Cloud9 has returned to the top of the Counter-Strike: Global Offensive scene by signing the former Gambit Esports roster.
The North American esports organization has officially returned from a CSGO hiatus after undergoing a “colossus” fail. Cloud9 has quite a storyline in CSGO, but the new signing seems promising. In an understated announcement, the organization has officialized the new lineup. The news comes as a surprise for those who hadn’t expected Cloud9 to return to CSGO anytime soon.
The former Gambit esports lineup will automatically put Cloud9 on the map as one of the best teams in the world.
Cloud9 previously signed a star-studded roster led by a sought-after skipper Alex “ALEX” McMeekin. Unfortunately, the results were disappointing and Cloud9 terminated its team and abruptly left the CSGO scene.
However, Cloud9 has acquired an already accomplished team this time around. Gambit Esports is currently ruling the board with a roster that has beaten the likes of Astralis during the PGL Major Antwerp 2022 Europe RMR.
The Russian roster had been playing under the “players” banner after new restrictions were imposed by the tournament organizers. Despite the complications, the quintet managed to acquire the number three position on the world rankings. It’s safe to say that the former Gambit lineup is one of the deadliest names to look out for in the top five. After besting Astralis, Sangal, and Anonymo, the team has already booked a Legends slot at the upcoming Belgian Major.
Considering Gambit’s dazzling resume, it makes sense why Cloud9 would want to pick up a roster like that. Since March, the players had been looking for a home and have finally found one in Cloud9. With their current standing, the North American organization will automatically appear on the world ranking as the best team globally.
This will be the first time Cloud9 had entered the top five since March 2018, when it clinched the first major trophy for North America. Since winning that major, the organization has struggled to keep a stable roster and consistent showing. The organization historically fielded a roster with players based in North America, but its latest lineup will change that. The Russian mix may present some travel complications, but the organization claims to have plans.
“This is an exciting time for Counter-Strike, with LAN events returning we’re seeing incredible interest amongst fans. I would definitely say the resurgence is well underway,” Jack Etienne, CEO of Cloud9 said.
Many believe Cloud9 has finally landed gold after going through over 30 roster changes in the past five years. It’d be interesting to see if the Russian players manage to replicate their epic online performance on LAN in Cloud9 jerseys. So far, the fans have high expectations.
The new Cloud9 roster is:
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