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Arjun Nair

Cloud9 Blue seeks vengeance against Rise and secures spot at VALORANT Champions

Cloud9 Blue Secures Final Spot in VALORANT Champions Event

Cloud9 Blue emerged victorious over Rise in the VALORANT Champions Tour Last Chance Qualifier, earning the last ticket to the highly anticipated VALORANT Champions event.

Rise’s Surprising Run and Challenges Faced

Rise defied expectations and made it to the LCQ Grand Final after a flawless run, defeating FaZe Clan, Cloud9 Blue, and 100 Thieves along the way. Despite being considered underdogs, Rise showcased their skills and proved themselves as one of the region’s top teams. However, they encountered difficulties, such as supamen disconnecting during their match against Cloud9 Blue. Nevertheless, they bounced back, sending Cloud9 to the lower bracket, defeating 100 Thieves, and securing their spot in the grand final.

Cloud9 Blue’s Journey to Redemption

Cloud9 Blue started the tournament with a victory against Version1 but suffered a loss against Rise, forcing them to fight their way through the lower bracket. They showcased their resilience, winning three consecutive games against Gen.G, XSET, and 100 Thieves, which secured them a spot in the grand final and an opportunity for revenge against Rise. This time, Cloud9 Blue emerged victorious, avenging their previous loss and earning a coveted spot in the biggest VALORANT event of the year.

Cloud9 Blue dominated the first map of Breeze, securing five consecutive rounds on the attack and displaying their determination to get revenge and secure their spot in VALORANT Champions. Although Rise managed to break their winning streak in round six, Cloud9 Blue won two more rounds in the first half to consolidate their lead.

In the second half, Cloud9 Blue continued their strong performance by winning the pistol round and the subsequent round. Rise managed to win the next two rounds, preventing Cloud9 Blue from gaining a decisive advantage. However, Cloud9 Blue’s defensive play was impeccable, denying Rise any opportunities. Rise’s supamen showcased his skill with a one vs. two clutch in round 20, but Cloud9 Blue ultimately emerged victorious in the next round.

Rise’s performance plummeted on the second map, Split, despite it being their map pick. Cloud9 Blue held their ground on defense, not allowing Rise to win a single round and ultimately closing out the map with a dominant performance in the second half.

Cloud9 Blue’s defensive strategies were impenetrable, effectively holding and retaking sites with well-executed abilities and utility. Despite Rise getting the Spike plant multiple times, they were unable to defend it on every occasion. In the second half, Rise failed to mount a comeback, and Cloud9 Blue secured their only offensive round without losing a single player.

In the final chance to force a fourth map and stage a reverse sweep, Rise chose Bind. Despite an improved performance compared to Split, Rise couldn’t seal the deal, and their season came to an end.

The first half of the final map, Bind, was closely contested by both teams. They traded rounds back and forth, maintaining a balanced score. Rise displayed signs of resurgence, with Shanks delivering an impressive 4k in round four to keep the score even. However, the first half concluded with a 6-6 tie.

Rise won the first two rounds of the second half, but Cloud9 Blue quickly bounced back, securing the third round and going on a four-round winning streak. In rounds 19, Zeppa and xeta showcased their synergy by successfully retaking the site while vanity defused the Spike. Rise managed to win rounds 21 and 22, bringing the score to 11-11. However, Cloud9 Blue remained composed and won the next two rounds, ultimately clinching the Last Chance Qualifier and securing their place in the VALORANT Champions tournament.

Cloud9 Blue will now join Envy and Sentinels in the VALORANT Champions Tour in December, where they will compete against the world’s top 16 teams.

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