The Rise and Triumphs of Cloud9 in Esports

September 12, 2024 11:12 am
Cloud9, often abbreviated as C9, is a prominent esports organization based in the United States. Founded in 2013, Cloud9 quickly rose to fame with its League of Legends division. As of December 2023, Cloud9 boasts multiple divisions, including CS:GO, Halo, Super Smash Bros. Melee, and Valorant.

Origins and Early Success

Cloud9’s journey began with its League of Legends team in 2013. The team quickly made a name for itself, winning the NA LCS 2013 Summer Playoffs. This victory was followed by wins in the 2014 NA LCS Spring Playoffs, LCS 2020 Spring Playoffs, and LCS 2023 Spring Playoffs. Their best performance on the world stage came in 2018, reaching the semifinals of the League of Legends World Championship.

CS:GO Division: Triumphs and Challenges

Cloud9’s CS:GO division was established in 2014. The team initially consisted of members from Team compLexity. In 2018, Cloud9 made history by winning the Boston Major, the first North American team to achieve this feat. Despite facing challenges and roster changes, Cloud9’s CS:GO division remains a cornerstone of the organization.

Expanding Horizons

Cloud9 has ventured into various esports titles over the years. While some divisions like PUBG, Dota 2, and Heroes of the Storm have ceased operations, the organization continues to thrive in other areas. Cloud9’s Halo and Valorant teams are notable mentions, contributing to the organization’s diverse portfolio.

Recognitions and Partnerships

From 2016 to 2018, Cloud9 was honored as the Best Esports Organization at The Game Awards. In October 2018, Forbes recognized Cloud9 as the most valuable esports team globally. As of December 2023, Cloud9’s partners include AT&T, BC.GAME, Kia, Kingston, Polygon, Secretlab, and Red Bull.

Team Culture and Identity

Cloud9’s logo is a fan-designed masterpiece, symbolizing inspiration and achievement. The logo features three nines arranged to form a cloud, with a gradient blue “9” and a clean, sans-serif font for the text. This unique design reflects Cloud9’s innovative and inclusive culture.

Recent Developments in CS:GO

In 2022, Cloud9 made a significant move by acquiring Gambit Esports’ roster, marking their return to CS:GO. This acquisition aimed to break their offline curse and answer critics. The new lineup quickly proved their worth, winning the IEM Dallas 2022. In 2023, Cloud9’s CS:GO team continued to impress, securing second place at ESL S17 and winning the BLAST Premier: Spring European Showdown 2023.

Current CS:GO Roster

As of December 2023, Cloud9’s CS:GO roster includes:
  • sh1ro: Dmitrii Sokolov, Sniper
  • Ax1Le: Sergey Rykhtorov, Rifler
  • electroNic: Denis Sharipov, Rifler
  • Perfecto: Ilia Zalutskii, Rifler
  • HObbit: Abay Khassenov, Support
This talented lineup has consistently delivered strong performances, maintaining Cloud9’s reputation in the competitive CS:GO scene.

Future Prospects

Cloud9 demonstrates resilience, innovation, and a commitment to excellence throughout its journey. The organization’s ability to adapt and thrive in the ever-evolving esports landscape is commendable. With strategic partnerships and a talented roster, Cloud9 is poised to achieve continued success.

conclusion

In conclusion, Cloud9’s journey from a League of Legends team to a global esports powerhouse is a story of dedication and triumph. Their achievements inspire the next generation of gamers, proving that with hard work and determination, anything is possible in the world of esports.