Cloud9 Parts Ways with Rossy Weeks Before 2025 VCT Kickoff
Cloud9 has made a surprising roster change ahead of the 2025 VCT season, parting ways with their newly signed in-game leader, Daniel "Rossy" Abedrabbo. The announcement was made via Cloud9's official X account, catching fans and analysts off guard. Rossy, who was recruited from T1 after the 2024 VCT season, was expected to spearhead Cloud9’s resurgence following a lackluster year.
Cloud9 cited chemistry issues as the primary reason for Rossy’s departure. According to their official statement:
“After months of practice including our bootcamp in Korea, the players and coaches informed Cloud9 management that they felt the team chemistry wasn't working and his style of in-game leading did not mesh with how the team wanted to play. This decision was made unanimously by our players and coaches on the team.”
Despite these internal struggles, Rossy led the team to a strong second-place finish at Red Bull Home Ground #5, narrowly losing to his former team, T1. This performance gave fans hope for a promising 2025 season, making the timing of his removal even more puzzling.
Timing Raises Questions About Cloud9’s Management
Rossy revealed on Discord that he was informed of his release mere hours before Cloud9 announced the decision publicly, a move that has drawn criticism from everyone. The abrupt timing, just weeks before the VCT Americas Kickoff in mid-January, raises concerns about Cloud9’s management and decision-making processes.
While Rossy handled the situation with grace, stating:
“There is a lot of misinformation and bending of the truth... The only thing that is 100 percent true is that I am gone and Mitch is in... I will always wish nothing but the best for everyone at C9.”
His departure has also reignited conversations about Cloud9's tendency for sudden roster changes, a recurring theme in their Valorant history.
Mitch Returns: A Familiar Face Takes the Helm
To replace Rossy, Cloud9 has brought back Mitch "mitch" Semago, a former member of their original Valorant roster. Mitch, who played with Cloud9 from 2020 to 2022, has spent the past two seasons with Oxygen Esports. This return reunites him with the team he helped establish in the early days of Valorant esports.
Mitch has already had recent experience with the current Cloud9 roster, having stood in during the Red Bull Home Ground #5 North America Play-in. Cloud9’s statement highlighted that his leadership style and team chemistry align with the org's long-term performance.
What’s Next for Cloud9?
While the roster shake-up has sparked controversy, Cloud9 remains optimistic about the upcoming season with Mitch at the helm. Fans, however, are divided. Many are questioning the decision to part ways with Rossy after a promising offseason performance, while others are eager to see if Mitch can bring stability and success to a roster that has struggled with consistency.
The clock is ticking for Cloud9 as they prepare for the VCT Americas Kickoff. Only time will tell if this latest gamble will pay off.
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Featured Image Credit: Cloud9
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