Cloud 9 returns with Ex-Imperial roster

Cloud 9 returns to Dota 2 after over a one year absence from the scene. The organization has picked up the Ex-Imperial, all Danish roster to compete under their banner. Cloud 9 will make their debut in the blue and white uniform at WESG in China January 12-15 as they compete for the $1,500,000 prize pool.

After more than a one year hiatus, Cloud 9 has returned to Dota 2 picking up the all Danish Ex-Imperial squad.

Almost one month ago the Dota 2 squad announced their separation from Imperial Gaming at the end of a successful year.

At the time, it was revealed the team would stay together and had accepted an offer by another organization – rumored then to be the famed Cloud 9.

Cloud9 CEO Jack Etienne seems to have much faith in his new roster – stating they are

young talent that I believe, if supported correctly, can establish themselves as a solid team.

Cloud 9’s last Dota 2 squad disbanded in November 2015 when Theeban “1437/Rose” Siva went to Digital Chaos as their fifth player, prompting the dissolution of his departing team.

Cloud 9

Speed Gaming Era – February 2014 – August 2015

Cloud 9 2014 Roster

Cloud 9’s appearance at TI5 was their second invite since the organization’s debut into Dota 2 in February 2014, when they picked up the former Speed Gaming Roster, consisting of members Jacky “Eternal Envy” Mao and Pittner “BOne7” Armand. At TI4 the team placed sixth and since then had a few roster changes.

The team was often subject of controversial headlines – involving Eternal Envy‘s public social media rants and often carried around the reputation of “always placing second”.

They went through a significant reshuffle in January 2015 when Kurtis “Aui_2000” Ling and Johan “pieliedie” Åström – two more of the original Speed Gaming members, were replaced by Johan “BigDaddy” Sundstein and Rasmus “MiSeRy” Filipsen.

Cloud 9 continued to work hard and were able to land third place at StarLadder StarSeries Season XII, after falling to Invictus Gaming, and fifth place at The Summit 3. They completed the all-Western podium at the Chinese MarsTV Dota 2 League, where they placed third and took a disappointing seventh place finish at the ESL One Frankfurt 2015. Just prior to TI5, Cloud 9 were defeated by Evil Geniuses, 0:3, in the Dota Pit finals and then placed 10th at TI5.

Dark Horse Era – September 2015 – November 2015

Cloud 9 at Frankfurt Major

After their previous Dota 2 squad disbanded on August 14th 2015, Cloud 9 decided to pick up the North-American team “Dark Horse”, just in time to meet the registration deadline for the first Dota 2 Major. The announcement about the Cloud 9 new roster was made by the team’s captain, Theeban “1437” Siva, on his Facebook page.

Cloud 9 had been demonstrating steady performances, quickly establishing themselves as a top NA team.

The team had qualified for the Nanyang Championships LAN after taking down Digital Chaos, 3:0, in the Americas qualifiers’ finals. They also qualified for the MLG World Finals, on September 27th.

Cloud9 dismissed Ravindu “Ritsu” Kodippili from the roster and organization. The discharge came as a consequence of recent unprofessional behavior and involvement in unsportsmanlike conduct. Cloud9 was eliminated from the Frankfurt Major just prior to the action, but is unrelated.

Shortly after, 1437/Rose accepted a position on Digital Chaos.

It appears that the decision to disband was influenced by the difficulty finding a suitable replacement for Ritsu, further complicated by the departure of 1437.

Cloud 9 returns – Imperial roster – January 2017

Imperial Dota 2 squad at Bootcamp 2016

The Imperial members have been playing together under the “Danish Bears” tag since August 2015, with the exception Jon “13abyKnight” Andersen who replaced Jure “Pingvincek” Plešej in June.

Towards the end of June, they were signed by Imperial.

The squad has enjoyed numerous success and has had a very strong presence in the regional scene, participating in almost every minor tournament and qualifier. They have typically been able to place in the first three positions. Recently, they have been a formidable enemy, seizing championship titles left and right.

The team managed to win the WESG Global EU LAN finals and will be heading to China in January to represent Denmark. They have also been on fire lately, taking the championship titles in virtually every minor tournament they have been participating in during the last two months.

They clocked in at 4th place for DreamLeague season 6 in November.

Cloud 9 returns with current roster:

Marcus “Ace” Hoelgaard
Jon “13abyKnight” Andersen
Mikki “HesteJoe-Rotten” Junget
Danny “Noia” Junget
Christopher “Ryze” Winther

Featured image courtesy of ESL Gaming