Evaluating Cloud9’s Failure at the ESL One Cologne Qualifiers
The ESL One Cologne qualifiers began on June 9, with 16 teams battling for a spot in the next major. Despite their strong performance in ELEAGUE, Cloud9, one of the most high profile teams, failed to qualify for the major due to their defeat at the hands of the French scene. This unexpected failure left fans questioning what went wrong with the Cloud9 roster. This article aims to analyze the system that Cloud9 had under the leadership of Slemmy and identify the reasons for their failure at the major qualifiers.
New Member, New System
In April, Cloud9 announced the addition of ex-Without a Roof in-game leader Alec “Slemmy” White to their roster. Initially, it seemed that Slemmy was brought in due to his previous relationship with Jake “Stewie2k” Yip. However, the real reason behind his recruitment was Jordan “N0thing” Gilbert’s struggles as an in-game leader. By bringing in Slemmy, the team aimed to free up N0thing to focus on fragging. Slemmy’s tactical system proved to be effective, transforming Cloud9 into a team that troubled international opponents. Unlike previous iterations of Cloud9, Slemmy’s system had a sustainable structure built around a strong default and a range of strategies.
Broken Tools
Slemmy’s system relied on a specific distribution of fragging power among the players. While Slemmy himself may not have the individual skill of top-tier players, such as Olof “Olofmeister” Kajbjer Gustafsson or Janusz “Snax” Pogorzelski, his role was to support the fraggers on the team, like N0thing and other high-skilled players. However, at the ESL One Cologne qualifiers, the players failed to perform as expected, with Slemmy outperforming two of his teammates. This breakdown was not due to the system’s tactics, but rather to the domestic players crumbling under the pressure of international competition.
Looking to the Future
Looking ahead, Cloud9 faces important decisions regarding the future of players like Shroud and N0thing. Their inconsistent performance on the international stage raises concerns for the organization. However, Stewie2k, Slemmy, and Skadoodle have shown potential and should be considered core players for future success. Shroud and N0thing’s inconsistency may lead to their removal from the roster if they do not show improvement. It is crucial for Cloud9 to build a solid foundation with the right players in order to achieve their goals in Counter-Strike.
Conclusion
Cloud9’s roster on paper appears strong, but their results tell a different story. The flaws in their lineup hinder their ability to succeed internationally. As an organization, Cloud9 stands at a crossroads and must decide whether they want to build a winning team or settle for mediocrity. Only time will tell what approach they choose.
Photo credit: HLTV