by Cloud9 withdrew from the Counter-Strike: Global Offensive space in March 2021 and after a year hiatus, the North American esports organization returns to CS:GO. C9 acquired one of the best CS:GO teams in the world, “Gambit.”
The Russian-based CS:GO team, Gambit, has been acquired by the California-based organization, Cloud9. C9 will be heading to Belgium for the PGL Major Antwerp, scheduled to hold in May, as the Gambit team (designated as the Players) had just qualified for the Counter-Strike tournament.
Looks like a lot of you miss this game…
Let’s see what all the fuss is about. pic.twitter.com/sR8ktCALC6
— Cloud9 (@Cloud9) April 24, 2022
Due to Gambit’s sanction as a Russian-owned organization, relating to the Ukraine invasion by Russia, the team was forced to compete with the name – Players. The Players, which include Vladislav “nafany” Gorshkov, Sergey “Ax1Le” Rykhtorov, Dmitriy “sh1ro” Sokolov, Abai “HObbit” Hasenov, and Timofey “interz” Yakushin, will represent Cloud9 at the PGL Major Antwerp following the acquisition of the team by C9.
Neither party disclosed the cost of the acquisition but Cloud9 took to its Twitter page to unveil the new CS:GO team. The acquisition was handled by the Norwegian-based agency, Ulti, the official representatives of the Players.
We finally signed CS:GO Players. pic.twitter.com/MawBtLf3fX
— Cloud9 (@Cloud9) April 24, 2022
In a mail to Sports Business Journal, the CEO and founder of Cloud9, Jack Etienne discussed Ulti’s role in the negotiation and final acquisition of the Gambit’s CS:GO roster. He also shared his excitement, about being given the opportunity to acquire one of the most promising teams in Counter-Strike.
“The Ulti Agency acquired the rights of these players and brought us this exciting opportunity. They were pivotal in negotiating agreements with the players that everyone was happy with.”
“This is an exciting time for Counter-Strike, with LAN events returning we’re seeing incredible interest amongst fans. I would definitely say the resurgence is well underway.”
Cloud9 released an official statement relating to the acquisition and their return to Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. The organization stated its commitment to helping the team in relocating and settling in America. They also sang the praise of the roster and express their excitement to have them on board.
“This week, we are returning to the scene with an iconic lineup. This collection of players have shown incredible promise and talent, and we are thrilled that we can continue to support their passions and careers. Cloud9 will help the team relocate and get settled, as well as providing the type of high-level support that comes with joining an established and winning organization.”
With the signing of the Players also comes the head coach of Gambit, Konstantin “groove” Pikiner, and other key staff such as manager Aleksandr “Sweetypotz” Scherbakov and in-house analyst Ivan “F_1N” Kochugov. According to Half-Life Television’s ranking the Gambit CS:GO team is the third-best in the world, which says a lot about the arsenal C9 has acquired coming into the PGL Major Antwerp.
