Cloud9’s Mid-Bot Duo Faces Off in LCS Battle
Esports is a small world. Only 10 teams in the LCS and limited players mean that the same names appear year after year. However, one duo seemed to avoid the carousel. Cloud9’s Nicolaj Jensen and Zachary “Sneaky” Scuderi have been together for years, but this year they faced off as opponents after Jensen joined defending champions Team Liquid.
Now, they meet again on Saturday with more at stake. Cloud9 has proven that they can still compete without Jensen and are vying for first place in the region against league-leading Liquid.
In an interview with Riot Games writer Kien Lam, Jensen and Sneaky both expressed that they feel less pressure this time around, having grown and learned as competitors during their three months apart.
Parting Ways
Since Cloud9 brought Jensen over from Europe in 2015, their main goal has been to win an LCS title. However, they consistently fell short. The frustrations of their pursuit ultimately led Jensen to leave the team.
Last summer, Cloud9 made roster changes, benching both Sneaky and Jensen. Sneaky took it in stride, continuing to entertain fans with his fun and sometimes-crude streams. However, Jensen struggled with the benching, and even though he was brought back quickly, Cloud9 kept backup mid laner Grayson “Goldenglue” Gilmer on the roster for the rest of the split.
The benching clearly affected Jensen, and after speaking with Cloud9 owner Jack Etienne and waiting for a conversation with Sneaky that never happened, he decided it was time to move on.
Turbulence
Sneaky learned about Jensen’s departure while streaming, and at that point, it seemed inevitable. The two players have seen many teammates come and go throughout their time on Cloud9, understanding that esports has become a business.
Although they used to be close friends and hang out frequently, the changing nature of the industry has made their relationship more distant as competitors. Sneaky reflected on past teammates leaving, including jungler William “Meteos” Hartman.
Jensen also had a similar experience, feeling the void left by former teammate Bunny FuFuu. The two players have gone through various challenges together and have shared successes, but now they face each other as opponents with a hint of longing.
The LCS stage brings them face-to-face again, but who knows when they will truly reconnect as friends. For now, they battle for first place.