Is Cloud9 Russian? Debunking the Misconception
The short and direct answer is: No, Cloud9 is not Russian. Cloud9, often abbreviated as C9, is a prominent American professional esports organization with its headquarters located in Santa Monica, California. The confusion likely stems from the fact that some of their teams, particularly in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO), may have included players from Russia or other Eastern European countries. However, the organization itself, its ownership, and its base of operations are firmly rooted in the United States. Cloud9’s origins trace back to a League of Legends team founded in May 2013, and it was officially incorporated as Cloud9 Esports, Inc. on September 6, 2016.
Cloud9’s American Roots
Cloud9’s history is unequivocally American. Founded by Jack and Paullie Etienne, the organization started as a professional League of Legends team. The team quickly gained popularity and established a strong presence in the North American esports scene. The incorporation of Cloud9 Esports, Inc. solidified its status as an American company. While the organization operates on a global scale with teams and players from various nationalities, its fundamental structure, management, and financial backing are based in the United States.
The Global Esports Landscape
The international nature of esports often leads to misconceptions about team origins. Teams, like Cloud9, frequently recruit top talent from around the world, regardless of their nationality. Having players from Russia or other countries on a team does not change the origin or ownership of the organization itself. This global talent pool is a key feature of modern esports, making it a vibrant and competitive landscape. So, while you may see Russian players on a Cloud9 CS:GO team, for example, it does not change the core identity of the organization.
Understanding Cloud9’s Operations
Cloud9 operates as a multi-faceted esports company, with teams participating in various games like Counter-Strike, Halo, Hearthstone, League of Legends, Overwatch, Super Smash Bros. Melee, Teamfight Tactics, and TEKKEN. The company has consistently secured sponsorships from major brands such as AT&T, BMW, Kaiser Permanente, Microsoft, Puma, and Red Bull. Their success and reach across diverse esports titles demonstrate their strength and influence as an American esports leader. Cloud9’s financial stability is further bolstered by its acquisition by Amazon in July 2016, integrating it into Amazon Web Services (AWS).
Cloud9: A Global Brand, American Made
In summary, Cloud9 is definitively an American esports organization. Its roots are firmly planted in North America, and its operations are managed from its headquarters in Santa Monica, California. While its teams may feature players from various nationalities, this is reflective of the international nature of esports and not an indication of Cloud9’s origin. Cloud9’s global reach and partnerships do not change the fundamental fact of its American ownership and base.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cloud9
1. When Was Cloud9 Founded?
Cloud9 was initially founded as a professional League of Legends team in May 2013 by Jack and Paullie Etienne. It was incorporated as Cloud9 Esports, Inc. on September 6, 2016.
2. Where Is Cloud9 Based?
The headquarters of Cloud9 is located in Santa Monica, California.
3. What Games Does Cloud9 Compete In?
Cloud9 has professional teams in numerous games, including Counter-Strike, Halo, Hearthstone, League of Legends, Overwatch, Super Smash Bros. Melee, Teamfight Tactics, and TEKKEN.
4. Who Owns Cloud9?
Cloud9 was founded by Jack and Paullie Etienne and was later acquired by Amazon in July 2016, becoming a part of Amazon Web Services (AWS).
5. Who Are Cloud9’s Sponsors?
Cloud9 is sponsored by several major brands including AT&T, BMW, Kaiser Permanente, Microsoft, Puma, and Red Bull.
6. Is Cloud9 CS:GO Russian?
No, Cloud9 CS:GO is not Russian. While the team may include players from Russia or Eastern Europe, the organization itself is American.
7. What Does C9 Mean in Esports?
The term “C9” has a specific meaning in esports, particularly in Overwatch. It describes a situation where a team leaves the objective point unattended, often during overtime, leading to their loss. This term is derived from a moment during a match when the Cloud9 team did this.
8. Is Cloud9 League of Legends an American Team?
Yes, Cloud9’s League of Legends team is a North American team. It was formed from the former roster of Quantic Gaming.
9. What Was Cloud9’s Original League of Legends Roster?
The original Cloud9 League of Legends team consisted of Balls, Meteos, Hai, Sneaky, and LemonNation.
10. Where Did the Name Cloud9 Come From?
The expression “Cloud Nine” is thought to come from the classifications of clouds by the US Weather Bureau in the 1950s, where ‘Cloud Nine’ referred to the tallest cumulonimbus cloud formations.
11. Is Cloud9 Kid-Friendly?
Cloud9 operates as a bar that also has esports events and while minors are accepted it should be noted that alcohol is served and smoking may occur
12. How Popular is Cloud9’s League of Legends Team?
Cloud9’s League of Legends team is very popular. Their record for viewership was 1,963,912 peak viewers during the 2021 World Championship (Worlds 2021).
13. What are Cloud9’s Main Competitors?
In the cloud IDE category, the main competitors to AWS Cloud9 include Android Studio, Vagrant, and IBM Cloud Paks.
14. Is Cloud9 Part of Amazon?
Yes, Cloud9 was acquired by Amazon in July 2016 and is now part of Amazon Web Services (AWS).
15. Why is the term “pull a C9” used in gaming?
The phrase “pull a C9” refers to abandoning the objective in pursuit of kills or leaving it by accident and losing. This was named after the team Cloud9 made the mistake in a professional match.
This should help clarify any confusion regarding Cloud9’s origin and identity. Cloud9 stands as a leading force in American esports with a global footprint, making it important to recognize their origins and ongoing influence in the industry.