Cloud9's Unforgettable CS:GO Major Victory: Where Are They Now?

by Jhon Lennon 64 views

The Cloud9 CS:GO Major win team remains one of the most beloved and talked-about stories in the history of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. Their victory at the ELEAGUE Boston Major in 2018 wasn't just a win; it was a monumental moment for North American CS:GO, a region that had long been overshadowed by their European counterparts. This win was characterized by intense matches, incredible individual performances, and a narrative that captured the hearts of fans worldwide. The players who made up that iconic roster became legends overnight, etching their names into the annals of esports history. But what made this victory so special, and what has become of these players since their unforgettable triumph?

The significance of Cloud9's victory extends far beyond just lifting the trophy. It represented a turning point for North American CS:GO, proving that the region could compete and win at the highest level. Before Cloud9's win, North American teams often struggled to make deep runs in international tournaments, with many questioning whether the region could ever truly challenge the dominance of European powerhouses like Astralis, Fnatic, and SK Gaming. The victory instilled a sense of belief and optimism in the North American scene, inspiring a new generation of players to pursue their dreams and strive for greatness. Moreover, Cloud9's win captivated a broader audience, drawing in new fans who were drawn to the team's underdog story and exciting playstyle. The impact of their victory can still be felt today, as North American CS:GO continues to grow and develop, with more teams and players making their mark on the international stage.

The Legendary Roster

The Cloud9 CS:GO Major win team comprised of five incredibly talented players, each bringing their unique skills and personalities to the squad. Let's take a closer look at the members of this legendary roster:

  • Jake "Stewie2K" Yip: Arguably the most recognizable name from the team, Stewie2K was the in-game leader (IGL) and a crucial fragger for Cloud9. Known for his aggressive playstyle and fearless pushes, Stewie2K brought an unmatched level of energy and intensity to the team. His ability to make game-changing calls and clutch plays made him a formidable opponent and a fan favorite. Stewie2K's leadership was instrumental in guiding Cloud9 through the challenges of the Major, and his individual performances were often spectacular. His impact on the team cannot be overstated, as he was the driving force behind their success.
  • Tarik "tarik" Celik: Tarik was another star player on the team, known for his exceptional aim and clutch performances. He played a vital role in Cloud9's success, often stepping up in crucial moments to secure rounds and swing the momentum in their favor. Tarik's calm and collected demeanor, combined with his incredible skill, made him a reliable and consistent performer. His ability to read the game and make smart decisions under pressure was invaluable to the team. Tarik's contributions to Cloud9's Major win were immense, and he will always be remembered as a key part of their championship run.
  • Will "RUSH" Wierzba: RUSH was the team's entry fragger, responsible for leading the charge into bombsite and creating opportunities for his teammates. His aggressive playstyle and ability to take map control were essential to Cloud9's success. RUSH's willingness to put himself in risky situations and make impactful plays often opened up the map for his team, allowing them to execute their strategies effectively. His contributions may not have always been as flashy as those of Stewie2K or tarik, but they were no less important. RUSH was a vital cog in the Cloud9 machine, and his role in their Major win should not be overlooked.
  • Timothy "autimatic" Ta: Autimatic was the team's lurker, known for his ability to find openings and exploit weaknesses in the enemy's defense. His intelligent playstyle and excellent game sense made him a dangerous player to face. Autimatic's ability to read the game and anticipate his opponent's movements allowed him to consistently find advantageous positions and secure crucial kills. His contributions to Cloud9's Major win were significant, as he often played a key role in disrupting the enemy's plans and creating opportunities for his team.
  • Tyler "Skadoodle" Latham: Skadoodle was the team's AWPer, known for his exceptional sniping skills and consistent performance. His ability to shut down angles and pick off opponents with his AWP was crucial to Cloud9's defensive strategy. Skadoodle's calm and collected demeanor, combined with his incredible aim, made him a formidable opponent. His contributions to Cloud9's Major win were immense, as he consistently delivered impactful performances and helped secure crucial rounds.

