Cloud9 Makes History with ESL Pro League Win
Cloud9 made history this past weekend by winning the ESL Pro League 4 Finals in São Paulo. This victory marked the first major tournament win for a North American team in the history of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and the first for the region in over a decade. Despite the absence of top teams Virtus.pro and Natus Vincere, Cloud9 managed to defeat SK, the former world-leading team, on home soil to secure their victory.
Cloud9’s Summer Run Not Repeated
Many have drawn comparisons between Cloud9’s recent success and their 2015 “Summer Run” where they achieved three consecutive second-place finishes in July. While there are some similarities, such as three common members in the 2015 and 2016 rosters, Cloud9’s struggles at the start of both years after the departure of key team members, and the eventual success after forming secondary or tertiary rosters, it is important to note the significant differences in strengths, weaknesses, and identities between the two teams. Describing them as one and the same ignores these important distinctions.
Autimatic’s Rise to Prominence
The rise of Autimatic as a player has captivated the public’s attention, with many questioning how he “came out of nowhere” and why he wasn’t on anyone’s radar before joining Cloud9. However, Autimatic has been an active player in the North American scene for quite some time. His performance at the ESEA Season 18 LAN Finals over a year-and-a-half ago showcased his potential, and he has consistently shown improvement since then. The idea that his personal improvement and Cloud9’s success can be solely attributed to friendship and good feelings ignores the more comprehensive explanations of roster changes, tactical development, and individual skill.
Friendship as a Contributing Factor
The emphasis on friendship, particularly between Autimatic and Stewie2k, as a contributing factor to Cloud9’s success can be misleading. While a good working relationship can have some positive effects on a team, it is not the sole determinant of performance. Other factors, such as tactical development and roster changes, play a more significant role in Cloud9’s recent victories. Placing too much emphasis on friendship obscures a better understanding of the team’s achievements and potential.