The favorites everybody expected: Cloud9 obtains VALORANT partnership with Riot

North American organization Cloud9 has been notified it has secured a partnership with Riot Games for the Americas VALORANT league next year, multiple sources told Dot Esports. 

Considered one of the favorites to be accepted for its long-standing history with Riot in other titles such as League of Legends, C9 is also one of the most well-known in esports. The organization will compete in the Americas league alongside nine other participants, with Riot informing teams throughout the week. 

C9 has competed in VALORANT since the start of 2020 with the acquisition of superstar TenZ. Since then, the organization has continued to rise through the ranks to achieve the highest accolades in the North American region.

Recently, C9 finished fourth in the North American last chance qualifier, where the team had the chance to qualify for Champions. 100 Thieves ultimately defeated C9 in the lower bracket semifinals. 100T would later qualify for Champions following a victory against The Guard in the final.

C9 is known as one of the most popular organizations in esports. They have a decorated history in FPS esports with the organization fielding a Major-winning team in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. C9 will look to replicate its success in Riot’s first-person shooter.