rain on learning to IGL in CS2: “Freezetime would start and I wouldn’t remember I was the IGL”

Veteran rifler Håvard “rain” Nygaard has opened up about the unusual challenges of transitioning into an in-game leader (IGL) role with 100 Thieves in Counter-Strike 2. In a recent interview, the Norwegian admitted that during his first matches calling for the team, he sometimes forgot he was responsible for making the opening decisions of a round.

“Freezetime would start and I wouldn’t remember that I was the IGL,” rain laughed. “I would sit there and it was like, ‘oh s**t, I have to make a call.’”

The candid comment highlights the learning curve rain faces after moving from a long-time star rifler to the strategic backbone of a new roster.

rain’s transition from FaZe veteran to 100 Thieves IGL

rain joined 100 Thieves in November 2025 after nearly a decade with FaZe, where he won multiple tier-one trophies, including the PGL Major Antwerp 2022 and an Intel Grand Slam.

His move marked the first time since 2016 that the Norwegian competed for another organization. The signing also positioned him as the cornerstone of 100 Thieves’ return to Counter-Strike.

While the organization initially did not confirm his exact role, rain had previously indicated he was open to taking on leadership responsibilities — something that has now materialized with him calling for the new lineup.

Mid-round calling remains the biggest challenge

According to rain, the toughest part of leading isn’t the pre-round plan but adapting once the round unfolds. After years in a roster with experienced voices and looser structure, he says learning how to control the pace and coordinate teammates mid-round has required a mindset shift.

The adjustment reflects a broader reality in CS2: modern teams increasingly rely on structured mid-round communication, where the IGL constantly reacts to information, economy changes, and opponent tendencies.

The 100 Thieves roster built around experience and youth

In early 2026, 100 Thieves finalized their Counter-Strike lineup with the signing of Nicolai “device” Reedtz, one of the most decorated AWPers in the game.

The Danish superstar reunited with former Astralis teammate Lukas “gla1ve” Rossander, who now serves as the team’s coach.

The full lineup blends veterans and rising players:

Håvard “rain” Nygaard

Nicolai “device” Reedtz

William “sirah” Kjærsgaard

Alex “poiii” Nyholm Sundgren

André “Ag1l” Gil

Coach: Lukas “gla1ve” Rossander

With this roster, 100 Thieves chose to start from scratch rather than acquire an already-ranked core, aiming to climb the Valve Regional Standings (VRS) through tournament results.

A new chapter for one of CS’s longest-standing veterans

For rain, the transition to IGL represents a major career shift after years as one of Counter-Strike’s most consistent entry fraggers. The Norwegian has been a fixture of top-tier CS since the mid-2010s and was named among HLTV’s Top 20 players multiple times.

Now, instead of focusing purely on individual performance, his role revolves around guiding teammates, building structure, and shaping the identity of a new project.

Despite the early growing pains — including moments where he forgot he was supposed to call the round — rain’s humor about the process suggests he is embracing the challenge.