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Cloud9 to drop another player ahead of Americas League
Kaustavmani Choudhury
22 Feb, 2023, 17:40
|Last updated: 12 Apr, 2025, 14:39
North American esports organization Cloud9 is reportedly set to part ways with substitute VALORANT player Hasan “BlackHeart” Hammad. As the team searches for a new sixth player in time for the start of the VCT Americas League on April 1.
The Change:
This roster change would mark the third change for Cloud9, following their ninth to 16th place at VCT LOCK//IN São Paulo in February, the first VALORANT Champions Tour event of the year. Previously, the team parted ways with star player yay and in-game leader Anthony “vanity” Malaspina. In their place, Cloud9 is reportedly bringing in former Soniqs player Dylan “runi” Cade as the new IGL, alongside collegiate player Jake Anderson.
While it is currently unclear who will fill the substitute role for VCT Americas League. The organization is expected to bring in another inexperienced player like runi and Jake. Rather than spending money on acquiring star players to replace yay and vanity. This move is likely due to financial constraints. As it was reported that Cloud9 was unable to meet the salary requirements of top free agent Jimmy “Marved” Nguyen, who trialed with the team in February. Marved ultimately signed with Sentinels this month, becoming their sixth player in place of Hunter “SicK” Mims.
The Future:
This latest roster change has left some fans concerned about Cloud9’s chances of qualifying for VCT Masters Tokyo in June. As they will need to secure a top-three placing at the Americas League. Public opinion suggests that Cloud9 is currently one of the weakest teams in the tournament. With some fans predicting that the team will struggle to make it to the next stage.
Despite these concerns, Cloud9 remains confident in their new lineup. Speaking to journalist George Geddes, Cloud9 CEO Jack Etienne stated that the team is “very happy” with their new signings and is looking forward to seeing what they can do in the upcoming tournament. Etienne also noted that the team is still in the process of scouting for new talent and is open to bringing in more experienced players in the future.
Overall, Cloud9’s latest roster change has left fans with mixed feelings. While some are excited to see what the new lineup can do. Whereas others are concerned about the team’s chances of success. Only time will tell whether Cloud9’s new strategy will pay off in the upcoming tournament.
