Cloud9 Blue enters the Last Chance Qualifier stage with fresh blood, adding former Version1 player Anthony “vanity” Malaspina to the roster.
The roster speculations for Cloud9 Blue and vanity have been in the air for quite some time. Firstly, Upcomer’s George Geddes reported on the possibility of the move via sources back on August 9. The news became official after Version1’s statement on Twitter.
“vanity led the #V1VAL team to some epic moments and we at Version1 appreciate him for his hard work. We wish him the best with Cloud9.”
Version1 Twitter statement
New look to Cloud9 Blue with Vanity
Things have not been going well for Cloud9’s Valorant roster. The team weren’t able to qualify for any masters within Valorant Champions Tour 2021, and they have one last chance to compete in the end of the year tournament, Champions. Lastly, Cloud9 Blue couldn’t manage to stay alive throughout Stage 3 Challengers. They bid an early farewell to both Challengers, being defeated by Rise and Luminosity Gaming.
That being said, the North American powerhouse wants to use their last shot cleverly. The latest addition of Vanity completes the underdog roster of Cloud9 Blue, with the 22-year old player taking over the in-game leader position for the team to try and bring new strategies to the table.
According to other rumors, Cloud9 Blue will separate ways with one of their players, decreasing the number and making the six-man roster.
Vanity’s journey with Version1
Version1 was the first big home of Vanity after his transition to Valorant from CS:GO. Despite transferring later than the others, Anthony adapted to the game and the scene rather quickly. After getting eliminated from Stage 1 Challengers qualifiers, Version1 returned strong for Stage 2 under Vanity’s leadership. They managed to earn a spot in Masters Reykjavik through the VCT 2021 Stage 2 qualifiers, winning against Andbox, NRG, Envy, and Cloud9 Blue.
Stage 3 didn’t go as expected for Version1 as following the Open qualifier, the team were pushed out from Challengers 1 by Pioneers. Challengers 2, on the other hand, had the same story but different name; this time around, it was Gen.G that knocked them out and ended Vanity’s Masters Berlin run.
Cloud9 Blue will compete in Nerd Street Gamers: Summer Championship for the first time with their new in-game leader vanity between August 18 to 22.
