Popular esports organisation Cloud9 exits competitive Counter-Strike scene

North American Esports organisation and one of the most popular esports teams, Cloud9 has decided to exit competitive Counter-Strike. Competing against the current top teams has been rough in CS2 tournaments and the org was already struggling to make progress in the scene for the last few years, so the decision doesn’t come as a huge surprise.

“C9 is taking a step back from Counter-Strike 2.  While we have no immediate plans to re-enter, we love CS and are always on the lookout for opportunities,” the organisation wrote, parting ways with the members. Although this isn’t the end, there is no timeline for a return either.

For those having a hard time remembering, C9 was home to some popular players like Shroud, Tarik, Nothing, Automatic, Stewie2k, and more. But despite all the efforts in recent years, including acquiring a CIS roster, the team struggled to make it into most major CS2 tournaments.

Thank you @Sweetypotz_C9 & Groove for representing Cloud9.

With their departures, C9 is taking a step back from Counter-Strike 2. While we have no immediate plans to re-enter, we love CS and are always on the lookout for opportunities. pic.twitter.com/gL8kb0pnSO

— Cloud9 CS (@C9CSGO) February 14, 2025

Fans react to Cloud9 moving away from CS2

The news wasn’t unexpected and fans also shared their thoughts on this decision asking the team to start from scratch i.e. on the academy level to scout new talent. This upset from the fans was also understandable considering C9 decided to acquire a CIS team despite being a North American Esports organisation. Here’s what the fans had to say -

CS is the best and most exciting esport. C9 should be in it. You have already had months of "taking a step back". Giving up on CS loses you fans, which weakens the organization. Please rethink that stance.

— C.J.N. (@c0j0n0) February 14, 2025

I wouldn't say deserved but man your talent scoutting team sucks so much I can't remember a time you made a good roster move apart of the hypothetical super team everything was just horrible after that

— Jack 🌓 (@Jackyzzyy) February 14, 2025

Come back to NA for the love of God 🙏

— Collin Moses (@moses_collin) February 14, 2025

Also Read:Donk becomes the youngest Counter Strike Major holder at CS2 Shanghai Major

Is this the end of C9 in Counter-Strike?

As the org mentioned, they are only taking a ‘step back’ from competitive CS2. This means there is still a possibility of return in the future. How far? It's hard to tell as the return could be in the next few months or it could be years before they decide to enter the space once again. Whatever the case may be, the team will need to start from the bottom.