Cloud 9 buy EG’s BLAST slot
A statement from BLAST on social media has confirmed that Cloud9 has taken over the BLAST Premier slot that was previously occupied by Evil Geniuses. As a result of this acquisition, which was made through a competitive bidding process, Cloud9 will be able to start competing in the BLAST Premier Spring Groups in January 2024. Continue reading this article for the best information on esports predictions!
Chad “SPUNJ” Burchill, a Counter-Strike 2 caster and figure, claims that Evil Geniuses sold Cloud9 its place as a partnered BLAST team for about $900,000. SPUNJ made the claim and stated that he had been informed of the sale figure by several “reputable” sources. The BLAST partner spot that C9 now owns is only valid for the upcoming year. Valve has set a deadline of January 1, 2025, for the discontinuation of partner league systems in CS2.

Tournaments will have to choose between inviting teams according to Valve’s Regional Standings, an order of ranking of their own devised late last year, or allocating places based on open qualifiers starting in 2025. The acquisition is a blessing for Cloud9 because their current Russian lineup already had to endure difficult qualification processes for the main events of BLAST and ESL, the two largest Counter-Strike tournament operators. As of right now, the organization is not a part of the Louvre Agreement, a partnership between ESL and its partners.
Cloud9 has a long history in the competitive gaming scene, fielding teams from 2014 to 2018 in North America. Apart from taking home multiple prestigious titles, such as the ESL Pro League Season 4 – Finals, DreamHack Open Denver 2017, and iBUYPOWER Masters 2017, Cloud9 also won the inaugural and only CSGO major in the region, ELEAGUE Major Boston 2018. But following a string of underwhelming performances, C9 left the game in 2021 and quickly came back in 2022 with the addition of Gambit Esports’ CSGO roster. With their new European squad, Cloud9 won the 2023 IEM Dallas, Brazy Party, and a BetBoom tournament, demonstrating great promise.
Excited to become a #BLASTPremier Member Team for the 2024 season 💙 https://t.co/V5XM0sD4G0
— Cloud9 CS (@C9CSGO) December 17, 2023
In December, the sale of the slot to C9 became official, advancing the date of EG’s allegedly impending exit from CS2. According to a statement from the company, Evil Geniuses CEO Chris DeAppolonio, they “look forward to supporting NA (CS2) talent within the league from afar.” Two starting roster players, Paytyn “junior” Johnson and Jeorge “Jeorge” Endicott, were let go by EG just recently.
The North American team reportedly attempted to sell their VALORANT squad, which won the VCT Champions 2023, and abandoned the League of Legends Championship Series. They also dissolved their Dota 2 team. Additionally, according to Richard Lewis, Evil Geniuses may sell the entire Evil Geniuses brand or soon close its Counter-Strike division. Fans might be in for a disappointment after they hear this news.
This is a big win for C9 even though 2024 might be the last year of partner leagues because they are able to participate in both the Spring and Fall groups, which will make it easier for them to gain ranking points and better invitations to the BLAST Finals.
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