So, let’s dive into some pretty big news that just dropped. Cloud9 has taken to social media to announce they’re “taking a step back” from the world of Counter-Strike 2 esports. If you’re as invested in the scene as I am, this one hits hard!
Let’s rewind a bit. Back in January, Cloud9 parted ways with its last Counter-Strike roster members, and since then? Crickets! Fans were left hanging, wondering what was next for the brand in CS2. Now we know: Sweetypotz and Groove are saying goodbye to the organization, which officially means an indefinite hiatus for Cloud9.
The team shared their thoughts on social media with a post that reads:
Thank you @Sweetypotz_C9 & Groove for representing Cloud9.
With their departures, C9 is taking a step back from Counter-Strike 2. While we have no immediate plans to re-enter, we love CS and are always on the lookout for opportunities. pic.twitter.com/gL8kb0pnSO
— Cloud9 CS (@C9CSGO) February 14, 2025
This sounds pretty bleak for anyone who has been rooting for them! Cloud9 hasn’t exactly been racking up the trophies lately; their last major victory was way back at IEM Dallas in 2022. Since then? They’ve mostly been playing catch-up while others have been stealing the spotlight.
If you want some tea on their recent performances, In 2024 alone, they managed only a sixth-place finish at the PGL Major in Copenhagen—a far cry from their glory days! Here’s how they ranked in some key competitions:
- IEM Katowice 2024 – 16th place
- IEM Chengdu 2024 – 12th place
- Perfect World Shanghai – 21st place
- Thunderpick World Championship – 10th place
With all this going down so close to IEM Dallas through May 2025, it feels like any hope of seeing Cloud9 reclaiming its former glory has vanished. But hold your horses; while there aren’t plans to jump back into action right now, who knows what could pop up before May?
