:

“After 10 unforgettable years… although FaZe has decided to go another direction, I am beyond proud of what we have achieved.” 

He made clear that he has no immediate plans to retire. Rather, he is open to exploring new opportunities — even as an in-game leader (IGL). 

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What precipitated the change?

The Twistzz Return

A key factor behind rain’s benching is the return of Twistzz, who rejoined FaZe from Liquid. This move creates a direct substitution in the active roster, making rain the odd man out. 

The timing aligns with a significant roster shuffle:

• FaZe parted ways with EliGE, who moved to Liquid.

• Twistzz, who previously left FaZe for Liquid, is returning to take a role previously held by rain.

This kind of high-impact roster swap is one of the boldest in recent memory for FaZe in 2025. 

Performance, Age & Strategic Direction

Rain is 31 years old, which is on the older side for top-level fraggers in the modern CS2 scene. 

His lifetime rating across both CS:GO and CS2 sits at about 1.01, after playing 2,162 maps. 

Given the evolving meta, greater emphasis on versatility, and the need for youthful firepower, FaZe may have judged it was time to pivot. Twistzz is younger, still at or near his peak, and has a reputation for high impact. 

In their announcement, FaZe affirmed that rain remains a “world-class player” and that the decision to bench him was “very difficult.” 

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Community Response and Reactions

FaZe paired their announcement with an emotional video montage of rain’s time with the organization, containing highlights, teammate tributes, and nostalgic moments. 

Teammate Karrigan called rain one of the key reasons he joined FaZe, praising him as “one of the best players I have met.” 

The esports and CS communities widely viewed the move as the end of an era. Many expressed respect for rain’s loyalty and durability, while also recognizing the competitiveness and necessity of tough roster decisions. 

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What Comes Next—for FaZe, for rain

For FaZe

• Their revamped lineup, now with Twistzz replacing rain, will debut at ESL Pro League Season 22.

• FaZe’s VRS (Valve Regional Standings) position is currently around 12th, which makes a strong showing in Pro League imperative to maintain a path to the Major.

This roster shift sends a clear message: FaZe is pushing aggressively for renewed top-tier performance.

For rain

• He has declared that his CS2 journey is not over.

• He’s open to taking any role, including that of IGL, which would be a new challenge and pivot in his career.

• Offers may come, especially given his legacy and name. But whether he returns to an established roster or helps build a new one, his next chapter is highly anticipated.