Cloud9: From Humble Beginnings to Esports Supremacy

Updated On: April 01, 2024 by   James Connolly   James Connolly  

Exploring the origins of gaming‘s most illustrious figures can be just as captivating as the games themselves. That sense of wonder isn’t lost on us, particularly when it comes to tracing the ascent of Cloud9 from its humble beginnings in 2013 to becoming an esports colossus.

This blog intends to map their meteoric rise, demonstrating how a singular team burgeoned into an esports dynasty through sheer dedication and remarkable prowess. Join us for a rousing narrative filled with virtual victories!

Key Takeaways

  • Cloud9 was established in 2013 as a small League of Legends team and quickly expanded into other games, becoming one of North America’s premier esports organisations.
  • Strategic funding has played a critical role in Cloud9’s expansion, allowing them to grow beyond their origins and compete across multiple titles like CS:GO, Overwatch, Fortnite, and Valorant.
  • While achieving numerous victories and shaping the competitive gaming industry, Cloud9 has also navigated through controversies and setbacks that have tested their resilience as an organisation.
  • Through dedicated teamwork and strategic gameplay, Cloud9’s divisions in League of Legends, Hearthstone, Super Smash Bros., among others have consistently delivered top-tier performances at global tournaments.
  • Looking ahead, Cloud9 remains committed to maintaining its dominance within the esports scene by continuing to foster talent and push the boundaries of competitive gaming excellence.

History of Cloud9

– Founded in 2013, Cloud9 started as a small League of Legends team and quickly expanded into other gaming titles with the help of significant funding. Over the years, they have faced both success and controversy while establishing themselves as one of the top esports organisations in North America.

Founding and early years

We began our journey in the bustling esports scene with a passionate vision. Jack and Paullie Etienne saw an opportunity to create something special in 2013, starting Cloud9 with just a single League of Legends team.

Their aim was clear: to build a premier organisation that would resonate with fans and players alike, focusing on dedication, skill, and strategic play.

Our first steps into competitive gaming were bold ones. We quickly gained recognition as champions in the North American circuit. This early success was not by chance; it stemmed from tireless preparation and an unwavering commitment to excellence within the team.

As we rose through the ranks, Cloud9 set new standards for performance in the professional gaming world—a legacy of determination that continues to fuel our drive for supremacy today.

Expansion and funding

After establishing their presence in the esports world with a League of Legends team, Cloud9 quickly garnered attention and sought expansion into various gaming titles. The organisation’s venture into different games like CS:GO, Overwatch, and more was made possible through strategic funding and investment opportunities.

By securing reliable financial backing, Cloud9 has been able to grow exponentially beyond its humble beginnings in California, expanding its influence across multiple competitive gaming industries while maintaining a commitment to excellence.

Cloud9’s successful expansion can be attributed to the team’s ability to secure substantial funding that fuelled their growth as an esport powerhouse. With a clear vision and astute financial planning, Cloud9 has leveraged funding effectively to establish themselves as one of the top esports organisations globally.

Success and controversy

Cloud9’s success in the esports world has been undeniable, with numerous championship wins and a consistent presence at the top of various competitive gaming leagues. However, their journey to the summit has not been without controversy.

The team has faced scrutiny for roster changes, internal conflicts, and allegations of unfair treatment towards players, sparking debates within the gaming community. Despite these challenges, Cloud9’s unwavering determination and focus on excellence have propelled them through adversity, shaping them into a formidable force in the world of professional gaming.

As we delve deeper into Cloud9’s history and impact on the esports industry, it becomes evident that their success is intertwined with moments of contention that have tested their resilience.

In facing controversies head-on and emerging stronger from setbacks, Cloud9 continues to shape the narrative of what it means to thrive in the competitive gaming industry.

League ownership

Following the trajectory of Cloud9’s success and controversy, it is noteworthy to delve into their unwavering commitment to ownership in various esports leagues. Securing a spot as an owner in the highly competitive League Championship Series (LCS) not only underlines Cloud9’s significant influence but also presents a strategic advantage within the esports landscape.

The ownership reinforces their dedication to shaping and defining the future of professional gaming, ensuring a significant stake in the evolution of esports as a whole.

