According to sources with knowledge of the negotiations, BLIX understands that Cloud9 have reached an agreement with former G2 player Maxim “wippie” Shepelev to place in the 2024 VCT Americas League.
The Russian player is set join Cloud9 alongside Anthony “vanity” Malaspina and the new addition of Francis “OXY” Hoang, whom BLIX previously reported had also reached agreements to join the team.
This move sees vanity return to Cloud9 playing with the team from August 2021 to March 2023. This incoming trio will be joined by Erick “Xeppaa” Bach and Jake “jakee” Anderson whom Cloud9 elected to retain during the off-season shuffle.
wippie is a former Counter-Strike: Global Offensive player, having transitioned into Valorant in 2021 after signing with Ghost Gaming. In addition to playing for Ghost Gaming, wippie has also had stints with Version1 and G2 Esports, but has yet to debut in VCT, something he will likely do with Cloud9.
The changes will come after Cloud9 finished fourth in VCT 2023: Americas League and failed to qualify for the World Championship following losses against Leviatán in the VCT 2023: Americas Last Chance Qualifier.
With all these changes considered, Cloud9 is set to consist of:
- Erick “Xeppaa” Bach
- Jake “jakee” Anderson
- Anthony “vanity” Malaspina
- Francis “OXY” Hoang
- Maxim “wippie” Shepelev
With these additions, it is worth nothing Cloud9 are still on the lookout for a new coach after parting ways with Matthew “mCe” Elmore on September 10th. Be sure to follow BLIX’s Valorant hub as we bring the latest roster report from the off-season.
