Cloud9 are back on their LCS champions’ throne

Cloud9 captured the LCS 2021 Mid-Season Showdown championship, earning North America’s sole qualification spot for the prestigious Mid-Season Invitational 2021. The grand finals showcased Croatian esports legend Luka “PerkZ” Perković leading his new squad to a hard-fought victory over longstanding rivals Team Liquid.

Despite dropping the initial match while competing from the disadvantaged red side, Team Liquid’s early success proved short-lived. Cloud9 demonstrated exceptional adaptability, securing three consecutive victories to claim the title. In the championship-deciding fourth game, playing from the red side themselves, Cloud9 displayed masterful coordination as PerkZ and veteran marksman Zven delivered clutch performances that overwhelmed their opponents.

Following their disappointing failure to qualify for World Championship 2020, Cloud9 executed a calculated roster overhaul that proved immediately successful. The organization secured the services of PerkZ, widely regarded as Western League of Legends’ most accomplished player, alongside promising Australian top laner Ibrahim “Fudge” Allami. These strategic acquisitions transformed team dynamics, restoring Cloud9’s position atop the LCS hierarchy while simultaneously earning their inaugural Mid-Season Invitational appearance.

The roster transformation demonstrates the critical importance of veteran leadership in high-pressure competitive environments. PerkZ brought not just mechanical skill but championship experience from his tenure with G2 Esports, providing the strategic depth Cloud9 previously lacked. This approach mirrors successful team-building strategies seen in other competitive titles, where experienced players often elevate entire organizations—similar to how proper class selection in our BF6 Class Selection Guide can determine match outcomes.

Cloud9’s qualification for the Mid-Season Invitational represents a landmark achievement for the organization. As North America’s representative at the international tournament, they’ll face elite teams from Korea, China, and Europe, testing their revamped roster against global competition. This debut appearance at MSI culminates years of organizational development and signals Cloud9’s return to international relevance.

The team’s rapid turnaround—from failing to qualify for Worlds to winning the LCS spring split—highlights how strategic roster moves can produce immediate competitive dividends. This parallels optimization principles in gaming generally, where focused improvements yield significant results, much like the strategic approaches detailed in our Battlefield 6 Complete Guide, which helps players maximize their effectiveness through systematic learning.

For teams and players aiming to replicate Cloud9’s success, studying their methodical approach to roster construction provides valuable lessons. Understanding when to make strategic changes, how to integrate new talent, and developing team chemistry are essential components of competitive success across all gaming domains.

No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » Cloud9 are back on their LCS champions’ throne How Cloud9's strategic roster rebuild secured their LCS championship and first MSI qualification