Cloud9 had a mixed 2025 season, highlighted by a fourth-place finish at VALORANT VCT Americas Stage 2 but no qualification for international events. The North American organisation, a regular presence in regional playoffs yet still seeking deeper runs, has chosen to retain the core that carried them into the Americas top four while adding two targeted reinforcements, rather than embarking on a full rebuild.

The club has confirmed a five-man lineup of Erick "Xeppaa" Bach, Victor "v1c" Truong, and Francis "OXY" Hoang, all of whom were already part of the roster in 2025, joined by Erik "penny" Penny and Jordan "Zellsis" Montemurro. This lineup made its debut at the SEN Classic 2025 and then at Red Bull Home Ground 2025, where the team advanced from the group stage before being eliminated in the playoff bracket following losses to Fnatic and G2 Esports.

Locking in the project for 2026

At the heart of the project, Xeppaa remains the main point of continuity. A Cloud9 player for several years, he continues to serve as an anchor while bringing his experience at the highest level of North American competition. OXY, also retained, provides the more explosive dimension of the roster on Duelist roles, with a clutch factor rarely seen in VCT, while v1c, who joined in 2024, stabilises the back line in Controller positions, drawing on experience across multiple NA organisations and a full campaign on the VCT circuit.

Around this trio, Cloud9 has invested in two additions already familiar with tier-one play. Zellsis returns to the organisation after his stint with Sentinels and now assumes a central role in guiding the team as in-game leader. penny, meanwhile, joins after several experiences in both the Americas and EMEA, most notably with Version1, G2 Esports, and more recently as a stand-in for Team Liquid and APEKS.

A blend of experience, emerging talent and stability

The construction of this lineup forms part of a broader strategy in which the combined experience of Xeppaa and Zellsis is paired with the raw talent of OXY. The test of the five during the offseason tournaments gave the coaching staff an initial sample of their synergy in official conditions.

Allowing the team to begin building chemistry in real match environments. On the coaching side, Cloud9 are also betting on continuity, with Ian "Immi" Harding remaining in place as head coach and overseeing this new iteration of the roster for another competitive cycle.

With a five-man squad now locked in, a stable staff, and a solid foundation of results from 2025, Cloud9 approach VCT Americas 2026 with a clear objective: turn this controlled reshuffle into measurable progress and re-establish themselves as long-term contenders in the race for international spots.

Cloud9 Roster for 2026:

For more roster changes, check out our Transfers Hub and Offseason Live Tracker.