Cloud9 signs Vitality’s ALEX to massive $1.6 million deal

Cloud9 has announced the first official signing of its latest rebuild. The massive deal saw them steal ex-Team Vitality in-game leader Alex “ALEX” McMeekin to a massive deal.

The move was officially revealed this morning when ALEX appeared on 1PV’s livestream wearing a Cloud9 jersey to go along with a tweet from the North American org that revealed the exact details of ALEX’s three-year contract. 

This is one of the first times that an organization has publically revealed the details of the player contract, possibly setting a precedent for others to do so in the future.

ALEX’s signing is the start of a brand new Cloud9

ALEX’s contract starts on September 9 and is worth a total of $1.65 million, a massive contract that is reportedly on par with some of the biggest in CSGO today.

The speed at which Cloud9 and its new general manager, Henry “HenryG” Greer, are moving make the official signing seem to indicate that they plan on filling out the remainder of their roster as quickly as possible in an attempt to remain competitive in the ongoing ESL Pro League Season 12.

ALEX left Vitality earlier this year, citing concerns over the amount of traveling the player would have to do over the course of the season. He additionally mentioned that his agreement with Vitality wouldn’t allow him to spend as much time as he wanted to at home. His new place at Cloud9 seems to run contrary to his original decision to leave Vitality, but this offer may have been one he couldn’t refuse.

HenryG was excited to reveal the announcement. He stated that he’s looking forward to being more transparent in C9’s contact details in the future as a way to show prospective players that the team is serious about its rebuilding efforts.

“As controversial and unorthodox a move it may appear, I’m excited to be able to reveal far more specific details to his contract than you’ve ever heard in any past blockbuster deal. I consider this a celebration of our investment into world-class talent and long-term commitment to building a special team with our players and the game that fuels my passion,” HenryG said.