Cloud9 Considers Valorant Lineup Changes, yay’s Future Uncertain

By Carlton Murphy On Feb 24, 2023

Jaccob “yay” Whiteaker may not be a part of the Cloud9 Valorant team in the future, as it has been reported by a number of different sources that the organization is considering making changes to the lineup for their Valorant team.

It has been rumored that Max Katz has spread the information that yes will not be a part of Cloud9’s starting lineup going forward or in the near future. According to a separate report by Dot Esports, Cloud9 is reportedly having conversations with all of its players over the potential for the organization to make lineup changes for their Valorant team. According to a different portion of the narrative, choices have not been made as of yet.

There is uncertainty regarding yay’s future with Cloud9

C9’s core team of Nathan ‘leaf’ Orf, Erick ‘Xeppaa’ Bach, and Anthony ‘vanity’ was expanded with the addition of yay, Jordan ‘Zellsis’ Montemurro, and coach Matthew’mCe’ Elmore when the organization was invited to participate in the VCT international league in the Americas by Riot Games.

I don't usually tweet/report about talks that are ongoing, but Cloud9 is internally discussing changes.

I was told yay is still on the roster, they are still talking about options prior to the start of the Americas region.

I don't report on rumors. pic.twitter.com/irZ5PfXSef
— George Geddes (@GeorgeCGed) February 23, 2023

Additionally, the North American squad acquired Mateja ‘part’ Mijovi early in February, and they brought on Hasan ‘BlackHeart’ Hammad. The VCT mid-season transfer window will open on March 6 and finish on March 25, providing teams some time to make changes before the beginning of the foreign leagues.

The offseason is gone, but the VCT mid-season transfer window will begin on March 6. Because it already has seven players contracted to its roster, Cloud9 might be a team that uses the window to swap players or shuffle the lineup. The club has yet to live up to the expectations set for them after they signed, yeah, the most talented Valorant player of 2022. Cloud9 finished second in the Red Bull Home Ground tournament in December. They then overcame Paper Rex in their first VCT LOCK/IN tournament match before being eliminated by DRX in the second round.

Because the VCT Americas league kicks off on March 26, Cloud9 will be able to compete again after the mid-season transfer window has closed. The group still needs to make announcements on alterations to its roster.