Divisions and Teams

Cloud9 has a range of divisions and teams, including League of Legends, Hearthstone, Super Smash Bros., Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Overwatch, Fortnite, and Valorant. To find out more about their impressive roster and achievements in each division, keep reading!

League of Legends

Cloud9’s League of Legends division, competing in the League Championship Series (LCS), has solidified its reputation through a history marked by determination and peak performance.

Since its founding in 2013, Cloud9 has consistently displayed excellence and dedication, quickly rising to prominence within the North American esports scene. Their ongoing commitment to teamwork and superior gameplay has been instrumental in their remarkable success.

The team’s rich history reflects a journey of continuous growth and achievement, affirming their position as one of the top esports organisations in North America.

Cloud9’s consistent focus on delivering top-tier performances has cemented their place as a powerhouse in the esports industry. Their unwavering dedication to success is mirrored by their resilience against challenges from other prominent gaming teams.

Hearthstone

Hearthstone has been a significant part of Cloud9’s esports journey, with the team making notable strides in this popular digital card game. The organisation’s Hearthstone division has seen talented players competing in major tournaments and securing victories on a global scale.

With a focus on strategic gameplay and skillful decision-making, Cloud9’s presence in the Hearthstone scene reflects their commitment to excelling across diverse gaming genres. The team’s dedication to mastering the intricacies of the game has contributed to their consistent performances at world championships, shaping them into formidable contenders within the competitive Hearthstone community.

Our Hearthstone division showcases Cloud9’s ongoing efforts to diversify its expertise in various esports titles. As passionate gamers ourselves, we recognise the strategic depth and exciting gameplay that define Hearthstone as an integral part of our organisation’s multifaceted success story.

Super Smash Bros.

Cloud9’s dominance extends to the world of Super Smash Bros., where they have consistently showcased top-tier performances. The team’s commitment to excellence and teamwork has propelled them to success in this popular fighting game, solidifying their position as a force to be reckoned with on the esports stage.

Cloud9’s presence in Super Smash Bros. reflects their dedication to achieving supremacy across a wide range of gaming genres, captivating fans and enthusiasts alike.

The next section will delve into Cloud9’s involvement in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, shedding light on their remarkable journey within this competitive esports title.

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, often referred to as CS:GO, is a core division within Cloud9’s esports portfolio. The team competes in high-stakes tournaments and leagues worldwide, showcasing their strategic prowess and sharpshooting skills.

Cloud9’s CS:GO squad has been a force to be reckoned with, consistently ranking among the top teams in the competitive CS:GO scene. Their commitment to precision and teamwork has propelled them to victory in numerous prestigious events.

This success has solidified Cloud9’s reputation as a dominant force in CS:GO esports, attracting both seasoned professionals and new fans alike. The team continues to push boundaries and set new standards for excellence within the game, embodying the values of determination and peak performance that define Cloud9 as an organisation.

Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2, a significant addition to Cloud9’s diverse esports divisions and teams, has further solidified their presence in the competitive gaming world. The team’s entry into the realm of Counter-Strike 2 showcases their commitment to expanding across different titles while maintaining top-notch performances.

Their participation in this popular game demonstrates Cloud9’s dedication to embracing varied gaming cultures and engaging with professional gamers on multiple platforms.

Cloud9’s involvement in Counter-Strike 2 underlines their deep roots within the ever-evolving cloud gaming landscape. The team continues to push boundaries and seeks excellence by venturing into new frontiers within the video gaming industry, representing one of many ways they maintain supremacy as an esports organisation.

Overwatch

Cloud9 has a strong presence in the competitive Overwatch scene, with their team competing at the highest level of play. The organisation’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering teamwork has translated into their Overwatch division, where players consistently demonstrate peak performance and dedication to excellence.

Cloud9’s active involvement in Overwatch reflects their enduring pursuit of success and growth within the esports industry.

As part of its diversification strategy, Cloud9 entered the world of Overwatch with a determined approach, setting high standards for performance while maintaining a supportive environment for players to thrive.

Fortnite

Transitioning from the intense world of Overwatch, we delve into Cloud9’s ventures in Fortnite. As a premier esports team, Cloud9 has made its mark in the popular battle royale game.

