Cloud9 confirm controversial CSGO team acquisition
Cloud9 have announced the signing of a new CS:GO roster with the acquisition of the line-up previously representing ATK.
The mixed South African and North American squad has been acquired in its entirety, confirming previous reports about the possibility of the move.
The squad doesn’t have too many notable results at top tier events, with their most recent being a 7th-8th finish at the ESL Pro League Finals, during which they claimed best-of-three victories over North and G2 Esports.
ATK picked up some notable victories at the EPL Season 10 Finals.Meanwhile, the team has also been performing online in North America in recent months, claiming a victory in Week 2 of the ECS Season 8 season and finishing first in the United States Qualifier for WESG 2019.
Cloud9 CEO Jack Etienne commented on the acquisition:
“I think everyone in the community has been impressed with what these players have accomplished and we’re thrilled to be welcoming them to C9. I can’t wait to see them make even greater strides in the coming year!”
Cloud9 have been without an active roster since December 2019, when their squad was disbanded after three players – Kenneth ‘koosta’ Suen, Damian ‘Daps’ Steele, and Timothy ‘autimatic’ Ta – were transferred to Gen.G Esports.
After winning the ELeague Boston Major in January 2018, Cloud9’s CS:GO team has largely experienced turmoil in the years since, with high turnover in their roster and few noteworthy results to speak of since their Major victory.
The new line-up will make their debut for Cloud9 on January 9, when the team will be playing in the North American Closed Qualifier for IEM Katowice. They will be facing the likes of compLexity, MIBR, and the former Cloud9 players now representing Gen.G for just one available space in Katowice.
Cloud9 roster
- Johnny ‘JT’ Theodosiou
- Ian ‘motm’ Hardy
- Joshua ‘oSee’ Ohm
- Ricky ‘floppy’ Kemery
- Aran ‘Sonic’ Groesbeek