The Road to Victory

The Cloud9 CS:GO Major win team's journey to the ELEAGUE Boston Major was anything but easy. They faced numerous challenges and obstacles along the way, but their determination and resilience ultimately led them to victory. Their run through the tournament was marked by intense matches, close calls, and incredible comebacks. Here's a brief overview of their path to the championship:

  • Group Stage: Cloud9 started the tournament in the group stage, where they faced off against some of the best teams in the world. They had a mixed performance, winning some matches and losing others, but they ultimately managed to qualify for the playoffs.
  • Quarterfinals: In the quarterfinals, Cloud9 faced G2 Esports, a team that had been performing well leading up to the Major. Cloud9 put on a dominant performance, defeating G2 in two straight maps to advance to the semifinals.
  • Semifinals: In the semifinals, Cloud9 faced SK Gaming, one of the favorites to win the tournament. The match was a nail-biter, with both teams trading blows back and forth. Cloud9 ultimately emerged victorious, winning the match in three maps to advance to the grand final.
  • Grand Final: In the grand final, Cloud9 faced FaZe Clan, a super team that had been assembled with the sole purpose of winning the Major. The match was an epic clash between two of the best teams in the world. Cloud9 fought valiantly, but FaZe Clan proved to be a formidable opponent. The series went all the way to the final map, Overpass. Cloud9 found themselves down 15-11, facing match point. In a moment that will forever be etched in CS:GO history, Cloud9 mounted an incredible comeback, winning six straight rounds to force overtime. In overtime, Cloud9 continued their momentum, eventually winning the map and the tournament.

The grand final against FaZe Clan was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams trading blows and the outcome hanging in the balance until the very end. The series went to the fifth and final map, Overpass, where Cloud9 found themselves down 15-11, facing match point. In a moment that will forever be etched in CS:GO history, Cloud9 mounted an incredible comeback, winning six straight rounds to force overtime. The crowd erupted as Cloud9 completed their comeback, and the atmosphere in the arena was electric. In overtime, Cloud9 continued their momentum, eventually winning the map and the tournament, securing their place in CS:GO history.

Where Are They Now?

So, what happened to the Cloud9 CS:GO Major win team after their historic victory? As is often the case in the ever-evolving world of esports, the roster eventually disbanded, with each player pursuing their own individual paths. Here's a brief update on where each member of the team is now:

  • Stewie2K: After leaving Cloud9, Stewie2K joined MIBR, a Brazilian team, in 2018. He later returned to North America to play for Team Liquid in 2019, where he achieved further success, including winning the Intel Grand Slam Season 2. In 2022, he joined Evil Geniuses, but his tenure there was short-lived. As of now, Stewie2K's future in competitive CS:GO is uncertain, but he remains a popular figure in the community.
  • tarik: After leaving Cloud9, tarik joined MIBR alongside Stewie2K. He later returned to North America to play for NRG Esports and Evil Geniuses. In 2022, he transitioned to Valorant, another popular first-person shooter, where he currently competes professionally.
  • RUSH: After leaving Cloud9, RUSH joined Complexity Gaming, where he played for several years. In 2022, he joined Evil Geniuses, reuniting with Stewie2K. However, his time with the team was short-lived, and he is now a free agent.
  • autimatic: After leaving Cloud9, autimatic joined Cloud9, he transitioned to Valorant in 2021, where he quickly established himself as one of the top players in the game. Currently, he plays for T1, a prominent esports organization.
  • Skadoodle: After leaving Cloud9, Skadoodle took a break from competitive CS:GO. He briefly returned to the scene in 2020, playing for a few different teams, but he ultimately decided to retire from professional play. He now streams on Twitch.

The Legacy

The Cloud9 CS:GO Major win team will forever be remembered as one of the greatest teams in North American Counter-Strike history. Their victory at the ELEAGUE Boston Major was a watershed moment for the region, inspiring a new generation of players and proving that North American teams could compete and win at the highest level. While the roster may no longer be together, their legacy lives on, and their names will forever be etched in the annals of esports history. Their story is a testament to the power of teamwork, determination, and the pursuit of excellence. Guys, their win remains an inspiration to aspiring esports athletes around the world.