The organisation’s commitment to excellence and teamwork extends to their pursuits in Fortnite, where they’ve assembled a talented roster to compete at the highest levels.

With its roots firmly grounded in Santa Monica, Cloud9 brings their expertise and experience to the fast-paced and dynamic environment of Fortnite. Embracing the ever-evolving strategies and gameplay mechanics of this title, Cloud9’s Fortnite division continues to make waves within the competitive gaming community.

Valorant

Valorant, a team-based tactical shooter game developed and published by Riot Games, has captured the attention of gamers worldwide since its release in 2020. Cloud9’s foray into Valorant exemplifies their commitment to exploring new horizons in esports.

With a roster that boasts talented players known for their strategic prowess and precise aim, Cloud9’s Valorant squad has quickly made a name for itself within the competitive scene.

Their dedication to teamwork and excellence shines through as they continue to hone their skills and adapt to the evolving landscape of this thrilling first-person shooter.

Achievements and Legacy

Cloud9 has achieved dominance in multiple esports titles, making a significant impact on the North American esports scene and rising to become one of the top esports organisations.

To learn more about their journey from humble beginnings to supremacy, keep reading!

Dominance in multiple esports titles

Cloud9 has established its dominance across multiple esports titles, showcasing their versatility and skill in various gaming arenas. From League of Legends to Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, the team’s consistent success highlights their adaptability and strategic prowess.

Their achievements in Overwatch, Hearthstone, Super Smash Bros., Fortnite, and Valorant further solidify their position as a top-tier esports organisation. Cloud9’s commitment to excellence is evident in their numerous victories across different games, reflecting their unwavering dedication to mastering a diverse range of competitive titles.

The organisation’s legacy in multiple esports titles underscores their impact on the North American esports scene while inspiring novice gamers with tales of hard-fought triumphs and exceptional teamwork.

Impact on the North American esports scene

With its remarkable success and unwavering dedication to excellence, Cloud9 has had a significant impact on the North American esports scene. The organisation’s consistent top-tier performances across multiple titles have set a new standard for competitive gaming in the region.

Their dominance and achievements have not only elevated their own profile but also inspired and raised the bar for other esports teams, contributing to the overall growth and competitiveness of the North American esports landscape.

Cloud9’s influence is evident through their sustained presence at major tournaments and events, bringing attention to the North American talent pool while solidifying their reputation as one of the foremost esports organisations in the region.

Rise to become one of the top esports organisations

Building on their impact on the North American esports scene, Cloud9 has risen to become one of the top esports organisations, setting a benchmark for excellence and achievement in the industry.

From humble beginnings in 2013 with a League of Legends team, they quickly gained recognition for their unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional performances. This dedication paved the way for expansion into various games such as CS:GO, Overwatch and more, solidifying their reputation as an organisation that consistently strives for supremacy.

The team’s evolution reflects its relentless pursuit of success, culminating in significant achievements across multiple titles and cementing its position as a formidable force within North American esports.

Challenges and Growth

– Cloud9 has faced its fair share of controversies and setbacks, but the organisation has always managed to overcome them. From player contract disputes to accusations of unfair treatment, each challenge has taught valuable lessons that have contributed to the continued growth and success of Cloud9 in the esports industry.

Controversies and setbacks

Cloud9 has faced its fair share of controversies and setbacks during its journey to esports supremacy. The organisation encountered challenges from other prominent esports teams, testing their resolve and competitive edge.

Despite the obstacles, Cloud9 has consistently upheld their high standards, demonstrating unwavering dedication to success.

Amidst the setbacks, Cloud9’s commitment to excellence remained unshaken. Their ability to overcome adversity and maintain peak performance reflects their values of determination and resilience.

Overcoming challenges and lessons learnt

Facing numerous challenges in their journey, Cloud9 consistently demonstrated resilience and adaptability. From controversies to setbacks, the team tackled each obstacle head-on, learning valuable lessons along the way.

The organisation’s unwavering commitment to excellence and teamwork has been pivotal in overcoming these challenges, solidifying their position as a dominant force in the esports industry.

