Cloud9 has locked in their five-man VALORANT roster for VCT Americas 2026, blending veteran experience with explosive talent. After a fourth-place finish at Stage 2 but missing international events, C9 opted for targeted upgrades rather than a complete rebuild—and the results are already showing promise.
Table of Contents
Cloud9 VCT Americas 2026 Roster
| Player | IGN | Role | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Erick Bach | Xeppaa | Flex | Retained |
| Victor Truong | v1c | Controller | Retained |
| Francis Hoang | OXY | Duelist | Retained |
| Erik Penny | penny | Flex | New Addition |
| Jordan Montemurro | Zellsis | IGL | New Addition |
| Ian Harding | Immi | Head Coach | Retained |
Strategic Roster Construction
Cloud9’s approach centers on stability while addressing key weaknesses. Xeppaa remains the anchor, bringing years of C9 experience and high-level NA competition knowledge. OXY continues to provide explosive Duelist plays with clutch potential that’s rare in VCT, while v1c stabilizes the backline on Controller roles after joining in 2024.
The two additions bring championship pedigree. Zellsis returns to Cloud9 after his successful stint with Sentinels, now assuming the crucial in-game leader role. His leadership experience and team chemistry will be vital for C9’s strategic execution. Meanwhile, penny joins with diverse international experience from Version1, G2 Esports, and recent stints with Team Liquid and APEKS across Americas and EMEA regions.
Offseason Performance Testing
The roster debuted at the SEN Classic 2025 before competing at Red Bull Home Ground 2025, where they advanced from groups but fell in playoffs to Fnatic and G2 Esports. These early tournaments provided crucial chemistry-building opportunities and allowed head coach Immi to evaluate the lineup’s synergy in competitive conditions.
The coaching staff maintained continuity with Ian “Immi” Harding returning as head coach, overseeing this iteration through another competitive cycle. This stability extends from the practice environment to strategic planning, giving Cloud9’s VALORANT division a foundation for sustained growth.
Championship Ambitions for 2026
Cloud9 approaches VCT Americas 2026 with clear objectives: transform this controlled reshuffle into measurable progress and secure international qualification spots. The combination of Xeppaa’s consistency, OXY’s raw talent, and Zellsis’s leadership creates a balanced roster capable of competing with Americas powerhouses.
With regional playoffs experience already under their belt, C9 aims to break through to the VCT international stage. The offseason performances suggest this roster has the potential to challenge top teams, turning near-misses into deep tournament runs that reflect their championship aspirations for the upcoming season.
For complete roster changes across all regions, visit TechnoSports.
FAQs
Who is the in-game leader for Cloud9 VALORANT in 2026?
Jordan “Zellsis” Montemurro returns to Cloud9 as the team’s in-game leader.
Did Cloud9 make major roster changes for VCT Americas 2026?
C9 retained three core players (Xeppaa, v1c, OXY) and added penny and Zellsis.
