TenZ blames bad system at Cloud9, Stewie2k responds

Cloud9’s most recent departure believes the organization’s non-stop roster shuffling is a systemic problem.

Tyson “TenZ” Ngo played for the organization for just under four months before recently being benched in favor of journeyman player Yassine “Subroza” Taoufik. TenZ took to Twitch soon after to explain the move.

“I left like our style wasn’t like, good. I didn’t feel like we had a good style and I didn’t believe in the system,” TenZ said.

On the surface, TenZ’s explanation for Cloud9’s troubles could have merit. Since the departure of both Jake “Stewie2k” Yip and Tarik “tarik” Celek, C9 has consistently finished tournaments in the bottom half of the standings. They frequently fail to make an impact in crucial moments and their players often seem to be competing using different playbooks.

“It could be my bad. [C9’s Manager] Danan told me that this wasn’t going to work if everyone doesn’t give like 100%.” said TenZ.

Not everyone agrees with TenZ laying the blame on the organization’s practices. Stewie2k, who currently plays for Team Liquid but was a member of Cloud9’s major-winning 2018 roster, took to Twitter shortly after TenZ’s stream to clap back at the young player.

Stewie2k Defends C9, Blames TenZ’s Inexperience

According to Stewie2k, TenZ was operating outside a system that requires all of its members to fully buy in. Stewie tweeted out his opinion on TenZ and his removal from Cloud9, stating that it didn’t seem like TenZ understood the effect a player’s presence could have on map positioning.

“Cloud9’s playstyle is actually structured, but the individual can pick what he wants to do rather than being micromanaged,” Stewie2k said.

In CSGO, movements on one side of the map carry consequences for both teams. Understanding how a rotation on one end of the map will impact enemy movement on the other is an important key to victory, and that’s not something a relatively unseasoned player will fully appreciate.

“Their system just requires five minds in one, and understand what teammates are doing around each other, even if you’re not a part of the play. If you aren’t a part of the play, plays your teammates are making can cause movement on your side of the map as well,” Stewie2k said.
According to Stewie2k, there is little way for a freelance player to succeed inside a structured system.

Several Twitter users suggested that it was up to the veterans on Cloud9 to change TenZ’s playstyle. In response, Stewie2k argued that it was the young player’s ability and willingness to play around the team that needed adjustment.

“He’s inexperienced so I’m sure his teammates helped him as much as they could, but it sounds like he wants to do what he wanted rather than understanding all POV’s and building up a bigger playbook for himself to be more versatile,” Stewie2k said.

Cloud9’s Roster Moves Continue

TenZ’s benching continues what has been a devastatingly bad year for Cloud9. Since its disappointing performance at the IEM Katowice Major, the organization has cycled through a slew of players and staff members.

Throughout 2019, the organization has replaced head coaches Soham “valens” Chowdury and Ronald “Rambo” Kim, and cycled through a number of big-name players including Fabien “Kioshima” Fiey,” Rene “cajunB” Borg, and Robin “flusha” Rönnquist. The organization also traded away Will “Rush” Wierzba to Complexity Gaming and loaned out Maikil “Golden” Kunda Selim to Fnatic.

As of today, only Timothy “autimatic” Ta remains from the roster that hoisted the trophy at the ELEAGUE Boston Major in 2018. This remains the only major championship won by a North American CSGO team.

As of today, Cloud9’s CSGO roster features autimatic, Damian “daps” Steele, Óscar “mixwell” Cañellas and Kenneth “Koosta” under contract. Subroza is currently on the roster on a trial basis while TenZ is benched. Former player and analyst James “JamezIRL” Macaulay is currently serving as head coach.