Cloud9’s ability to rise above adversity has been a testament to their dedication and perseverance. As they continue on their path of growth and success, they have embraced the lessons learned from past experiences, ensuring that they are well-equipped to face any future challenges that may come their way.

Continued expansion and success

After overcoming challenges and learning valuable lessons, Cloud9 continued its unstoppable expansion and success. The organisation’s commitment to excellence propelled them to establish a strong presence in multiple esports titles, including League of Legends, CS:GO, Overwatch, Fortnite, Valorant, Super Smash Bros., and Hearthstone.

This expansion demonstrated their unwavering dedication to dominating various gaming genres while maintaining their high standards of performance.

Cloud9’s success is not only limited to the breadth of games they compete in but also reflects their unwavering determination to succeed. Their consistent growth and achievements solidify their position as one of the top esports organisations globally.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Cloud9 has cemented its position as a top esports organisation through dedication, teamwork, and unwavering commitment to excellence. With a rich history of success and continued growth, the future looks bright for Cloud9 as they continue to dominate the competitive world of esports.

The continued success and future of Cloud9.

Cloud9 continues to embrace their commitment to excellence and teamwork, propelling them towards a future filled with promise in the esports realm. As one of the top organisations in North America, Cloud9’s determination and peak performance have cemented their position as industry leaders.

Their evolved logo symbolises their growth and success, reflecting the team’s unyielding dedication to maintaining supremacy.

Moving forward, Cloud9’s unwavering pursuit of success is set to further solidify their position within the esports world. With a rich history of achieving greatness across multiple titles, including League of Legends and CS:GO among others, Cloud9’s focus on delivering top-tier performances will undoubtedly carve out an even more impactful legacy in the future.

FAQs

1. Who is Cloud9 in the esports world?

Cloud9 is a top-performing esports team known for their skill and success in various video games competitions.

2. How did Cloud9 start in esports?

Cloud9 began with simple roots as a small group of gamers who shared a passion for video games and grew to become an influential force in the competitive gaming scene.

3. What has led Cloud9 to become so successful?

Hard work, strategic planning, and attracting talented players are key factors that have propelled Cloud9 to their position of supremacy within the esports industry.

4. Do members of Cloud9 only play one type of video game?

No, the skilled players on Team Cloud9 compete across numerous types of video games, showing versatility and mastery in different gaming arenas.

Share
The Top 10 Greatest Plays in Esports History
Previous

The Top 10 Greatest Plays in Esports History

Related Articles
How the Pandemic Accelerated the Esports Viewing Esports Viewing

How the Pandemic Accelerated the Esports Viewing Esports Viewing

The Competitive Structure of Esports Leagues Around the World

The Competitive Structure of Esports Leagues Around the World

Natus Vincere: A Staple in Esports History

Natus Vincere: A Staple in Esports History

The Psychology of Team Success in Esports

The Psychology of Team Success in Esports

Vitality: France’s Premier Esports Organisation

Vitality: France’s Premier Esports Organisation

The Future of Esports Arenas: Design and Technology

The Future of Esports Arenas: Design and Technology

Esports Merchandising: A Lucrative Avenue for Teams and Leagues

Esports Merchandising: A Lucrative Avenue for Teams and Leagues

The Influence of Big Brand Sponsorships in Esports

The Influence of Big Brand Sponsorships in Esports

OG: Dota 2’s Back-to-Back TI Champions and Their Unique Approach

OG: Dota 2’s Back-to-Back TI Champions and Their Unique Approach

The Evolution of Esports Broadcasting: From Twitch to Traditional TV

The Evolution of Esports Broadcasting: From Twitch to Traditional TV

Women in Esports: Breaking Barriers in Teams and Leagues

Women in Esports: Breaking Barriers in Teams and Leagues

Astralis: Redefining Team Dynamics in CS:GO

Astralis: Redefining Team Dynamics in CS:GO

The Economics of Esports: Understanding Team Valuations and Revenue Streams

The Economics of Esports: Understanding Team Valuations and Revenue Streams

The Asian Esports Market: Dominance and Cultural Phenomenon

The Asian Esports Market: Dominance and Cultural Phenomenon

Valorant’s Esports Scene: Riot Games’ Next Big Leap

Valorant’s Esports Scene: Riot Games’ Next Big Leap