Cloud9 set to Restructure CS:GO Team

Cloud9 announced on its official Twitter page this weekend that they would be restructuring their Counter Strike: Global Offensive team, which will mean that existing players are forced to search for a new roster to feature on. With Cloud9 having made such changes four times over a 2-year period, as well as twice this year, the news will perhaps now have been a surprise to many.

Why Cloud9 Has Chosen to Make Changes Now

Having acquired the roster of South African-based organisation ATK, who finished inside the top 8 of the ESL Pro League Season 10 Finals last year, at the beginning of the 2020 campaign, the timing of their latest restructure is perhaps a little strange. Breaking the news to fans on social media, CEO of the American organisation, Jack Etienne, stated that:
“We’re entering a new stage in our CS:GO development and we’re really excited to show our fans and community what we’ve been working on. We’re grateful to our existing roster and all their hard work and determination — as we enter this next chapter, we’re dedicated to finding them a new home that will empower their continued growth.”

Cloud9 finished in 5th-6th place at the ESL One: Cologne 2020 Online – North America just last month, as well as ending the cs_summit 6: Online North America in 5th position back in July. The team is currently battling it out in the ESL Pro League Season 12: North America, however defeats against both Evil Geniuses and FURIA have left them struggling.

What the News Means for the Existing Cloud9 CS:GO Roster

The organisation will work with its existing players in order to help them find new teams, while they will continue to represent Cloud9 until they have done so. Johnny “JT” Theodosiou, Ian “motm” Hardy, Josh “oSee” Ohm, Ricky “floppy” Kemery, Aran “Sonic” Groesbeek are the players who will be on the lookout for a new roster, while coach “Tiaan “T.c” Coertzen will also be searching for pastures new. Coertzen stated his excitement upon joining Cloud9 back in January upon their takeover of ATK, however it has not been an easy road for the 28-year-old South African, who was previously in charge at both Bravado Gaming and Deniel Esports.

Cloud9 mentioned in their statement on Sunday they would continue competing until their “current roster finds homes with new teams that are good fits and will help them further their careers.” The likes of rifler motm and in-game leader JT set to be in demand following the news, with further announcements regarding the future of such pros expected sooner rather than later. With a number of the leading names from CS:GO having turned to Valorant, there is certainly roster positions up for grabs.