Cloud9 has parted ways with longtime Counter-Strike: Global Offensive coach and analyst Soham “valens” Chowdhury.
valens joined Cloud9 in February 2017 and most notable among his achievements in the coaching role was being part of the lineup that won the 2018 ELEAGUE Boston Major by defeating FaZe Clan in a memorable final. valens stepped down from the coaching role in July transitioning into a new data analyst role. The coaching position was then taken over by James “JamezIRL” Macaulay.
It was later announced that Cloud9 and valens would be parting company on good terms. In the organization’s official statement, Cloud9 thanked Vvalens for his contribution to Cloud9’s achievements in CSGO and wished him well in his future.
“All of us here at Cloud9 want to thank valens for his unshakable work ethic, dedication, and leadership which will always hold a special place in our hearts,” the team said.
valens has not yet confirmed a new role elsewhere and has said that he is open to business inquiries about either new coaching or data analysis roles. In his parting message he expressed gratitude to Cloud9 and the organization’s fans for having him.
“I plan to keep pushing the envelope when it comes to esports analytics and hope to be a part of the innumerable number of folks dedicated to turning this industry into a sustainable, ethical, and exciting one,” valens said. Thank you, Cloud9 fans and family, for all the love you’ve shown me. We’ve made history and I fully expect all of our teams will continue to do so.”
Cloud 9’s CS:GO team has struggled to regain their winning form for over a year now, having entered a period of transition amidst roster changes culminating in their elimination in the Americas Minor. This drop in form has seen them fall outside of the top 30 teams in the HLTV world rankings.
It’s unlikely that valens was a culprit in the team struggling to find its footing again, but the departure may help to further freshen up an organization that is clearly in need to something new and different.
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