Cloud9 has a new CS2 captain in Kirill “Boombl4” Mikhaylov, a controversial player whose return is sparking even more discussion.
Counter-Strike fans were expecting some shock comebacks with the release of CS2, and while news has been mostly quiet, one fan-favorite has returned to the peak of the game. Former Natus Vincere in-game leader and Stockholm Major champion Boombl4 has officially joined Cloud9, marking a return to the highest tier of competitive play. .
The roster move was announced through Cloud9’s official social media channels on November 2, 2023. The former Na’Vi shot-caller was already standing in for the team at Thunderpick World Championship 2023. Even so, an official signing mid-tournament is a pleasant surprise for fans of Big Boom.
It’s worth noting that Boombl4 was already playing competitive CS2 with 1WIN, which saw its own fair share of success in the tier two scene. The squad earned championships at multiple CCT events and earned over $250,000 in prize money through 2023 so far. However, the team has yet to breach into the top tier, which makes Boombl4’s move to Cloud9 more understandable.
Boombl4 is one of the most controversial players in the late era of Global Offensive, with his mixture of ultra-aggressive in-game tactics and out-of-game scandals both contributing to a polarizing reputation. Most famously, his then-wife issued statements supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine, which ultimately led to his departure from Na’Vi. He then briefly pursued a rap career before turning to competitive CS.
In addition to bolstering Cloud9’s chances at the top level, the addition of Boombl4 also brings together the majority of the Na’Vi roster that won the Stockholm Major in 2021.
The duo of Denis “electroNic” Sharipov and Ilya “Perfecto” Zalutskiy left Natus Vincere during the team’s rebuild in June of this year. The pair joined Cloud9 less than a week later. With Boombl4 joining, the majority of the champion squad has reunited. It’s highly unlikely that Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyljev and Valerij “b1t” Vakhovsjkyj will follow suit, but if they do, they might as well bring in coach Andrij “B1ad3” Ghorodensjkyj to finish the deal.
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