How 100 Thieves secured Rain

Summary

In this engaging interview, Sean Garris sits down with Graeme 'Messioso' and 'Rain' (Howie) from the Hundred Thieves Rubet Counter-Strike team. They discuss their career journeys, with Rain reflecting on his long tenure in CS:GO, the challenges of transitioning to the IGL role, and the importance of team culture and mental resilience in esports. Graeme shares insights into the complexities of the CS ecosystem and their plans for building a competitive team. The conversation touches on team dynamics, leadership, and the future goals of the new roster, emphasizing gradual growth and high expectations for success.

Takeaways

• 😀 Graeme (Messioso) brings years of experience from roles at Complexity, Blast, and ESL, now joining 100 Thieves to lead the Counter-Strike team.
• 😀 Rain (Howie) discusses his transition from a decade-long career with FaZe, including major achievements like Intel Grand Slam wins and MVPs at major tournaments.
• 😀 The Counter-Strike ecosystem is complex, with multiple tournament organizers, majors, and a mixture of closed and open circuits that make the scene unique compared to other esports like Valorant or League of Legends.
• 😀 The 'Majors' in Counter-Strike are likened to 'Worlds' in other games, typically happening twice a year, and are a significant milestone for teams in the scene.
• 😀 Rain's career highlights include becoming the oldest major MVP at 28 and winning the Intel Grand Slam, with a particular fondness for the atmosphere at tournaments like Cologne and events in Brazil.
• 😀 The importance of finding the right roles for players in a team is highlighted, with teams like Vitality maintaining consistency by clearly defining player roles and balancing life with travel demands.
• 😀 Team culture is crucial in Counter-Strike, with players needing to bond and find ways to manage both their professional and personal lives to sustain long careers.
• 😀 The challenges of transitioning to a new team and forming a successful roster were discussed, with realistic expectations set for the first few months as the team builds synergy and structure.
• 😀 Rain shares his thoughts on becoming an IGL (In-Game Leader) and the challenges it brings, expressing nervous excitement but a strong desire to rise to the challenge and finish his career in a leadership role.
• 😀 The dynamic between Rain and his former IGL, Karrigan, is touched on, with Rain acknowledging Karrigan's influence on his approach to calling and gameplay, while he plans to develop his own style as an IGL at 100 Thieves.

Q & A

What is Messioso’s role at Hundred Thieves and what is his background?

Messioso is the General Manager (GM) of the new Hundred Thieves Counter-Strike team. He has spent four years working as the GM for Complexity's CS team and has experience with major tournament organizers like Blast and ESL. His role now is to build and lead the new CS project for Hundred Thieves.

How did Rain transition into the IGL (In-Game Leader) role for Hundred Thieves?

Rain decided to take on the IGL role after reflecting on his career and role in previous teams. He was motivated by the challenge and the opportunity to lead a new squad at a high level, despite the nerves and pressures that come with such a responsibility. His experience with top IGLs like karrigan has prepared him for this new role.

What is the biggest challenge Rain faces as he takes on the IGL role?

One of the biggest challenges for Rain is balancing his leadership responsibilities with his individual performance as a player. He wants to avoid micromanaging too much while still making sure to get his point across during critical moments in the game.

What were Rain’s feelings about stepping away from FaZe, and how did he adapt afterward?

Rain admitted that stepping away from FaZe was difficult because it meant missing out on a major. He initially felt frustrated but soon shifted focus to finding his next challenge. He realized the need to reset and think about his future in the CS scene, ultimately leading him to join Hundred Thieves.

How does the CS ecosystem differ from other esports scenes like Valorant or League of Legends?

The CS ecosystem is much more open compared to games like Valorant or League of Legends, where tournaments are more closed and organized by a single entity. In CS, there are multiple tournament organizers running different circuits and qualifiers, which creates a more unpredictable and dynamic competition landscape.

What are Messioso and Rain’s expectations for the Hundred Thieves CS team in the short term?

In the short term, both Messioso and Rain acknowledge that the team will need time to establish itself. Their goal is to build a solid foundation, with the hope of being competitive in the latter half of the year, especially for major events like Cologne. They understand the importance of gradual progress.

What is the significance of Cologne in the Counter-Strike scene?

Cologne is considered one of the most prestigious and iconic events in the Counter-Strike scene, often compared to ‘Worlds’ in other esports. Both Messioso and Rain highlighted that Cologne is a key goal for their team, and missing it would be a significant milestone for Rain’s career.

What does the team structure and dynamic look like for Hundred Thieves CS?

The team structure for Hundred Thieves CS is still being developed, with a focus on balancing experienced players like Rain with younger, up-and-coming talent. Messioso emphasized the importance of defining roles clearly within the team to maintain stability and long-term success. Rain also mentioned that they are focusing on building a cohesive team culture.

How does Rain’s experience in previous teams like FaZe influence his approach to leadership now?

Rain’s experience in FaZe, especially working alongside IGLs like karrigan, has greatly shaped his understanding of leadership. He now wants to apply those lessons and lead a team with his own style, drawing from his time as a secondary caller and contributor to team strategy.

What are the key factors that Messioso believes will contribute to the success of the Hundred Thieves CS team?

Messioso believes that having clearly defined roles within the team and ensuring a healthy work-life balance for the players will be crucial for success. He also pointed out that building good fundamentals and maintaining strong team dynamics are essential for long-term performance.