Cloud9 looks for new CSGO roster, plans to drop current team

Cloud9 has initiated another comprehensive overhaul of its Counter-Strike: Global Offensive competitive division, marking the organization’s latest attempt to regain championship form.

Through a Sunday YouTube announcement featuring current team members, Cloud9 revealed plans to transition toward a new roster configuration while maintaining commitment to CS:GO esports. The existing lineup faces potential transfer to alternative organizations or complete dissolution as part of this strategic shift.

“We want to reassure everyone that Cloud9 remains fully committed to Counter-Strike esports, currently undergoing complete restructuring of our competitive division. Our immediate focus involves continuing ESL Pro League representation while Cloud9 secures our transition and rebuilds their CS:GO program,” explained Cloud9 coach Tiaan “T.c” Coertzen.

The present Cloud9 competitive squad joined the organization in January 2020, having originally gained recognition during 2019 while competing under the ATK organization banner. Their notable achievement included securing top-eight placement at the prestigious ESL Pro League Season 10 Finals.

Transitioning to a premier esports organization failed to elevate the team’s competitive results. Despite respectable performances at ESL One Road to Rio and Flashpoint Season 1 tournaments, the mixed American-South African roster never advanced to championship finals in any domestic or international competition.

The timing of this organizational decision appears particularly curious given the team’s qualification for the upcoming Counter-Strike Major, earned through consistent performances in regional qualifying events.

Cloud9’s struggles in CSGO continue

Cloud9’s competitive performance has significantly declined across recent CS:GO seasons. Following their dramatic ELEAGUE Boston Major championship in 2018, the organization has failed to capture any tournament victories and rarely achieved notable placements in significant competitive events.

Throughout 2018 and 2019, Cloud9 maintained constant roster volatility, frequently acquiring high-profile free agents to complement core Major champions Timothy “autimatic” Ta and Will “RUSH” Wierzba. This period concluded in late 2019 when RUSH departed for Complexity Gaming and remaining players transferred to Gen.G Esports.

While the ATK roster acquisition in January provided much-needed stability absent for years, this consistency came with competitive performance sacrifices. The current Cloud9 configuration remains competitive within North American tournaments but continues seeking domestic victory while international prospects appear limited.

Cloud9’s future competitive direction remains uncertain within the current esports ecosystem. Limited successful organizations lacking sponsorship exist across North American and European regions, with few teams under smaller organizational banners representing clear competitive upgrades over the existing C9 lineup.

The organization faces complex rebuilding decisions in a competitive landscape where established rosters typically maintain organizational stability. Potential strategies include developing emerging talent, acquiring established free agents, or pursuing roster transfers from organizations facing financial constraints.

Successful esports organizations typically balance experienced veterans with developing talent, creating sustainable competitive pipelines. Cloud9’s challenge involves constructing a roster capable of consistent international performance while maintaining financial viability in the current market conditions.

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