Cloud9 announces new Valorant roster with vanity return

Tokoni Uti Published 29/09/2023

North American esports organization Cloud9 has announced the signing of multiple new players to the Valorant roster including the return of the former in-game leader Anthony “vanity” Malaspina, it was announced today.

vanity is most known for his previous stint with the organization which ended earlier this year following the VCT LOCK//IN tournament. At the event, Cloud9 was defeated by Korean team DRX in the second round.

But vanity has returned to the team following a run with Shopify Rebellion in Challengers. He’ll rejoin former teammate Erick “Xeppaa” Bach alongside Jake Anderson, Maxim “wippie” Shepelev, and Francis “OXY” Hoang.

The team will compete next year in the VCT Americas league, which features the most recent world Champions Evil Geniuses alongside other teams such as NRG, LOUD, FURIA, 100 Thieves, Sentinels, and more.

Cloud9 change after an up-and-down season

Cloud9 had a rough start to the season at LOCK//IN but managed to perform in the regular split with a solid record.

Cloud9 finished the regular season with an 8-1 record, which was joint-highest in the league alongside LOUD. But Cloud9 failed to capitalize on the success of the regular split and was defeated in the playoffs by NRG in the second round of the lower bracket.

The fourth-place finish at the playoff stage ensured that Cloud9 was unable to attend VCT Masters Tokyo, which was the second international event of the year.

Although Cloud9 qualified for the Champions last chance qualifier, the team was unable to secure a spot at the largest event in the calendar, either. Cloud9 fumbled in third place and was thereby unable to qualify for Champions, also. But with the new roster, the team will look to replicate a successful regional split and perhaps attend some international tournaments.

Read Also

Valorant

Vitality vs LOUD: Best predictions and picks for VCT Champions 2026 Owen Harsono Our recommended VCT Champions 2026 match to watch for September 30 has to be the clash between Team Vitality and LOUD for a spot in the playoffs. This is the first time the two orgs are set to face off, and both are going to give it their all. Here are our VCT Champions 2026 Team Vitality vs LOUD predictions. Tournament: VCT Champions 2026 Stage: Group Stage Game: Valorant Format: ...

Valorant

100 Thieves vs T1: Best predictions for VCT Champions 2026 Owen Harsono Two massive esports organizations are set to clash in VCT Champions 2026, as 100 Thieves will take on T1 in the Group A opening match. One of these teams is widely considered the current favorite to win the entire tournament, so here are out 100 Thieves vs T1 predictions. Tournament: VCT Champions 2026 Stage: Group Stage Game: Valorant Format: Best of 3 Betting tip: 100 Thieves are currently considered the ...

Valorant

Global Esports vs Team Vitality: Best predictions for VCT Champions 2026 Owen Harsono The Valorant action doesn’t stop, as we’re getting a spicy matchup between Global Esports and Team Vitality in the group stage. This is the first time these lineups are going to play against each other, so it’ll be exciting to see which one comes out on top. Here are our VCT Champions 2026 Global Esports vs Team Vitality predictions. Tournament: VCT Champions 2026 Stage: Group Stage Game: Valorant Format: Best ...

Valorant

Complexity Gaming shuts down after 23 years – Here’s what we know Khizar Mundia Esports organization Complexity Gaming is ending its 23-year run, as its founder announces its shutdown. Complexity is an organization that has been around since the early days of esports. The organization had rosters in multiple games, including Counter-Strike and Valorant. Despite this, Complexity’s CS roster was the most famous, as it won several major events. This is why it was a surprise for fans to hear that Complexity is shutting ...

Valorant

NRG vs Nongshim RedForce: Best picks for VCT Champions 2026 Owen Harsono Two tournament favorites face off in the first round of the VCT Champions 2026 group stage, as NRG will take on Nongshim RedForce in their opening match. There is no room for slow starts at this event, making it an incredibly important match for both teams. Here are our NRG vs Nongshim RedForce predictions. Tournament: VCT Champions 2026 Stage: Group Stage Game: Valorant Format: Best of 3 Betting tip: These ...

Valorant

Who Will Win VCT Champions 2026? These Are The Top Four Candidates Owen Harsono VCT Champions 2026 is the biggest Valorant tournament of the year. 16 of the best teams in the world will gather in Shanghai, but only one can fly back home with the title. With so many good teams at the event, it’s pretty hard to pinpoint which one is going to win, but Kalshi traders think they have a good idea of what will happen at the tournament, which ends ...

Valorant

VCT Champions 2026 Power Ranking [Best Valorant Teams Ranked] Owen Harsono The biggest Valorant tournament of the year is right around the corner, as VCT Champions 2026 in Shanghai kicks off on September 24. If you’re looking to follow and bet on this esports event, let’s make sure you know which teams to look out for. Here are our VCT Champions 2026 power rankings. These rankings are based on recent results and international experience. Favorites can always fall victim to upsets, ...