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Cloud9 returns to Dota 2 with new roster

Cloud9 acquires The Imperial. (Red Bull)
Cloud9 acquires The Imperial. (Red Bull)

North American esports organization Cloud9 has announced a new Dota 2 roster, returning to the scene after a nearly year-long absence.

The news was announced on Red Bull, where it was revealed that Cloud9 has acquired Denmark team The Imperial. The line-up is as follows:

  • Marcus “Ace” Hoelgaard (Captain)

  • Jon “BabyKnight” Andersen

  • Christopher “Ryze” Winther

  • Mikki “HeStEJoE-RoTTeN” Morch Junget

  • Danny “NoiA” Morch Junget

“Dota 2 is and will continue be a top esports title for the foreseeable future,” CEO Jack Etienne told Red Bull. “Cloud9 is always looking to participate in the most exciting and relevant esports titles.”

“We are a team that will stick together even when times are tough,” said BabyKnight. “Every team has issues and the easy thing to do is to throw in the towel, look for another team or just quit altogether. Sticking together and learning from your mistakes, not being too hard on one another but instead looking inwards and improving as a player and a human being is what sets apart good teams from the best.”

The Imperial is a European esports organization. They acquired their Dota 2 roster in June 2016 when they signed Danish Bears. The team ended in 4th place at DreamLeague Season 6 and took home first place for WESG 2016 Europe & CIS Finals. However, the team failed to qualify during The Boston Major 2016 Europe Qualifiers, placing 5th-10th.

Cloud9’s previous Dota 2 squad was released in November 2015 following a string of disappointing results. The announcement of a new squad comes just a few days before the roster lock period kicks in. It will be interesting to see how the new line-up performs at the next big Dota 2 event, the Kiev Major 2017, scheduled to take place April 20-23 in Kiev, Ukraine.