Cloud9 Lock in Five-Man Roster for VCT Americas 2026
Cloud9 has officially announced their five-man roster for the upcoming VCT Americas 2026 season, aiming to build upon a mixed 2025 campaign. The North American organization finished fourth in the VALORANT VCT Americas Stage 2 but failed to qualify for international events. Instead of a complete overhaul, Cloud9 has opted to retain a core group of players who helped them reach regional playoffs while adding two key reinforcements to strengthen the lineup.
The confirmed roster includes Erick “Xeppaa” Bach, Victor “v1c” Truong, and Francis “OXY” Hoang, all of whom were integral to the 2025 squad. They are joined by Erik “penny” Penny and Jordan “Zellsis” Montemurro, who will take on the in-game leader role. This lineup made its debut at the SEN Classic 2025 and went on to compete at Red Bull Home Ground 2025, where they advanced from the group stage but were ultimately ousted in the playoffs by Fnatic and G2 Esports.
Central to Cloud9’s strategy is Xeppaa, who remains a linchpin of the roster. Having been with the organization for several years, he contributes both experience and a steadying influence in high-stakes matches. OXY adds an explosive element to the team, particularly in Duelist roles, while v1c, who joined in 2024, fortifies the team’s back line as a Controller, drawing on his extensive background in the North American VALORANT scene.
The addition of Zellsis and penny signifies a targeted approach to recruitment. Zellsis returns to Cloud9 after a tenure with Sentinels, where he will now take on a pivotal role in leading the team. Penny, on the other hand, comes with valuable experience from various organizations, including Version1 and G2 Esports, and recently served as a stand-in for Team Liquid and APEKS. This blend of experience and emerging talent is designed to enhance the team’s competitiveness in the upcoming season.
The formation of this roster is part of a broader strategy that aims to marry the combined experience of Xeppaa and Zellsis with the raw talent of OXY. Their performances during the offseason tournaments provided the coaching staff with critical insights into their chemistry under match conditions. On the coaching side, Ian “Immi” Harding will continue as head coach, steering this new iteration of the team through the next competitive cycle.
With a solid foundation of results from 2025, a streamlined roster, and experienced coaching staff, Cloud9 is poised to enter the VCT Americas 2026 season with ambitions of turning this controlled roster reshuffle into measurable success. The organization is focused on re-establishing itself as a formidable contender for international spots, a goal that will require not only individual skill but also cohesive teamwork as they face off against some of the best teams in the region.
Cloud9 Roster for 2026:
- Erick “Xeppaa” Bach
- Victor “v1c” Truong
- Francis “OXY” Hoang
- Erik “penny” Penny
- Jordan “Zellsis” Montemurro (IGL)
- Ian “Immi” Harding (Head Coach)
Header Credit Photo: Cloud9/VALORANT
As they prepare for their 2026 campaign, Cloud9’s ability to synthesize experience with emerging talent will be essential. Given their roster stability and prior performance, expectations are high for their upcoming matches as they strive for greater achievements in the VALORANT competitive landscape.
