After completing their lower bracket run, taking down Gen.G, FaZe Clan, and 100 Thieves, Cloud9 gave their miracle run an apt ending. In the final game against Rise, a team that had previously dropped Cloud9 earlier in the tournament, Cloud9 redeemed themselves with a clean 3-0 sweep.
The team now joins Envy and Sentinels in representing North America at VCT Champions. This will be the first time Cloud9’s VALORANT roster will attend an international event, barely missing out on Masters Berlin.
How Cloud9 pulled off the sweep
C9’s lower bracket run seemed to refine the team, as their final performances was the polar opposite of their initial game against Rise. Cloud9 led off their map pick of Breeze with a 13-8 win. The team’s near constant Jett Operator, Leaf, once again had a remarkable performance, ending with 23 total frags and a 73% ESR off of 8 first bloods.
The momentum was clear in Cloud9’s favor, as Split saw a perfect game for their side. All members thrived on Rise’s map pick, absolutely dominating in a 13-0. Unfortunately for Rise, the team failed to regain their footing in the final map of the series.
Though making the game far more competitive (11-13), Cloud9 pulled away as Xeppaa’s Raze stole 22 total kills with 199.3 ADR. This was by far one of Cloud9’s strongest showings in recent memory.
Can Cloud9 compete at Champions?
Ever since the departure of TenZ, Cloud9 struggled to field a consistently successful roster. C9 appear to have found a winning combination. The team showed incredible resilience, recovering after their first loss and improving after every win in the lower bracket.
North American teams have historically exceeded expectations at international events. Though this will be Cloud9’s first time facing international competition, this is certainly not a team to underestimate.
Also read:
- Cloud9 defeat Xset and 100 Thieves in their lower bracket run to NA LCQ Grand Finals
- Version1 knocks FaZe Clan out of NA VCT Last Chance Qualifier
What did you think of the finals? Join the discussion on social media or our Discord! You can also help improve our website by submitting direct feedback.