Cloud9’s Overwatch Legacy: Exploring Their Past Team and Current Focus

▶

What Overwatch team does Cloud9 own? Cloud9 no longer owns an Overwatch team. They previously owned the team known as Cloud9 Overwatch, which was a prominent contender in the early days of professional Overwatch, especially during the pre-Overwatch League era. However, Cloud9 ceased its Overwatch operations in 2018, dissolving their team and parting ways with their players.

The Rise and Fall of Cloud9 Overwatch

Cloud9’s foray into Overwatch was initially met with considerable success. They assembled a talented roster that quickly became a force to be reckoned with in the nascent Overwatch esports scene. The team participated in numerous tournaments and competitions, consistently demonstrating strong performances and establishing themselves as a top-tier team in North America.

Early Successes and Notable Players

The early Cloud9 Overwatch roster was characterized by its cohesive teamwork, strategic depth, and individual player skill. They achieved notable victories in several tournaments, gaining a dedicated fanbase and solidifying their reputation. Key players like Lane “Surefour” Roberts, known for his exceptional DPS play, and Adam “Adam” Eckel, a skilled main tank, were instrumental to their success. Sinatraa, although he had a brief stint with the organization, showcased his incredible skill early on. Their performances in events like the Overwatch PIT Championship and various online leagues cemented their status as a top team.

The Overwatch League Era and Disbandment

When the Overwatch League (OWL) was announced, many expected Cloud9 to secure a spot, either through purchasing a franchise or partnering with an existing team. However, Cloud9 ultimately decided not to pursue a franchise spot in the inaugural season of the OWL. This decision marked a significant turning point for their Overwatch division. Shortly after, in 2018, Cloud9 announced that they were disbanding their Overwatch team, citing concerns about the financial viability and long-term sustainability of the game’s esports ecosystem at the time. Players were released, and the organization officially exited the Overwatch scene.

Cloud9’s Current Esports Focus

While Cloud9 is no longer involved in Overwatch, they remain a major player in the broader esports landscape. They continue to field successful teams in various other popular esports titles, including:

• League of Legends: Cloud9’s League of Legends team is a perennial contender in the North American League of Legends Championship Series (LCS), consistently qualifying for international tournaments like the World Championship.
• VALORANT: Cloud9’s VALORANT division has seen considerable success, with both their main team and academy teams achieving notable victories.
• Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO): Cloud9 has a rich history in CS:GO, having won a major championship in 2018. They continue to invest in and field a competitive CS:GO team.
• Rocket League: Cloud9 has a presence in the Rocket League Championship Series (RLCS), fielding a team that competes at the highest level of professional Rocket League.

These teams represent Cloud9’s ongoing commitment to esports and their strategy of diversifying their portfolio across multiple popular games. They are constantly evolving their roster and strategy to compete at the highest level.

Cloud9 Overwatch: FAQs

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Cloud9 and their involvement with Overwatch:

1. Why did Cloud9 disband their Overwatch team? Cloud9 cited concerns about the financial viability and long-term sustainability of the Overwatch esports scene, particularly after choosing not to participate in the Overwatch League’s inaugural season.

2. When did Cloud9 disband their Overwatch team? Cloud9 disbanded their Overwatch team in 2018.

3. Who were some of the key players on Cloud9 Overwatch? Key players included Surefour, Adam, and Sinatraa (for a short period). Other notable members included players such as Reaver, Mendokusaii, and Grego.

4. Did Cloud9 ever participate in the Overwatch League? No, Cloud9 chose not to participate in the Overwatch League.

5. What tournaments did Cloud9 Overwatch win? Cloud9 Overwatch had strong showings in tournaments like the Overwatch PIT Championship and various online leagues, frequently placing in the top spots. While they achieved consistent high placements, they are most known for their overall strong performance and contribution to the early Overwatch scene.

6. What is Cloud9 doing in esports now? Cloud9 currently fields teams in League of Legends, VALORANT, CS:GO, Rocket League, and other games.

7. Is it possible Cloud9 will ever return to Overwatch? While anything is possible, there are currently no indications that Cloud9 plans to return to Overwatch. Their focus remains on their existing esports teams.

8. Where can I find information about Cloud9’s current esports teams? You can find information on Cloud9’s official website, their social media channels, and various esports news sites.

9. Who owns Cloud9? Jack Etienne is the founder and CEO of Cloud9.

10. What was Cloud9 Overwatch’s biggest achievement? While they didn’t secure a specific “biggest” win, their consistent high placements in major tournaments and their contribution to the development of the early Overwatch competitive scene were significant achievements.

11. Did any Cloud9 Overwatch players go on to play in the Overwatch League? Yes, several former Cloud9 Overwatch players went on to play in the Overwatch League, including Sinatraa, who played for the San Francisco Shock and was even named the league’s MVP in 2019.

12. What are some other esports teams that Cloud9 owns? Besides the major teams mentioned above, Cloud9 has also been involved in games like Fortnite and Rainbow Six Siege at various times.

13. How successful is Cloud9 as an esports organization overall? Cloud9 is one of the most successful and well-respected esports organizations in the world, with a long history of competitive success across multiple games.

14. What was the reason behind not joining OWL in the first place? Cloud9 leadership expressed concerns about the high buy-in cost for Overwatch League franchises and the long-term financial viability of the league’s model at the time.

15. Where can I watch old Cloud9 Overwatch matches? While not easily available on official channels, some old Cloud9 Overwatch matches and highlights can be found on YouTube and other video platforms. Searching for specific tournaments they participated in may yield results.