Cloud9’s Dota 2 Rise and Fall: The Road to Success

When Cloud9, multiple champions in various disciplines, decided to create a Dota 2 team in 2015, many fans were full of hope. This move was not only a new chapter in the history of the organization, but also the beginning of an exciting journey full of ups and downs. The team, consisting of talented players, was looking to win the hearts of fans and showcase their skills at the biggest tournaments in the world.

Cloud9’s first major success came in 2015 at the ESL One Frankfurt tournament. The team, which was only a few months old at the time, surprised the audience by beating such giants as Evil Geniuses and Team Secret. Their aggressive playstyle and excellent team synergy attracted attention, and many began to talk about them as potential title contenders. However, despite the successful start, the following months brought many difficulties.

The difficulties began with the fact that the team was unable to maintain its form. At The International 2015, Cloud9 failed to advance from the group stage, which was a huge disappointment for both players and fans. This led to rumors of possible roster changes, but the management decided to give the team another chance. In 2016, Cloud9 continued to fight for titles, but failures at major tournaments increasingly made us think that something was wrong.

The transition to 2017 was a turning point. Cloud9 signed new players, including some well-known faces in the community. The roster was updated, and with it came new hopes. During this period, the team began to show more consistent results, but the competition with other clubs became even more fierce. They once again fought for a spot at The International, but, unfortunately, could not get it, which again caused a wave of criticism.

Each failure left its mark, and despite all efforts, the team could not find its gaming identity. Their playstyle was often unpredictable, which both pleased and frustrated fans. The team continued to change, and in 2018, Cloud9 signed a roster that had already proven itself in other tournaments. However, even with new players, luck was not always on the team’s side.

In 2019, Cloud9 faced a crisis. Players who were once stars began to show inconsistent play, and the atmosphere within the team began to deteriorate. At this time, the team decided to make drastic changes. A complete roster rebuild was carried out, and a new roster entered the scene. The roster was again fresh and full of energy, but expectations were high. Cloud9 began to rise to the top again, but old problems seemed to not leave the team.

Each new tournament became both a test and an opportunity for the team. In some tournaments, they managed to reach high places, but in others, they failed again. In 2020, despite the difficulties, Cloud9 was one of the first clubs to adapt to the new conditions associated with the pandemic. They actively participated in online tournaments, which allowed them to stay in shape and develop new players.

However, in 2021, Cloud9 faced problems again. Despite all their efforts, the team failed to qualify for The International, and this was a heavy blow to the organization. Fans began to wonder about the future of the team. In response, Cloud9 management decided to make another roster change. This time, they relied on young and talented players who promised a fresh outlook on the game and new ideas.

2022 was a year of growth and recovery for Cloud9. The new team quickly adapted and began to show impressive results in various tournaments. Their playstyle became more coordinated, and the interaction between the players became more harmonious. Cloud9 once again attracted public attention and began to win titles.

In 2023, the team reached new heights, demonstrating that every failure in the past was just a stepping stone to success. They managed to return to the stage of The International and show excellent play. Despite all the trials and tribulations, the team was able to demonstrate the spirit of perseverance and desire to win.

The history of Cloud9 in Dota 2 is not just a story of victories and defeats, it is a story of resilience, determination and constant striving for excellence. The team has gone through many changes, but their loyalty to their ideals and desire to succeed helped them return to the top. Each new challenge became an opportunity for them, and each fall – a lesson. And although the future remains uncertain, one thing is for sure: Cloud9 will always be a part of the great history of Dota 2.