Cloud9 is widely regarded as one of the most successful esports organisations in the world. Founded in 2013 in California by Jack and Paullie Etienne, Cloud9 began its journey in competitive gaming with a League of Legends team and rapidly grew into a multi-title powerhouse. With a reputation for winning international tournaments, nurturing player health, and embracing innovation, Cloud9 has carved out a serious place in global esports. Though based in the United States, the organisation has a strong global fanbase, including here in Australia, where many follow their teams in top games like CS2, Valorant, and League of Legends.
Cloud9 rose to prominence in the early 2010s with standout performances in North America’s League of Legends Championship Series (LCS). Their early success wasn’t a fluke — they soon began expanding into other titles and earning silverware across the board. From winning North America's first ever CS:GO Major in 2018 to consistent showings at international LoL tournaments, Cloud9 has shown resilience, adaptability, and top-tier talent across every roster.
Cloud9 currently fields active teams in:
Each of these teams competes at a high level, often making appearances in regional and international finals. Their League of Legends squad is particularly well known for its dominance in North America, while the organisation’s Counter-Strike roster made headlines with historic tournament wins.
In 2025, Cloud9 continues to prove that it’s not just about competition — it’s also about long-term sustainability and innovation. They recently announced a partnership with Mueller Sports Medicine, focused on athlete recovery and esports-specific physical wellness. This move is part of a broader strategy to support the mental and physical health of professional players, ensuring longer careers and higher performance under pressure.
Cloud9 has also entered the Web3 and AI space by launching Nimbus, an AI-powered fan engagement platform developed with Theta Network. This tool enables deeper interaction between players, fans, and the brand, helping Cloud9 build stronger community engagement in an increasingly digital esports world. Additionally, they’ve invested in developing talent through their partnership with Conviction, joining forces in the North American Challengers League (NACL). It’s a strategic step to scout and shape the next generation of elite-level players.
What separates Cloud9 from the pack is their ability to blend competitive results with forward-thinking operations. They're not only winning tournaments — they're also building long-term structures that prioritise player health, brand development, and fan interaction. For fans in Australia and abroad, Cloud9 represents professionalism, cutting-edge technology, and sporting excellence — all rolled into one globally respected brand. They were one of the first esports organisations to treat their athletes like traditional sports professionals, with access to performance coaches, analysts, and wellness experts.
Cloud9 is more than just an esports team — it's a complete organisation built on structure, vision, and a passion for excellence. With successful teams across multiple games, a focus on health and sustainability, and a bold approach to technology and fan experience, Cloud9 is helping to shape the future of competitive gaming. As esports continues to grow in Australia and across the globe, Cloud9 remains a name worth watching — both for their results and the way they’re redefining what it means to be a modern-day esports organisation.